Utilization of consumer electronics for an economically affordable motorized wheelchair

Abstract

[EN] A design (sketch) of a prototype electric scooter adaptable to a wheelchair is proposed. A mechanism that allows adapting an electric power unit to a conventional wheelchair is presented. The aim of this design is to create an economic solution to motorize a wheelchair and support the independent mobility of wheelchair users. This is especially relevant as the number of wheelchair users is increasing. The device consists of a self-balancing scooter, serving as the power unit, which is replacing the main wheels of the wheelchair and a metal link, connecting it to the wheelchair. The steering is controlled with two sticks, which directly exerts pressure on the sensor pad and steering unit of the self-balancing scooter. By using a self-balancing scooter and hardware store materials the costs can be kept low and accessible to many people.