IIT-Madras develops India’s first Indigenous motorized wheelchair vehicle

IIT-Madras

Aug 23, 2021,
Updated Aug 23, 2021, 7:55 PM IST

MADRAS: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) has developed the country's first indigenous motorised wheelchair vehicle, which can be used not only on roads but also on uneven terrain.

Called ‘NeoBolt’, it has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and travels up to 25 km per charge.

NeoBolt was developed by a team led by Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, and has been commercialized through a startup called ‘NeoMotion.’

The Startup has been co-founded by Professor Sujatha Srinivasan and an IIT Madras Alumnus Swostik Sourav Dash, who is the CEO of NeoMotion.

It empowers wheelchair users with a convenient, safe, and low-cost mode of outdoor mobility when compared to cars, auto-rickshaws, or modified scooters. NeoBolt is powered by a Lithium-Ion Battery that will give 25 Kms for every charge.

Throughout the development process, the IIT-M Researchers collaborated extensively with organizations and hospitals working among people with locomotor disabilities and built the products factoring in their experiences and making constant design adjustments.

Professor Sujatha Srinivasan also led the team that developed India’s first indigenously-designed Standing Wheelchair called ‘Arise,’ which enables a wheelchair user to shift from sitting to standing position.

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Sujatha Srinivasan speaking about their vision behind developing these products said, “Our Centre’s vision is to transform the disability landscape in India by creating functional and affordable assistive devices. How often do you see a wheelchair user at a school, an office, a shop, or a theatre? Wheelchair users are typically restricted to the four walls of their home, which affects their community participation and their ability to contribute to the economy.”

Further, Swostik Sourav Dash, Co-Founder, and CEO of NeoMotion elaborating on the current status said, “NeoFly and NeoBolt are presently being used by over 600 users across 28 States in India. The feedback has been positive. The demo units are available in 15 dealer outlets and four rehabilitation Centres in major cities, pan India. With our unique NeoFit system, the entire customization is done remotely, so that a well-fitting NeoFly lands at the user’s doorstep."

The NeoFly personalised wheelchair costs Rs. 39,900, and the NeoBolt motorised add-on costs Rs. 55,000. Meanwhile, by registering on our website, users can pre-book their orders with us for just Rs. 1,000.

It is estimated that approximately three lakh wheelchairs are sold in India each year, with 2.5 lakh imported.

Nearly 95 percent of wheelchairs sold in India are 'one-size-fits-all,' limiting mobility, causing health problems, and lowering self-confidence.

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NeoFly covers three to five times more distance for every push owing to the right posture, a rigid frame, and an ergonomic pushrim. A 30% smaller footprint for the same seating area enhances the accessibility of narrow spaces.

The design conforms to the user’s body, making the user more visible than the wheelchair. NeoCushion, a cushion with every NeoFly, is specially designed to enhance skincare, stability, and ease of transfer.

NeoBolt is a motor-powered clip-on which converts NeoFly into a safe, roadworthy vehicle. It is designed to enable wheelchair users to go out into the world and explore life. It eliminates the need to transfer into other vehicles and can be independently attached by the user within seconds.

NeoFly Feature Highlights include:

⮚ Puncture Resistant Tires, Indoor and Outdoor Options

⮚ Ergonomic Pushrim

⮚ Rigid Frame Design

⮚ Adjustable Backrest Height & Angle

⮚ Adjustable Footrest Height & Angle

⮚ Five Size Options of Seat Width & Seat Depth

⮚ Safety Anti-Tippers

NeoBolt Feature Highlights include:

⮚ Quick and Easy Attachment Design (Patented)

⮚ Safety Anti-Tippers (Patented)

⮚ Li-Ion Battery, 25 km per charge, 4 hours recharge