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| A plantary gear reverse system sees the rider pull instead of pushing the Rowheel. |
WISCONSIN-based company Rowheels has released what they claim to be
the fastest wheelchair that with the rider pulling up instead of pushing down on
the wheels.
The company was co-founded in 2012 by Salim Nasser, a Nasa
engineer, inventor and quadriplegic who Popular Mechanics wrote has “reinvented the wheel”.
“Using Rowheels’ patented hub, REV-HX wheels turn 30% faster than
the hand rim.
“This resulted in an extremely responsive and quick set of wheels.
“From popping a wheelie to turning, HX wheels do it quickly,” the
website states.
The patented plantary gear reverse propulsion system enables the
rider to pull the arms up in a rowing motion instead of pushing forwards in a
downward motion.
Conventional wheelchairs require users to push the rims forward,
requiring the use of smaller shoulders and arm muscles and causing repetitive
stress injuries.
The company states on its website the Rowheels chair overcomes many
of the shortcomings and inefficiencies associated with standard push propulsion
and does it without the need for bulky levers or heavy batteries and motors.
The pull propulsion or rowheeling is proven to eliminate forces
that lead to shoulder-related injury and pain common to over 50% of wheelchair
users and uses up to four times as many muscles as pushing — most of them the
larger and more capable muscles in the upper back and shoulders — resulting in a
more stable and healthy shoulder joint, the website explains.
The system fits onto most wheelchairs, and is available in 22”,
24”, 25” and 26” wheel sizes and users will be able to chose between a variety
of tyres, hand rims and hub cap colours.
Users will also be able to choose between a variety of tri-hub
colours and graphics.
• Rowheels is in the process of building its
provider/dealer network for its product line. If you are interested in becoming
an authorised provider, contact Rowheels at sales@rowheels.com.
