MobilityNew Tech

Rowheels | Efficiently Geared Manual Wheelchair Wheels

Image: Rowheels
Image: Rowheels

Pushing a manual wheelchair for long distances or on steep hills can eventually be taxing on a person’s arms. In addition, the repetitive motion can also lead to injuries similar to carpel tunnel. Sure an electric wheelchair or scooter would solve this but many people still prefer to use a manual wheelchair. But to help those people ease the stress on their arms, NASA decided to step in. Okay well NASA mechanical engineer Salim Nasser who is a wheelchair user. He developed a wheelchair wheel with a gear system that reduces stress on the arms when using manual wheelchair wheels. Working with other business partners the result was Rowheels.

Image: Rowheels
Image: Rowheels

Efficient Arms
Rowheels improves efficiency by having the user utilize the bigger and stronger arm muscles move the wheels. Specifically a rowing motion as opposed to a pushing motion. This also reduces pressure put on wrist joints.

Image: Rowheels
Image: Rowheels

Backward to Go Forward
Now of course with a rowing motion you have to think backwards to how you would use a standard manual wheelchair. Because you’re pulling to go forward and pushing to go backwards. Inside the hub of the wheel are gears that make this possible. Here are some benefits of using Rowheels according to their website:

  • Gear ratio reduces the number of strokes needed to go from A to B by 31%. Another way to see this is that the chair moves 31% farther per stroke. This is key in reducing repetitive stress injuries and pain.
  • Pulling bio-mechanics are greatly superior compared to the inefficient pushing approach. Pulling uses larger and stronger muscles in the arms and back and eliminates the damaging compressive forces involved in standard pushing that lead to shoulder and wrist injury and pain.
  • Improved posture. As a result of the muscles used and the fact that the user is being pulled forward when pulling back on the hand rim, the user goes from a more “slouched over” position in standard wheelchairs to one that is more upright with Rowheels. (see the Benefits page for all the benefits of using Rowheels)
Image: Rowheels
Image: Rowheels

Conclusion
If you can get used to the idea of pulling to go forward, Rowheels might be a useful wheelchair addition. Especially over the long run and the health of your arms. Rowheels are still in the testing phase but if you’re interested in being a tester visit this link. Watch the videos to see the wheels in motion and visit www.Rowheels.com.