Easier Transport for Powered Wheelchairs
Simplified Accessible Vehicle and Robotic wheelchair
This project aims to create a powered wheelchair that is much simpler and more affordable to transport in regular vehicles, helping more veterans get around.
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 ID | NIH-11145604 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are working to design a new powered wheelchair that can fit into everyday cars with minimal changes, making it easier and less expensive for you to travel. Our team will first figure out the best design features by looking at common vehicle sizes. Then, we will gather ideas and feedback from people who use wheelchairs and their caregivers through interviews and group discussions. Finally, we will use all this information to create a detailed 3D computer model for building a future prototype.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant for veterans who use powered wheelchairs and struggle with the cost and complexity of transporting them in vehicles.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use powered wheelchairs or do not require vehicle transportation for their mobility devices may not directly benefit from this specific design.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could significantly reduce the cost and difficulty of vehicle modifications, giving many more people with mobility challenges greater independence and access to transportation.
How similar studies have performed: While other assistive technologies exist, this specific approach to integrating powered wheelchair design with common vehicle dimensions for cost-effective transport appears to be a novel and untested concept.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daveler, Brandon — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Daveler, Brandon
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 below.