Take apart two electric bicycles and you have the start of a project to help people with limited mobility go more places.
Paraplegics and others confined to wheelchairs are limited in where they can go. Adding an electric motor and a battery to power it is a good start, but even powered wheelchairs are challenged by uneven terrain as you might find on a typical nature trail. One man took parts from two electric bikes to build the “Not a Wheelchair” for his partner. The design has evolved into an off-road electric vehicle with a top speed of 12 miles an hour and a range of up to 20 miles. Additional range is available by adding more batteries. The wide-stance four-wheel configuration is built for stability, and hand controls let the rider steer and adjust the speed. The couple have partnered with Utah Trikes to help in the parts and manufacturing of the vehicle. It is not suited to wet sand or deep snow, but it can make it much easier for people with limited mobility to enjoy more of the great outdoors.