Versive

Manual wheelchair propulsion is inefficient and causes shoulder problems in almost all long-term users. To a large degree, the inefficiency stems from a basic principle in wheelchair design where users are forced to spend up to 1/3 of their energy on active, one-handed braking to control direction when moving forward. This results in energy loss, poses a healthcare hazard, is frustrating and impractical. Our innovative steering-by-leaning system allows wheelchair users to control direction without braking. Instead, users steer through their upper body: leaning to one side to turn to that side, sitting upright to go straight. By removing the need for braking for directional control, our simple mechanism transforms wheelchair propulsion: It's up to 2x as efficient and therefore less straining for the shoulders, allows users to carry objects from one place to another by facilitating easy one-handed propulsion and many testers report a pleasant and fun experience of movement - for instance comparing it to "the dream of flying".