SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop an innovative power wheelchair and scooter design concept that overcomes the primary shortcomings of current designs - excessive bulk and weight. Current designs suffer from structurally inefficient frame design, heavy drive-trains with excessive rolling resistance, and the bulk and weight of the lead-acid batteries. The commercial application of this project will be a successful introduction of a design approach resulting in a significantly more transportable design that will stimulate further technical innovation in an industry that serves a very important social service

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a lightweight modular wheelchair that can be easily lifted and handled by either the user or a companion. This wheelchair can be loaded into any vehicle, thus dramatically improving the mobility of the user. The research project focuses on designing the frame, drivetrain, motor and battery system to allow more of synergistic effect and lightweight to aid the user in his/her mobility. The commercial and societal benefits from this project will result in not only greater mobility but also drastic increase in the quality of life for the user, improved family mobility