I've been thinking about an associate of mine, who is in a wheelchair. he has trouble carrying a large amount of items (such as shopping or coats, books and stuff for a day out), and I've seen this be an issue for others as well. So I have decided to design and make a product that could solve this problem. Does anyone here have a wheelchair/scooter and have any input, or know someone who does? Cheers
My mother-in-law has a "personal mobility" scooter, but she refuses to use it so it was a total waste of money. She prefers her walker with the seat and basket on it to carry small items.
I live in a Assisted Living Facility where their are many people with various kinds of wheel chairs that have saddle bags or baskets for carrying gear. Many of the folks have folding chairs that are motorized and have many bells and whistles. Go online with a Google search and take a look at wheelchairs.
We have indeed come a long way! When I was a kid, 8th. grade or so, I begged for a Cushman motor scooter: Request denied, of course. My folks: Mother: illegal on the sidewalk. Dad: no drivers license. I pouted awhile, and relented. Now, had it had 3 wheels, like some of the big Harleys, it would have been not too far-removed in concept from @Holly Saunders image in post #5. In our retirement-intensive area around here, these things are seen in droves, daily, in stores, casinos, even on the street. They ARE motorized, just as was the Cushman, the only difference being electric propulsion. They are not registered as vehicles, yet are seen often meandering along the curbs, even on busy streets. Thoughts? Frank
They are fun. We rented an indoor/outdoor one for my father one time. I rode it all over the house many times, and outside in the yard, back and forth, in front of the picture window, and up and down the driveway, trying to get him enthused about it. Didn't work. He got on it once, or twice, and that was it. Didn't like it. We sent it back.
I KNOW!!!! With that and a cane, I could dang sure clear folks off the sidewalk. I would have a great time till the cops came.
How about one of those little side cards like they have on retro motorcycles? Then again, I'm sure there is a weight/size limit or else they would come with an optional back adjoined wagon.
@Bess Barber Several years ago, I saw my first one of these, a three-wheeled Motor-Sickle but built backwards. Instead of the single front wheel steering the thing, the two front wheels accomplish that, just like a car, the rear wheel is fixed and drives the machine. The skeleton, opened up, looks like this: The one I saw was quite plain, but since then they have been "dolled-up" with intricate bodywork rivalling today's automobiles. Here's a few others: No idea regarding mechanical operation, other than the front wheels are suspended and sprung similarly to automotive design, a steering wheel is used instead of "handle-bar" steering, and they seat two persons. Appear to be very stable, real difficult to tip over. And, expensive, they are! I have never owned, nor even ridden on, a motorcycle. We experienced my wife's brother at age 21 being involved in an accident, a jerk turned left right in front of him, Rick went through the guy's windshield, over 70 stitches to fix his face, screws in the ankle hit by the guy's bumper. That convinced me. No bikes. But today, I fancy I would greatly enjoy one of these "slingshot" bikes! Frank
I see people go by my house on mobility scooters and wheelchairs. I've had friends who had them but they have all past on. I use a walker and a cane. The medical people who do such things as evaluate your fittness and ability to get around and take care of yourselfcame by Friday for an annual fit checkup. They said I needed a mobile scooter. I turned them down. I don't want the hassle. I'm getting to where I want to be left alone. I did buy a bicycle I can't ride. I'll find a kid who wants one and give it to him.
The main problem we had was helping the person get in and out of them. Both a wheelchair and a scooter. Anything that can make the design easier that way would be a big help. I mention this because sometimes only a spouse is around to assist. Of course it depends on the condition of the person. Often the person likes to feel independent and will refuse to use something if it requires a lot of help.