There is no denying that the range of mobility equipment that is available to help elderly people and those with mobility issues today is getting better and more diverse all of the time. There are now so many different options for people to choose from, from power chairs to mobility scooters. However, it has not always been this way. With that being said, in this blog post, we are going to take a look at some of the most significant advancements and inventions in the market of mobility products over the past ten years. So, let’s take a look…
There is only one place to begin, and this is with the wheelchair. Of course, we are not indicating that the wheelchair is a recent invention. In fact, we do not know when the first wheelchair was invented. The first one that we know of was made for Phillip II of Spain in 1595 by an unknown inventor. However, there have been a lot of significant advancements over the years. This is especially the case since we have entered the digital age. Wheelchairs can do more than ever before. Of course, electric wheelchairs represent the most significant change in the market in recent years. The first motorised wheelchair actually came on the scene in 1916. Nevertheless, over the past ten years, we have seen the functionality of electric wheelchairs increase by a monumental degree. For example, a lot of wheelchairs available today enable you to elevate the height of your seat so that you can reach high and hard to reach areas in the home. Businesses have been working hard to ensure that their electric wheelchairs can be the perfect mobility aid, leaving no stone unturned.
In fact, we have recently seen stair-climbing wheelchairs introduced onto the market. Standard wheelchairs, whether they are electric or manual, can often have trouble when it comes to terrains that are rough. This is something you do not need to fret about with a stair-climbing wheelchair. Not only can it navigate any sort of terrain, but these sorts of wheelchairs use self-balancing technology to go up and down the staircase as well.
One of the most impressive inventions in recent years when it comes to mobility aids has to be the Kenguru Electric Car. For many years, wheelchair users have been able to drive vehicles. However, they have usually had to get out of their wheelchair and be transferred to the driver’s seat. This still requires the help and assistance of a carer or a loved one, and so it can still feel like you are restricted. This was until the Kenguru Electric Car came onto the scene, of course. This car enables users to simply move into the vehicle in their wheelchair, meaning you do not need to get out of the vehicle or the wheelchair. Mobility Aids are supposed to be making lives easier for those with mobility issues, and newer innovations aim to do exactly that. The different types of aids used by a person should be taken into consideration when making new designs for such vehicles. This car is only considered a community car. This means it reaches 25 miles per hour, and therefore, it is suitable for any nearby errands that you need to run.
Another significant invention that has happened in the past ten years is the invention of the DynaVox EyeMax. This utilises eye-tracking technology for reading books, watching television, computing and speaking for individuals that have limited mobility. The camera will track the eye movement of the user. This means all you need to do is gaze or blink at the device and this will enable you to use this product. Pretty great, right? There is a huge assortment of apps and tools that are available for individuals that require assistance with communication.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how mobility aids and equipment have changed and developed over the years. As is the case with any product, it is always going to be improved and made better. However, when it comes to mobility equipment jin particular, there have been massive leaps that have been taken. It is all about making sure the user does not lose their independence and that they can get from A to B in comfort and without any hassle. With that being said, if you are someone who has mobility issues, it is certainly worth browsing the different products that are available so that you can find the perfect solution for you.