A lack of accessibility in infrastructure combined with the physically taxing nature of wheelchairs can make participation in school activities, and education in general, inaccessible for students with physical disabilities.
Kumaraguru College of Tech Student Branch has teamed up with Chandrans Yuva Foundation to create a battery-powered, drivable wheelchair scooter with an adjustable seat and rolling options to make school more accessible.
This wheelchair comes in the form of a detachable system that has one wheel, making any wheelchair become a smart trike. The trike allows for mobility for wheelchair users while avoiding the pain and tiredness that may come with operating a wheelchair normally. The scooter is battery-operated, with a braking system and lights for visibility. For added safety, the system has an emergency call button.
The expected lifespan of this device is about 6 years. The product will come with a user manual, and awareness and training sessions will be provided prior to use.
This project was given a grant of $1,000 as part of EPICS at IEEE’s Access and Abilities Competition.