Description

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras said it has developed India's first motorized wheelchair that can be used not only on the road but also on rough terrain. Which is powered by a lithium-ion battery, the NeoBolt has a top speed of 25 mph and can travel up to 25 km on a single charge. According to the details provided by the study, the wheelchair will provide its users with a comfortable, safe and inexpensive way to get around in the open air compared to cars, auto rickshaws or modified scooters.

Official press release by IIT Madras

The team that developed the car said that currently, of the three million wheelchairs sold annually in the country, India imports approximately 2.5 million wheelchairs. Professor Sujata Srinivasan of the IIT Madras Department of Mechanics, who led the NeoBolt team, said there are products available in the global market with similar features to NeoBolt, but nearly three to five times more expensive than a wheelchair developed by the IIT team Madras.

To view the official press release - Click here

Wheelchair development

The wheelchair was developed by the Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development and is commercialized through a startup - Neo Motion, founded by Professor Sujata Srinivasan and IIT Madras alumnus Mr. Svostik Surav Dash, CEO of NeoMotion.

Professor Sujata Srinivasan also led the team that developed India's first proprietary standing wheelchair called Arise, which allows a disabled person to move from sitting to standing.

Highlighting the vision behind the development of these products, Professor Sujata, Faculty Manager at the Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development at TTK, said the Centers' vision is to transform India's disabled landscape by creating functional and affordable assistive devices. In addition, she added that wheelchair users are usually confined to the four walls of their home, which affects their ability to participate in public life and contribute to the economy.

She further added that “NeoMotion was created to transform the landscape by creating world-class wheelchair products designed and manufactured in India - for India and the world.

About NeoFly

NeoMotion has also developed and marketed NeoFly, the first Indian wheelchair that is customizable for comfort, efficient traction, increased maneuverability and superior ergonomics. The research team has collaborated with organizations and hospitals that work with people with mobility disabilities, and have developed a product based on their experience and making constant changes to the wheelchair design according to their needs.

Professor Sujata, speaking of the wheelchair, went on to say that attaching to a motor-powered NeoBolt makes it a safe, road-worthy vehicle that can navigate any terrain commonly found, including dirt streets or steep inclines. She also added that the wheelchair has shock absorption suspension, making it easier for people to use.

User Experience with demo devices

Mr Swostik Surav Dash, Co-Founder and CEO of NeoMotion, speaking of its current status, said NeoFly and NeoBolt are currently used by over 600 users in 28 states in India and the reviews have been positive. He also added that demo devices are available at 15 dealerships and four rehab centers in major cities across India, and with the unique NeoFit system, full customization is done remotely so that a well-fitted NeoFly is presented to the user.

Availability of Spare parts

Along with the product warranty, spare parts and after-sales services are also provided so that the product can be used without any problems. The team also added that their immediate goal is to increase production and make NeoFly and NeoBolt available to users across India. While personalized NeoFly wheelchairs are available for Rs. 39900 / -, the NeoBolt motorized add-on is available for Rs. 55,000. Convenient EMI options are also available to customers and users can pre-book their orders for as little as Rs. 1000 by registering on our website.

For more Updates and Information - Click here         

For access to more than 10,000 Colleges - Click here

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Click here

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Click here

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across Eight Boards - Click here