Description

Immobility adversely affects the lives of the disabled in Tanzania by limiting their opportunity to attend school, work, and participate in the community. A small fraction of those in need of a mobility aid actually have access to one; the few with access to standard wheelchairs find them exhausting to push on rough terrain, which is characteristic of rural communities. Hand-powered tricycles on the other hand, are easier to propel, but are too large for use in the home.

The folding tricycle attachment prototype in its stowed away state

The folding tricycle attachment prototype in its stowed away state

The goal of this project is to produce a low-cost, foldable, stowable tricycle attachment for standard wheelchairs. A folding design will enable the owner to stow his or her wheelchair on public buses and in taxis, thereby enabling travel to urban regions.