Beyond the wheelchair: development of motorised transport for people with severe mobility impairments in developing countries

Purpose. In developing countries, lack of over-the-road transportation reduces a vast number of disabled people to a life of begging, dependency and social isolation. Although there have been some excellent efforts to provide low-cost wheelchairs and hand-powered tricycles, little has been done to further provide transport for disabled people. Methods. To address this problem directly we devised a low-cost motorised wheelchair transporter prototype (the Skeeter) using a combination of bicycle parts, a custom built frame, and an inexpensive small engine for propulsion. Results. The Skeeter can provide independent operation and travel by a wheelchair user. It is an economically feasible solution to the lack of over-the-road transportation for people with mobility impairments in developing countries. Conclusions. The Skeeter has the potential to provide a major enhancement in the quality of life for people with disabilities in developing countries around the world.