EngineeringRehabilitation MedicineAssistive TechnologyPhysical DisabilitiesPropulsionAssistive DevicesAssistive Mobility DevicesAssistive Technology For MobilityDrive SystemsWheelchair DesignWheelchair MobilityDrive System DesignInterface ControlManual Wheelchair PropulsionManual Wheelchair UseMotor Drive ControlMotor Drive SystemsWheelchair BiomechanicsWheelchair Outdoor Mobility
Most people who operate attendant propelled manual wheelchairs have insufficient strength to push their chairs up inclines and over soft ground. They would benefit from some form of motorised power assistance for their chairs. Three types of drive system to provide power assistance were designed and evaluated. Each used a different type of handle control interface to convert forces applied by the pusher i nto speed and directional control o f the wheelchair. User trials on a test track simulating outdoor conditions revealed that subjects favoured a two-motor drive system, with force sensing handles. With such a system users can successfully negotiate most outdoor conditions, without overexertion.