Whirlwind Roughrider Wheelchair Tackles Tough Terrain
Ziggi | Apr 08, 2008 | Comments 3
Whirlwind Wheelchair International is a not-for-profit organization that develops wheelchairs that can be made and used in developing countries where accessibility, paved roads, and curb cuts may still be a dream for local wheelers.
Their latest development, the Roughrider, was designed to take some of the “rough” out of wheelchair use in these countries.
Check out the video:
While most USA wheelies crave shorter and lighter wheelchairs, a longer wheelbase and even a heavier wheelchair in general are often a very good trade off in places where it can make the difference between being a usable wheelchair or an ornament.
Filed Under: General • Manual Wheelchairs
You gotta love the idea of those wide front wheels. It’s impressive that such a small detail can make such a big difference in the lives of some people.
I am amazed how the new wheelchairs don’t get stuck in ruts and how smoothly it went downstairs!!! Watching the guy get stuck in ruts in the “old” wheelchair was like watching myself all over again!! Bravo to the inventor and manufactur of this puppy!!
I hear that Whirlwind is planning to eventually make a lighter but similar version of this graceful and functional chair for sale in the US. It will have the same long “go anywhere” wheelbase, and the extra-wide casters will be optional. This is expected to happen within two years, and I have been invited to give input during the design of this new high-end Roughrider.