the scewo electric wheelchair can climb stairs independently
scewo is a self-balancing wheelchair that can go up and down stairs independently and smoothly. this innovation offers its users a dynamic experience for navigating over obstacles, with multiple rubber tracks providing a smooth and safe ride on the stairs. 

the scewo electric wheelchair can climb stairs independently
all images by julius hatt / courtesy of scewo

 

 

with recent innovations in smartphone, automobile, drone, and even robotic vacuum cleaner technology, scewo was surprised to find the same electric wheelchairs from years ago on today’s market. the project was founded by four university students from ETH zurich + ZHDK, who managed to create and fund ‘scewo’ independently while building a wheelchair fit for the 21st century, with new technology and aesthetics.

scewo electric wheelchair climb stairs designboom

 

 

the ‘scewo’ wheelchair’s sturdy rubber tracks provide a safe and comfortable transition up or down stairs, while an extra-wide base stabilizes the chair, even on spiral stair cases. transfers onto the stairs and back to the floor are automated. the self-balancing chair also provides agile maneuvering and dynamic driving over common obstacles like curbs, while the user can either use the joystick or a shift in body weight to control the chair.

scewo electric wheelchair climb stairs designboom

 

 

the scewo electric wheelchair features three different driving modes depending on the terrain: ‘safe’ mode is used for getting on and off, getting to a table, or standing still; ‘elevated’ mode enables eye-to-eye communication and reaching high-lying objects; ‘track’ mode overcomes slippery surfaces like snow or gravel, trickier obstacles, or steep inclines with increased traction.

scewo electric wheelchair climb stairs designboom

scewo electric wheelchair climb stairs designboom

scewo electric wheelchair climb stairs designboom

scewo electric wheelchair climb stairs designboom

scewo electric wheelchair climb stairs designboom

the scewo electric wheelchair can climb stairs independently