Services
- Product Design
- Industrial Design
- Engineering
- DMFA, Mechanical Engineering
- Prototyping & Manufacturing
- 3D Printing, Painting, Machining
DESIGN CHALLENGE
50% of long-term wheelchair users suffer shoulder injuries, and 60% of users report difficulty performing essential life tasks due to upper extremity pain. Rowheels’ goal was to reduce these numbers and to improve the overall quality of life for wheelchair users through improved biomechanics.
APPROACH
Guided by empathy, Rowheels’ concept centered around the bio-mechanics of ‘Row-Rolling’. A rowing action allows wheelchair users to utilize larger muscle groups compared to the individual muscles taxed while using a traditional push-action.
Solution
Rowheels partnered with i3 to develop a lightweight, efficient mechanical design for the Rev1 wheel that would reduce cadence by 30% compared to traditional wheels.
Long-term, the improved biomechanics, and reduced repetition reduces repetitive stress injuries and improves posture, breathing, and cardiovascular health.
