Trikes, power attachments, drive-by-wire systems: The many faces of mobility

Trikes can be a great option to conquer mobility and balance problems. "They can greatly improve health, well-being and have many social interaction benefits too," says Bob Griffin, CEO and founder of Tomcat Special Needs Innovation Ltd. "They are transportable, space-saving, practical, economical, affordable, and above all other considerations – great fun!"

When Griffin is going to talk about his trikes on Wednesday at the PRODUCTS & NEWS @REHACARE – powered by MOBITIPP, he is accompanied by the Tomcat Bullet. According to Griffin, special features like a sliding/swiveling seat and telescopic cranks make it very easy to get on the trike and then adjust it whilst seated. The Tomcat Bullet also features a removable basket and carrier, quick releasing drive wheels, quick release mudguards, removable seat, and a two piece folding frame; all of which make it highly transportable. What's more, it all happens in seconds!

Of course, that’s not the only equipment visitors can discover at the Tomcat SNI booth (Hall 6/B43). "Beside our new track and field product 'The Dragon', we will be showcasing the compactness and easy transportability of the power-assisted Bullet and the many innovations that make it possible. We believe that our truly transportable tricycles will be transformational for international distributors, as well as end users," explains Griffin.

If you are unable to propel your wheelchair with your own strength and energy, you can easily turn your auxiliary aid into a motorized electric wheelchair thanks to a power attachment. "It allows you to experience freedom and autonomy you never thought possible," says Udo Späker from Mobilitätsmanufaktur KADOMO GmbH. "It only takes seconds and small adapters on your own wheelchair or one of our versatile, lightweight Trirides Foldable for example." The device is compact and can be easily stowed in the car. The wheelchair will still fit in the same carrier as before.

On Wednesday afternoon, Späker will follow Bob Griffin’s lecture and talk about the Triride wheelchair power attachment in Hall 4 / H21. He emphasizes that users should carefully consider weight, function, and application when choosing a model. "A power attachment should weigh between seven and twelve kilograms at the most," stresses Späker. "It should also have a reserve gear and cruise control to maintain a consistent speed in all situations – to slow down on a steep downhill and recoup battery energy." He also points out the importance of a diverse product mix. After all, there is no such thing as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being, especially when it comes to people with disabilities. "That’s why the Triride models meet the expectations and needs of a broad range of customers."

Alexander Nerz of the PARAVAN GmbH maintains that drive-by-wire technology is an especially well-suited solution to compensate for even the most severe physical limitations and ensure safe independent mobility. These systems are currently implemented by specialty vehicle conversion companies around the world. "In a drive-by-wire system, the basic vehicle control functions (throttle, brakes, steering) are no longer actuated using mechanical components such as a steering wheel and pedals, but by using input devices like a joystick," says Nerz. "The input device transmits an electrical signal to a central processing unit 'by wire'. The central processing, which is connected to the vehicle via an interface processes the signals and transmits the commands in nanoseconds to servo motors for the brake and accelerator and for the steering." To ensure a smooth and safe driving experience despite all that technology, the systems are equipped with a so-called redundancy – a failsafe – system.

In his lecture on Friday afternoon, Nerz will discuss how this technology helps people with quadriplegia, progressive diseases (MS, muscular dystrophy, ALS) or dysmelia to independently and safely operate a vehicle on the road. "Drive-by-wire technology only requires minimal muscle function or mobility to 'digitally' control the highly sensitive input devices and actuate the throttle, brakes, and steering." That's what makes it so attractive to this target audience.

At the PRODUCTS & NEWS @REHACARE forum – powered by MOBITIPP, Nerz will also offer a glimpse into the future. "The overall mobility landscape is transforming and we will witness some revolutionary changes over the next 20 years." Nerz is certain that this will also have a positive impact on people with physical and mobility impairments.

"Mobility is becoming more inclusive. So-called self-driving people movers increase the personal mobility of people in wheelchairs. It is clear that highly innovative drive-by-wire solutions – aside from digital driving intelligence and sensor technology – are among the core technologies that will transform autonomous driving. It is wonderful to see technology that was developed to enhance the mobility of people with disabilities has now also become an important part of the future of mobility. A great reason to be excited for what’s to come."