Bachelor Assignment

A power-assisted wheelchair (PAW) is a manual wheelchair that adds electrical support corresponding to the user input, similar to the way in which e-bikes work. This can be of great value for users whose condition causes a decrease in arm strength or users who experience physical complaints from manual wheelchairs.

The goal of the project was to design a new PAW wheel that addresses some of the shortcomings of existing PAW's that include: added weight, added size, difficult transportability, difficult controllability and battery dependence.

Improvements on these shortcomings are made through the design of a new transmission system, brake system and mounting system. Finally, all these systems are incorporated into a working prototype.