Climbing Wheelchair

[Nanajo1]

I just saw a report that the FDA approved Kamen's wheelchair that can climb stairs, elevate the seat and can go over hilly terrain. It costs $29,000, a little out of my league but it is encouraging that technology is taking such big steps and the gov't is taking notice.

 

[AprilsZoo]

I, too, think the I-Bot is totally cool. I have read though that although it is motorized, it still requires a fair amount of upper body strength and stability to make it work. Many of the features that are so innovative depend on subtle weight shifting in various ways. And to climb real stairs, you must be able to assist by using your arms to hold on to the handrails and use them to pull yourself "up" the stairs backwards.

I doubt that Christopher Reeve, for example, would be able to use this chair effectively. For those with only lower body involvement though, this chair is amazing!!!

It can go over curbs without curb cuts and through rocks, sand, deep puddles, gravel, etc., almost as well as an ATV/ATC. That is so neat.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

When I went to WDW in May 2001, I believe there was a prototype of this kind of wheelchair at Innoventions at Epcot- that little "house" place located in there. What's that called - House of the Future, or something like that? The chair was amazing - I couldn't believe how well it balanced! I have a friend who uses a power chair - It would be great if someday a chair like that can help her out.

<img src="http://home.att.net/~disneysue/hugsmall3.gif">

 

[SueM in MN]

I heard the smae news story. it said they had completed clinical trials with the wheelchair. I'm curious what types of disabilities the people who were in the clinical trials had. I remeber hearing the smae of the abilities of the wheelchair relied on what they called "subtle weight shifts" from the user.
You are right, HugsForEeyore, that wheelchair has been on display in the house at Epcot fro several years. I think it is called "House of Innovention". It's a pretty amazing wheelchair, but I can't see insurance companies being too willing to pay the price.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to a story on MSNBC about the wheelchair. I didn't see the report, but I wish I had known it was going to be on.
I'm not sure if it is actually FDA approved yet. The story I heard said that the FDA was expected to approve it soon (but I might have missed the next part).

 

[Nanajo1]

I think it is exciting. I believe that it won't be long before a way to allow a caretaker to manuever the chair will be developed so stairs and curbs will be less of a problem for all w/c users. In the mean time I'm going to make sure I keep/build my strength so when I win the lottery I'll be ready to buy and use one!