Solar-powered wheelchair (not as bad as you think)

Australian Bob Triming wasn't satisfied with the power output of his electric wheelchair, so he did what anyone (with mad DIY skillz) would do, and rigged up an elaborate solar-power system to it -- stickin' it to the man while squeezing out an extra 30 minutes of power on sunny days. The rig consists of a pair of 20-watt solar panels that deliver the 24 volts required by the wheelchair, which, when not in use, can be detached or double as a handy umbrella. Of course no DIY project would be complete without LEDs, which Bob's got covered by tricking out the side and rear of the chair with a couple non-power-hungry lights to improve visibility. Thankfully it appears that the enhanced ride will still function just fine as a regular electric wheelchair, so you don't have to be worried about Bob getting stranded when the sun refuses to cooperate.

[Via The Raw Feed]

[Seanux @ Sep 1st 2006 5:47PM]

not to mention a great way to preserve the environment!

[Gblade @ Sep 1st 2006 5:53PM]

30 min is not that big of a deal. My wheelchair can go days with normal useage and more then one day with heavy use on a single charge. Though I wouldn't mind the LEDs.

[&& @ Sep 1st 2006 6:52PM]

Screw the extra 30 minutes of power. Hang a disco ball from the roof and just power that. =)

[pets lover @ Sep 2nd 2006 2:57AM]

great innovation, we must thanks to Bob Triming! great jod dude!

[Amanda @ Sep 2nd 2006 9:27PM]

As long as the guy likes his new "pimped-out ride," I don't see any harm in it.
LOL

[dmetech01 @ Mar 26th 2007 1:51PM]

I would just like to say that I think that using solar power to power an electric wheelchair or scooter is awesome. I have been wanted to do that for 18 years. Something like this would work great for people in countries that have limited electricity. Everyone deserves a chance at life.
Thank you and God Bless.

[MR.LIVINGTON PARKER @ Jul 4th 2007 7:58AM]

HELLO,
THIS IS MR.LIVINGSTON SPEAKING WRITTING IWOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY IF U HAVE WHEEL CHAIRS INSTOCK FOR SALE WHAT BRANDS U HAVE INSTOCK AND WHAT ARE THE PRICES RANGES FOR THEM?
REGARDS
MR.LIVINGSTON

[Rick @ Dec 20th 2007 12:24PM]

i took a jumper batter and insert it in my gray sleeve in the back of my chair for a three way horn i have a siren an a truck horn and a firetruck siren on my chair its 125 decimals loud to get peoples attention and to run my led lights as well it weigh's about 15 extra pounds but well worth the saftey feature.

[Rick @ Dec 31st 2007 12:41PM]

i have found with a littel remodifying you can take a snowblower cab over an put it on your wheelchair to help keep out the cold weather its a plasttic an canvas cover that shields the top an as has plastic windows on four sides

[Electric Scooters | Mobility Scooters | Power Chairs @ Apr 20th 2008 1:24PM]

Thanks for sharing this information!

I believe that scooters are one answer to the growing problem of pollution and global warming! They are perfect for commuting within a city, or for any short trip.

I also have a website about scooters that you may wish to check out. Feel free to visit at: http://www.electricscooteroutlet.com

Thanks again!

[steven @ May 26th 2008 4:11PM]

Ialready thought about that and im putting it to use in a way that he didnt think of the option of switching from batt to soloar power and making it ruggied by incasing the pannels in tempered glass i play airsoft and they will need the protection and we play out there for days and need the power so keep that in mind, im also working on a wheelchair that doesnt even use wheels...