Creating a powered wheelchair that fits in standard vehicles
Official title: Simplified Accessible Vehicle and Robotic wheelchair
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10861942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating a new powered wheelchair that’s easy to transport in regular cars, and we’re talking to veterans and their caregivers to find out what features they need to make it better and more affordable for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1IK1RX004763-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who use powered wheelchairs and face challenges with transportation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use powered wheelchairs or have no mobility impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on designing a powered wheelchair that can be easily transported in standard vehicles with minimal modifications. The project involves gathering input from users and caregivers through interviews and focus groups to determine the necessary design criteria. A 3D computer-aided design model will be developed based on this feedback, aiming to create a prototype that enhances mobility and accessibility for veterans. The goal is to reduce costs associated with modifications and maintenance, making transportation more reliable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve transportation options for veterans with mobility impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research in assistive technology has shown promise in improving mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daveler, Brandon — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Daveler, Brandon
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.