Updated on July 31, 2020

·

Created on June 7, 2014

GEN_1 Design Wheelchair

Upcoming Update

GEN_1 Design Wheelchair is a durable wheelchair designed for use in rugged terrain.

Developed By Unknown
Author

Product Description

The GEN_1 Design is a one-size-fits-all multipurpose wheelchair designed for use in rugged terrain. It provides basic motility to a wide range of users and is generally recommended for those who do not need adjustments to the wheelchair to aid postural support. The GEN_1 Design is designed and manufactured under Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM).

Market Suggested Retail Price

$875.00

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Free Wheelchair Mission works in collaboration with other charitable organizations acting as local distribution partners.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Wheelchair kits are mass produced, shipped from the factory by the container and assembled by pre-approved distribution partners in recipient countries. Each container contains 550 wheelchairs ready for assembly with 50 toolkits (11 wheelchairs can be assembled with one toolkit). Assembly takes 15 minutes and all tools required are provided in the container.

Intellectural Property Type

Open Source

User Provision Model

Local distribution partners are responsible for locating qualified beneficiaries. Over 1,000,000 wheelchairs have been distributed in 93 countries around the world (as of July 2020). Charitable organizations around the world may request a minimum order of 550 wheelchairs, which they must then assemble and distribute in their local region.

Distributions to Date Status

Over 1,000,000 wheelchairs have been distributed in 93 countries around the world as of July 2020.

Design Specifications

GEN_1 specifications: - 35 lb (16 kg) - conventional 4-wheel design - 8” x 1” front casters - 24” x 1.95” mountain bike rear tires - brakes on both rear wheels - rigid, non-folding steel frame - polypropylene resin chair (virgin resin) + UV stabilizer - adjustable leg-length footrest - a 3 cm thick urethane foam cushion - a hand air pump and patch kit fixed to the frame - a 5 strap adjustable harness for children and adults as needed - nylon insert stay-tight nuts - Approximate resin chair dimensions (based on commercially available chair): 31""h x 20""w x 22""d - Rated to hold up to 90 kg (198 lbs)

Technical Support

Assembly guide is available online. FWM provides training videos for the distribution partners to watch: assembly video and  care and maintenance video. Distribution partners are trained by FWM through the "Leading Partner Program" to properly prescribe and fit wheelchairs as well as train recipients how to better care for themselves and their wheelchair. Recipients all receive a manual with their wheelchair that covers proper use and maintenance. A training video is also shown to recipients (when a video cannot be shown, a live demonstration is given).

Replacement Components

FWM promotes that their wheelchair was designed to be repaired by replacement parts that are readily available around the world. Manuals are distributed with each chair that inform recipients that they can contact the distributing partner for repair assistance. In a report FWM provided USAID (2010) there is data from a survey distributed to recipients of FWM wheelchairs that touched upon repair and support issues. That report can be found here.

Lifecycle

No disposal protocol information readily available. Designed to last 3-5 years.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Functional on rough terrain; easily repairable; composed of readily available components for simple repair around the world; affordable in developing country contexts.

Vetted Performance Status

Dr. Susan Shore's field study, which surveyed recipients of FWM wheelchairs in India and Peru found: 28% of FWM recipients reported a repair at some time during use (average 18 months); 19.7% reported tire problems; most common maintenance problem reported was with the wheels (6.4% front, 13.3% back) including ?at tires or dif?culty with the valves; 2.7% reported problems with the resin chair; 62.2% of recipients were able to use the chair independently for mobility (all others were transported in the chair by family members or friends); 6.9% reported using their chair less than 1 hour/day, 46.3% used it 1–4 hours/day, and 46.8% used their chair more than 4 hours/day, 11.7% reported using their chair more than 8 hours/day.

Safety

GEN_1 version of FWM wheelchair is one size and thus does not allow for individual fitting to accommodate children or individuals with varying disabilities. A wheelchair that is not properly fit to the needs of an individual user can result in discomfort or injury (such as scoliosis or pressure sores) due to insufficient support or improper cushioning. There is also a risk of tipping while using a wheelchair.

Complementary Technical Systems

FMC has two other upgraded version GEN2 and GEN3 on their website.

Academic Research and References

Shore SL. Use of an economical wheelchair in India and Peru: impact on health and functionMed Sci Monit. 2008;14(12):PH71-PH79.

Shore S. The long-term impact of wheelchair delivery on the lives of people with disabilities in three countries of the world. Afr J Disabil. 2017;6:344. Published 2017 Sep 8. doi:10.4102/ajod.v6i0.344

Guidelines on the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less Resourced Settings. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2008. 2, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143784/

Shore S., Kovic M., THE COMPARISON OF HEALTH AND FUNCTION OUTCOMES FOLLOWING USE OF A DEPOT STYLE WHEELCHAIR VERSUS ONE WITH A CUSTOMIZED FITRESNA Annual Conference, 2014.

Other Information

FWM has won dozens of awards for their wheelchair distribution work.

Leave a Reply

Explore similar solutions

Agriculture

April 24, 2018

Motivation Rough Terrain Wheelchair

Read Solution

Agriculture

September 9, 2020

3rd Stone Design Stone Cold Solar

Read Solution

Agriculture

September 26, 2023

Handbook of Typical School Design

Read Solution

Agriculture

September 26, 2023

Home Builder’s Guide to Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction

Read Solution

Agriculture

March 20, 2020

Handbook for Gender-Inclusive Urban Planning and Design

Read Solution
All Solutions

Contribute to E4C's Library of Breakthrough Sustainable Development Technology Solutions

Suggest A Solution

Get more information about Solutions Library and its features.

Learn More

Have thoughts on how we can improve?

Give Us Feedback

Join a global community of changemakers.

Become A Member