Whirlwind wheelchair
Encyclopedia
The Whirlwind wheelchair is a wheelchair
designed to be made in developing countries using local resources, in a sustainable development
effort.
It was co-designed by Ralf Hotchkiss
of Whirlwind Wheelchair International. Hotchkiss, a paraplegic, has traveled extensively, designing wheelchairs that could be built in developing countries.
Whirlwind Wheelchair International uses the principle of open source design, and offers construction classes and consulting services.
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a chair with wheels, designed to be a replacement for walking. The device comes in variations where it is propelled by motors or by the seated occupant turning the rear wheels by hand. Often there are handles behind the seat for someone else to do the pushing...
designed to be made in developing countries using local resources, in a sustainable development
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use, that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come...
effort.
It was co-designed by Ralf Hotchkiss
Ralf Hotchkiss
Ralf Hotchkiss is an inventor and Whirlwind wheelchair designer whose company, Whirlwind Wheelchair International, designs wheelchairs for use and manufacture in developing countries, involving wheelchair riders in all of its projects and activities...
of Whirlwind Wheelchair International. Hotchkiss, a paraplegic, has traveled extensively, designing wheelchairs that could be built in developing countries.
Whirlwind Wheelchair International uses the principle of open source design, and offers construction classes and consulting services.
External links
- Project home page
- Ralf Hotchkiss & His Whirlwind Wheelchairs by Ralph NaderRalph NaderRalph Nader is an American political activist, as well as an author, lecturer, and attorney. Areas of particular concern to Nader include consumer protection, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government....
. Common Dreams NewsCenterCommon Dreams NewsCenterCommon Dreams NewsCenter, often referred to simply as Common Dreams, is a 5013 nonprofit U.S. based progressive news website. Common Dreams publishes news stories, editorials and a newswire of current breaking news. Common Dreams also re-publishes relevant content from numerous other sources such...
, December 24, 2004 (accessed Feb 27 2006). - Tough, Low-Cost Wheelchairs Needed in Haiti. PBS NewsHour, Feb. 18, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-15