87052Smart power wheelchair electronicsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKFreedom One Life is developing next-generation wheelchair electronics, targeted at solving the most common failure points of existing power wheelchairs. Wheelchair electronics systems are one of the most unreliable parts of power wheelchairs, the designs have not changed in 25 years and they rely on constant maintenance and servicing. producing waste in the form of damaged or used parts. Service engineers spend a great deal of time travelling to often the same users that have constant issues. This project is intended to enable us to take the entire wheelchair electronics system design in house. This allows us to strengthen its supply chain by gaining control of the supply of vital high-cost components, enhancing the quality of products supplied by ensuring they are made to rigorous in-house quality standards befitting a medical device. The cost of goods is also reduced. What this means for the user is greater confidence in their chair, as well as more independence and mobility. Due to the increased reliability developed in our product compared to conventional powerchairs, there will be much less waste from parts having to regularly be replaced. There will also be less resource use as time and fuel spent travelling to repair repeat issues will be significantly reduced. Our business model disrupts the current norm of constant maintenance which leads to greater sustainability. Strengthening of supply chain and lower cost of manufacture are significant advantages to overcoming the issues caused to our business by COVID-19, and it allows us to offer a solution that benefits equality, diversity, inclusion and sustainability.