The Wheelchair Gap Enabler, developed at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE), enhances mobility for wheelchair users, bringing greater convenience to the physically disabled.

Problems wheelchair users face while trying to board buses or lift themselves up roadside curbs could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to an innovative "add-on" mechanism called the Wheelchair Gap Enabler.

Developed by MAE's Asst Prof John Heng, who saw limitations in present wheelchairs, the invention consists of a series of six in-line wheels, in the form of a "roller ski", attached to a frame that can be fixed to each side of a wheelchair. A handle allows the "ski" to either extend or retract the wheels.

The invention employs a mechanism in the design which lifts the wheelchair user into a "wheelie" position while centralising the user's weight onto the large hind wheels. The "roller skis" – an idea Asst Prof Heng drew from observing in-line skaters – extend to the ground and help support the user.

With a bit of practice, the user can then roll the wheelchair easily over a gap of up to 30cm. With this invention, users can thus board buses easily and clear low steps, like roadside curbs. Previously, only skilled wheelchair users with sufficient strength could do the "wheelie" and thus overcome such obstacles.

When not in use, the wheelchair is still collapsible and can be easily stored away.

Convenient and cost-effective
Apart from these physical advantages, the invention is also less costly compared to commercially available wheelchairs that can "cross gaps". The Wheelchair Gap Enabler kit, when available for sale, is expected to cost less than $300. This is much cheaper than existing bulky "gap crossing" wheelchairs in the market.

Moreover, wheelchair users would be able to take buses instead of taxis, again saving costs. The transport companies will also benefit as expensive bus ramps will no longer be needed.

Mohd Hussain Abdul Jabbar, who was paralysed after contracting polio in his youth and now depends on a wheelchair, feels that the NTU invention will improve the quality of his life: "It will definitely be more convenient, and when I encounter a drain, at least I don't have to avoid it and travel a long route to get across."

Says Asst Prof Heng, who completed the project in two months: "I feel very excited that my research work has resulted in an invention that can bring about increased mobility to physically disabled people who rely on wheelchairs."

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