Independent Wheelchair Assistant (IWA)

---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electric power assist unit for a manual wheelchair for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury so they can independently access their local communities safely and easily. The Independent Wheelchair Assistant (IWA) design utilizes the user’s own wheelchair, acting as a true assistant and eliminating the need to constantly transfer between other devices like scooters or power chairs. The user attaches a wheelchair to the rear of the device via a small bracket. The bracket slides into the back of the IWA, lifting the two front castor wheels of the wheelchair off the ground. The bracket locks into place, securing the chair and transferring the weight evenly across the four large wheels of both the IWA and the user's wheelchair. Equally simple controls allow the connection to be made or released with the press of a single button. The IWA has a headlight for night riding. TITLE: Independent Wheelchair Assistant. WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/01/27/independent-wheelchair-assistant.