Man Designs An Off-Road “Wheelchair” So That His Wife Can Go Places She Never Imagined, It’s Now Up For Mass-Production.
Those of us who have entire leg function take for granted our ability to go anywhere – climbing in the mountains, walking along the beach, and trekking through the winter. We don’t think about the thousands of individuals who can’t enjoy the great outdoors because of a physical impairment that limits their movement when we’re out enjoying the great outdoors.
Getting out into nature has never been easier thanks to this man who developed an unique off-road wheelchair for his then-girlfriend, now wife.
From the waist down, Cambry Nelson is paralyzed. Because wheelchairs aren’t designed for nature, her outdoor activities have been limited to concrete surfaces for the most of her adult life. Her spouse, Zach, on the other hand, enjoys being outside and going on adventures. This is what prompted Zach to construct her an off-road wheelchair, or ‘not-a-wheelchair,’ so that the pair could venture outside accessible areas.
We know what you’re thinking: don’t there already exist off-road wheelchairs?
Yes, they do, but there are only two possibilities: One that costs between $10,000 and $20,000, or one that is very sluggish.
The first is prohibitively expensive for most individuals, while the second is unsuitable for serious outdoor adventurers. Zach designed The Rig to address both of these issues.
What Makes The Rig So Special – It’s Not a Wheelchair
The Rig, to be clear, is not an FDA-approved medical device. It is critical that users use caution when using it and do not attempt any dangerous feats or antics.
What it is is a low-cost, silent, and easily transportable bike that gives freedom to individuals who would otherwise be denied it. Here are some specifications:
- Low-cost
The cheapest model costs $4,750 and comes with only one battery and no suspension. Two batteries and suspension, as well as amusing color variations, are available for an additional $1000. When you consider the expense of standard off-road wheelchairs, you’ll see how wonderful this is. - It’s all about electricity.
Because The Rig is motorized, the operator’s physical strength and stamina are not a concern. It’s electric, so it’s quite quiet. You may go for a tranquil trip without worrying about scaring the birds away, or you can converse with your buddies while strolling through the forest; either way, the sound of the vehicle won’t bother you. - It has a lot of potential.
Depending on how much weight it is hauling, the basic version may take you 10 to 20 miles before the battery has to be recharged. It can travel 25 to 35 miles with one charge with two batteries. The duration of the trip it can make is also determined by the terrain. On level, smooth surfaces, it will travel further than on steep or lumpy ones. - It has the capacity to transport more than simply the driver.
Better than a bike basket, The Rig lets you transport a variety of objects on the back, including your conventional wheelchair, a cooler for a picnic meal, and your hiking companion when they grow tired halfway through the walk… You can carry it as long as the overall weight does not exceed 225 pounds. - Repairs that are both inexpensive and simple
Because the Rig is built up of bike parts, it requires the same maintenance and repairs as a regular bike. This also implies that obtaining components and having repairs performed is simple and affordable. - Transport is simple.
Without the bumper, the RIg is five feet long and 32 inches broad, making it easy to fit into a regular short-bed pickup or SUV.
The Rig is small enough to pass through most standard doorways, has a feature that allows the user to effortlessly move from their wheelchair to their not-a-wheelchair and back, and can handle most terrain. It can also travel up to 12 mph, ensuring that you never fall behind the rest of the group.
It struggles with loose snow or sand much like a conventional bike. It is also not water certified; nevertheless, all of these features are planned for inclusion in The Rig 2.0 by Zach and Cambry.