Man creates wheelchair that can move up and downstairs

A South African man has created an innovation that people with disabilities have been calling for, for years – more accessibility to buildings across the country.

The South African Disabled Association (Sada) has described in the past how disappointed they are by the government and large parts of society in ignoring their plight. Frustrations include lack of accessibility in education, the job market and how they move around which can be difficult in some buildings.

Well, one of our very own Ernst Majenge has created a wheelchair that has the ability to go up and down stairs while the person is still seated, GoodthingsGuy reported. He says the concept is to allow the wheels that are either circular when rolling, and are transformed into segmented wheels only when going upstairs.

 

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He entered the SA Innovation Summit in 2020 detailing the unique innovation.

“We developed unique devices so that PRM can go up and down stairs while seated in a wheelchair, with an assistant who maintains the balance,” Majenge says.

“The concept is based on wheels that are either circular when rolling, and that we transform into segmented wheels only when going upstairs. The PRM contributes to the propulsion by pulling on small handles fixed on each wheel.”

Majenge has been repairing wheelchairs before his innovation, and he has his own business called 911 Wheelchair Doctor. They also provide wheelchairs to children with disabilities, assist hospitals, rehabilitation centres and special schools.

The company prides itself in its quick turnaround time.

 

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(Compiled by Sandisiwe Mbhele)

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