The wheelchair crossed with a SEGWAY: $40,000 'Ogo' lets disabled users lean in the direction they want to travel on all terrains
- Ogo is said to be the only hands-free two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle
- Uses self-balancing technology so can be steered by leaning in a direction
- Prototype can be pre-ordered for $40,000 (£28,123) via Indiegogo
- However, a production model is expected to be much more affordable
From tapping into muscular movements to reading a person's mind, futuristic wheelchairs could make it easier for paralysed people to get around.
But now there's a prototype that works a little like a Segway to let users lean in the direction they wish to travel instead.
The 'Ogo' is claimed to be the only 'completely hands-free two-wheeled self-balancing transportation device in the world' and is intended to give wheelchair-bound users more freedom.
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The 'Ogo' (pictured) is claimed to be the only 'completely hands-free two-wheeled self-balancing transportation device in the world' and is intended to give wheelchair-bound users more freedom
The wheelchair is designed by Kevin Halshall in Otaki, New Zealand, with input from his friend, Marcus Thompson who is a paraplegic.
'For a person with a disability, and those around them, it [the Ogo] means freedom,' Mr Thompson explained.
The Ogo has a 'unique active-seat control' system 'based on well proven self-balancing technology' and works by the operator leaning in the direction they want to travel, a bit like using a Segway.
This means users don't need to use their hands.
The Ogo (pictured left and right) has a 'unique active-seat control' system 'based on well proven self-balancing technology' and works by the operator leaning in the direction they want to travel, a bit like using a Segway
'If you lean forward, the Ogo will move forward; if you lean back, the Ogo will move back; if you lean to one side the Ogo will turn in that direction,' Mr Halshall wrote on Indiegogo, where he is raising money to put the Ogo into production.
'This allows you to move intuitively, with your body becoming part of the machine.
'It also helps improve core and upper-body strength, and mobility.'
There is a small thumb-controlled joystick for users when they don't want to use seat steering.
And there's an option to fit all-terrain wheels on the vehicle, meaning it can be used on a beach or rugged hillside.
'Able to tackle soft sand, gravel, rough terrain and inclines, the Ogo is smaller, lighter and faster than most other powered mobility devices,' the designer said.
A prototype Ogo is available to pre-order on Indiegogo for $40,000 (£28,123). Here, a users demonstrates how the vehicle can be manouvred through a slalom course, demonstrating its ability to turn easily
'Able to tackle soft sand, gravel, rough terrain and inclines, the Ogo is smaller, lighter and faster than most other powered mobility devices,' Mr Halshall said. Here, a user manuoevres on a beach hands-free
A prototype Ogo is available to pre-order on Indiegogo for $40,000 (£28,123).
'After the last five months testing the Ogo with varying levels of disabilities we've realised that with a few design adjustments, it can help many, many others, Mr Halsall said.
So far, Paraplegics, quadriplegics, quad amputees and people with many other disabilities have been able to use the Ogo effectively.
'So by fundraising for the new prototypes we can confirm that we have the ultimate machine before we go into production later in the year.'
However, he said: 'The production models will be considerably more affordable.'
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