Mini WheelyWasher
Phase 3
Type of project: Feasibility study
Disability concerned: Motor disability, Multiple disabilities
Topics: Autonomy, Buildings and installations, Participation in cultural life, sports and leisure activities, Public transportation
Status: Completed
The team is already developing the WheelyWasher, an automatic station for cleaning wheelchair wheels quickly and effortlessly, suitable for all wheelchair models. The aim of this study was to check the feasibility of a smaller, portable version for use at home or when travelling.
The WheelyWasher is a station designed for large-scale external use. It is aimed at institutions or hospitals that receive persons with disabilities and use wheelchairs. With this new project, we wanted to develop a smaller, more portable version of the WheelyWasher for private use (home, car, etc.), rather than for hospitals and foundations.
We wanted to reduce its size and make it more affordable so that anyone could use it at home. The aim was to offer a personal station for persons with disabilities or for private individuals taking in wheelchairs.
During the project, there was a lot of brainstorming and discussion about the functions that such a station should have. Which functions are useful and necessary (brushing, cleaning, drying, etc.) and which are less so?
We also spoke to occupational therapists to understand the challenges people face at home.
We decided to finalise the ‘normal’ version of the WheelyWasher first, before embarking on such a project. Although demand is just as great, miniaturisation and efficiency are a challenge at the moment.
