the nimbl is a wheelchair concept by edmonton, canada based designer lawrence kwok. the design was created specifically for use in the home. kwok wanted to create a wheelchair that could navigate inside a home without the need for renovating or retrofitting a home for wheelchair use. the chair is motorized, has a lift actuator to raise the seat and a remote that can switch from the left to right. the chair also features unusual hub-less wheels and a natural wood frame. instead of looking like a piece of special equipment, the chair has a sleek look that would be out of place in a furniture showroom. the chair’s short wheelbase allows it to corner quickly making maneuvering in tight areas a breeze.
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MJB Dec 30, 2009 Lawrence Kwok Dec 29, 2009 DG Dec 29, 2009 Katja Dec 29, 2009 BigPicture Dec 29, 2009
more commentsthe idea of creating a highbrow designed wheelchair seems really great. The off putting part of the design however is the formal qualities of the wood. This area seems to be confused. It may look better if the members are more streamlined (they need to go on diet)
Yes! That’s great feedback! We had considered using ratcheting handles but we thought maybe that required too much upper body strength and confused the chair’s identity. Also because the chair is meant for home/indoor use only we thought that spare battery packs would supplement power in the case of heavy use. Handles would still be a good idea, and require some research on how to implement.
What isn’t being mentioned or shown above is the fact that being a domestic wheelchair, it tries to accommodate interior factors. Thus it has modular seating, 10″ lift actuation, small footprint, stowable armrests, reclining back, and also tries to appear ‘visually light’.
We designed it based on a client’s behaviour and schedule when it came to re-desgning their home. Home renovations seemed to costly, permanent, and the altered environment would seem unfamiliar to other household members.
Tino and I will definitely be re-designing this to take into account all the critique, so please keep it coming!
As a designer and wheelchair user myself, the above comment by Katja nails it exactly!
It apparently cannot be propelled by the user (the large drive wheels are not accessible, being entirely under the seat), nor can it be easily be propelled by another person, making it impractical as a transport chair.
It’s attractive, but what use is it?
We all must look in the mirror before passing judgement.
If I had the misfortune to be stuck in a wheel chair…this would be very attractive to me.
Smart, attractive and well thought out….I hope it is more than a CGI and has visera as well as beauty.
Could be the next SEGWAY/ iBOT or a hybrid?
Have faith Lawerence…we all mock that which we don’t understand…
“I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance” [Socrates]
“If you think education is expensive – try ignorance” [Derek Bok]
PS– you have forgotten the word “NOT” as: “it would certainly NOT be out of place in a high end furniture.” showroom…