Novel, Accessible zero-emissions vehicle-format for enabling self-care and independence for mobility-limited persons.
Innovate UK
Forzuna-Navigation Ltd
Development of a new micromobility vehicle-format, which introduces Accessibility to the sector. By 'blurring the lines' between what is considered an 'able-bodied' persons choice of fashionable, convenient transport, and what is a powered-wheelchair, the stigma of having to use an 'invalid carriage' is broken down, enabling more people to confidently use assistive-mobility.    A 2018 NHS poll 'Why don't people use their mobility aids?' (studying the high abandonment rates of provided-chairs - costing the NHS an estimated £16M/yr), found the 'image' and weight-inconvenience (lack of independence) were the two top-ranked factors. This new vehicle-format looks nothing like a wheelchair or mobility-scooter, it carries the user at adult eye-level while travelling, but can 'squat down' to create a sturdy seat when parked.    Its hands-free control, unconventional form-factor and (customisable) styling, plus its capability to negotiate difficult terrain (kerbs, gravel, snow, sand etc) - and still be compact-enough to be lifted with one hand (and fit on an escalator-step), makes it far more attractive to a diverse user-group than existing micromobility options.    Industry experts see it as a convenient replacement for e-scooters, because it takes up less space, doesn't fall-over, has shorter stopping-distance, and greater agility. It will be welcome on public-transit, due to it having removable (auto disconnect) battery-cassette, it's like 'bringing your own seat' (passengers don't take up stowage-space and a carriage-seat).    Safety around pedestrians (and indoor use) is a problem for other personal-mobility formats; This vehicle's small footprint aids proprioceptive-judgement, its control-system simulates the natural reflexes of perambulation (weight-transfer while walking), and doesn't engage distractive cognitive resources for operating handlebars, brake-levers or joysticks (or watching for pavement-imperfections). The rider has more 'headspace' consideration for those around them (unlike e-scooters, which need concentration to maintain speed adequate to remain stable).    Its new behaviour-algorithm provides ability to balance while stationary (the rider doesn't have to do the balancing), the dynamic-height chassis enables easy transfer, and safe mount/dismount, unparalleled by any of its competitors.    The new vehicle is less than half the price, and less than 1/3rd the weight of current state-of-the-art. The UK's leading mobility-tech team at ORLAU, support this product as something which will give millions of perambulatory, and fatigue ailed persons, a viable alternative to using the NHS as default choice for solving their mobility problems. This product makes self-care a viable choice, in its functionality, affordability and overcoming the self-worth issues that come with having to use conventional mobility-aids.
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