The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab designed a concept for the first manual standing wheelchair. This device uses a hand drive mechanism to manually convert from a seated position to standing one in a few easy motions. The majority of wheelchair users in the US choose to use manual wheelchairs over powered ones and this manual wheelchair is compact and easy to use.
The significance of this device can be found in its psychological benefits. The user is able to bring themselves into a standing position to have a conversation, cook their own food or reach to places that were previously inaccessible. The feeling of independence and empowerment this can bring to those who have been quite literally looked down upon by society cannot be overstated. Other convertible chairs don't allow the user to move once standing, which is another reason for this device's significance.
This convertible sitting-to-standing wheelchair is nearly market-ready and will bridge a gap in mobility for many people.
Convertible Standing Wheelchairs
This Concept Wheelchair Gives Users a Greater Range of Mobility
Trend Themes
1. Manual Standing Wheelchairs - Opportunity for developing manual standing wheelchairs that provide greater mobility and independence for wheelchair users.
2. Psychological Benefits of Mobility - Opportunity to explore the psychological benefits of enabling wheelchair users to stand, increasing their independence and empowerment.
3. Market-ready Convertible Wheelchairs - Opportunity to create and market convertible wheelchairs that bridge the mobility gap for wheelchair users, providing a versatile solution.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - Disruptive innovation opportunities in the medical devices industry to develop advanced and user-friendly standing wheelchairs.
2. Mobility Equipment - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the mobility equipment industry by designing and manufacturing standing wheelchairs that offer a wider range of motion.
3. Assistive Technology - Opportunities for disruptive innovation in the assistive technology industry to create market-ready convertible wheelchairs that enhance the mobility and independence of wheelchair users.