Advancement of wheelchair hand-rim

Phoenix Instinct is developing an advanced wheelchair hand-rim for ultimate energy efficiency, grip and comfort. The qualities of a training shoe turned to wheelchair propulsion.

The project aims to enhance independence for users of self propelled wheelchairs. Phoenix Instinct is known in the mobility sector for creating life enhancing products. Founder and CEO Andrew Slorance himself a wheelchair user developed the World's only wheelchair compatible luggage system in 2015 and in 2020 won the Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge with the World's first SMART wheelchair.

The grant award from Innovate UK will allow the business to develop what is described as a training shoe for hands. Since self propelled wheelchairs were fist conceived they have been pushed by holding a narrow tubular rail fitted to the wheel. This most essential component, fundamental to how easily a wheelchair is pushed and controlled is long overdue for an upgrade.

Andrew Slorance said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to keep advancing wheelchair technology, something he has strived ti do since a spinal injury in 1983 left him paralysed.