RoChair Offers a Unique Form of Wheelchair Propulsion
By Coxworth, Ben; Gizmag,Publication Date: October 11, 2011
Article features a wheelchair that is propelled by pushing and pulling on a lever in a rowing motion. The RoChair takes the linear back and forth motion of a lever mounted front and center on the chair and converts it into unidirectional rotary output. The chair offers a choice of eight gears; depending on the selected gearing, one push-pull of the lever can translate into as much as two wheel revolutions. The chair is steered by turning the adjustable length lever to the left or fight, while brake levers mounted on the handlebars activate the wheelchair’s dual disc brakes. The push/pull propulsion system is reportedly less likely to cause repetitive strain injuries of the shoulders, wrists, and hands. The chair has also has traditional pushrims for maneuvering at very slow speeds or in tight quarters. The RoChair’s smaller than standard 20 inch wheels allow users to transfer from a chair unto its seat without having to heave themselves over one wheel. The chair also disassembles in seconds for stowage. The manufacturer, ROTA Mobility, also makes a three-wheeled manual scooter, RoTrike. The article includes a video showing the chairs in use.
Published by: Gizmag Pty Ltd (Website:http://www.gizmag.com/)
Link to text: http://www.gizmag.com/rochair-lever-rowed-wheelchair/20128/
Link to video: http://vimeo.com/26455170
