It’s A Wheelchair! It’s A Trike? It’s RoTrike!
Ziggi | Apr 20, 2010 | Comments 5
Here’s a new and innovative manual wheelchair, trike, no that’s not it. How about a hybrid named RoTrike.
Quite different from the conventional wheelchair or handcycle, RoTrike is a true hybrid with some exciting features such as a powertrain that converts a push-pull motion to forward propulsion of the wheelchair while saving energy, going easy on the old shoulders, and handling street and difficult terrain for starters. RoTrike is not a prototype wheelchair or handcycle. It’s in production and being sold.
RoTrike’s manufacturer Rota Mobility states some very interesting features that include:
The ROTA powertrain converts reciprocal linear motion into unidirectional rotary output. With one push-pull of the adjustable length lever arm RoTrike?s rear wheels rotate up to 2 revolutions dependent upon the selected gear.
The RoTrike gives riders the option of 8 gearing ratios that can be shifted at a low velocity or input force. But we didn’t stop there. Depending on how much input force you need, you can extend the 24-inch telescoping lever arm. Hills – no problem.
RoTrike provides a less strenuous means of propulsion than a traditional push-rim wheelchair, and offers significant mechanical advantage. This enables riders to enjoy traveling quickly and easily over considerable distances of variable terrain, camber and grade.
With a small footprint and fully articulated steering mechanism, RoTrike provides the maneuverability essential for you to navigate through your home, office, classroom, public transport, shopping centers, and restrooms.
There’s more. Find out all about it at: http://rotamobility.com/
Filed Under: General • Manual Wheelchairs • New On The Scene • Techguide Newsticker
About time this was revived, I say revived because there were simalar what were called ‘invalid carriges’ in the 40′s, not that i’m that old you understand but I did have a go on one that my friends father had in a museum.
One thing I would be interested to know is if they intend to make one that can have the front wheel dismounted to leave a standard wheelchair for everyday use to prevent taking two chairs when you visit restaurants, work etc, now that would be very neat indeed.
Thanks for sharing
RoTrike looks really compact.
Push and pull propulsion with the ability to coast sounds pretty awesome.
Albeize, check out the link to their RoChair
http://www.rotamobility.com/rochair
[...] It’s A Wheelchair! It’s A Trike? It’s RoTrike! Ziggi Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:23:39 GMT [...]
I have tried this unit and especially appreciate the positive “bicycle” steering of the front wheel that keeps you going straight in spite of side slope or uneven surfaces. The propulsion/steering lever retracts to allow the compact front wheel to fit under tables or desks. The driving and steering mechanisms can be disengaged to allow easy handrim maneuverability in tight spaces, the front wheel acting as a caster. The machine has a geared drive hub and really will go up a steep ramp with reasonable effort. It is more compact than it appears in the pictures, and will be premiered at the Chicago Abilities Expo July 9-11. I look forward to receiving my own Rotrike! – Pat
RE: http://www.rotamobility.com/rochair thanks for that, it will be interesting to see how this one develops.