Customer: EU, DG XIII, Telematics Applications Programme, D.E. 3013

Duration: January 1997 – February 2000

TRANSWHEEL project (DE 3013) aims at developing an innovative wheelchair with high impact safety and comfortability for the transportation of PSN in various types of transport. Initially user needs in relation to various transportation modes and in various traffic scenarios will be analysed. The work will continue with a CAD/ CAM re-configuration of the basic wheelchair structure to design a light-weighted wheelchair that would be able to provide to the user the same safety as a standard transportation seat. Research will be directed towards a wheelchair with enhanced maneuverability, to allow the user to adjust its position in height and angle and to perform specific tasks while travelling (store his bag, open the window, use a standard train table, etc.). A correspondingly designed vehicle seat will also be developed, to include the needs of people with lower limb and torso disabilities, who are not θusing a wheelchair.
TRANSWHEEL prototypes will be tested in both laboratory and user trials in three EU countries (Greece, Belgium and Italy). Finally, design guidelines and a code of good practice on the design and development of transportable wheelchair will be produced and widely disseminated to Industry, user organisations and International Legislation Bodies.

Role of TREDIT:
– Overall management and co-ordination
– Pilot Manager of the Greek site in N.I.R.H., Athens
– Exploitation Manager
– CAD/ CAM design of the innovative crash-proofed wheelchair.