It SAYS it can handle stairs! Holy Moly! And this isn't a prototype, either. This is amazing. If the CIL in Berkeley doesn't have one of these yet, they should figure out how to get one. I'm sure they would have a waiting list a mile long to take it out on hikes, even if it cost a little to rent it each time.
About freakin' time we humans came up with a more versatile mobility solution. When I think about it, the idea of wheels on a chair is very old hat. It has the advantages of simplicity and reliability, but it's not very capable on most kinds of terrain -- terrain that legs can handle easily. We can do better. I suspect if I were in a wheelchair full time I would prefer not to be limited to smooth surfaces and ramps!
In a sense it is a prototype, because it's the first one he got working. They're clearly not in full scale production; each one is a custom order at this point. What if one of these could be had for the price of, say, a small car? I'm guessing that's about what it would be.
I was really impressed, and wrote the maker. I got this back:
"Thank you for your interest in Tankchair. I am not building anymore right now as I am working on a new one that will make my first one obsolete. I don't want to take anyone's money and tell them it what they are buying will be second class in six months. My new chair will be self-leveling and will be able to carry a payload to 500lbs. (227 kilos) It will also be able go indoors and fit in the 40"x30" ADA envelope. I will keep your E-mail on file and mail you once the chair is done. Thank you and keep watching our web page for the new Tankchair."
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In a sense it is a prototype, because it's the first one he got working. They're clearly not in full scale production; each one is a custom order at this point. What if one of these could be had for the price of, say, a small car? I'm guessing that's about what it would be.
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New Tank Chair in the works!
"Thank you for your interest in Tankchair. I am not building anymore right now as I am working on a new one that will make my first one obsolete. I don't want to take anyone's money and tell them it what they are buying will be second class in six months. My new chair will be self-leveling and will be able to carry a payload to 500lbs. (227 kilos) It will also be able go indoors and fit in the 40"x30" ADA envelope. I will keep your E-mail on file and mail you once the chair is done. Thank you and keep watching our web page for the new Tankchair."
Re: New Tank Chair in the works!
Re: New Tank Chair in the works!