As tpiched on in our recent report on F1 technology transfer (Applied Formula, 6 April), motorsport expertise has trickled into some unexpected niches, perhaps none more so than the world of wheelchair design. Wheelchairs have changed so little over the years that it is tempting for able-bodied people to think they must be some sort of optimised design-classic. In fact, that is far from the case. Although wheelchair users tend to get used to their vehicles, they have many drawbacks. A chance encounter led mechanical engineer Mike Spindle to begin designing a new wheelchair that would open up new terrains for its users, by incorporating technologies from such diverse fields as Formula 1 and office furniture.rnConventional wheelchairs, with two large wheels at the back and two small ones at the front, have a stable design but only work really well on smooth, hard surfaces. Cobbles and gravel are bad news, as are off-road tracks: the front wheels tend to get stuck in ruts, potholes and tussocky, bringing the chair to a sudden, shuddering halt. This is unpleasant for the user if they are wheeling the chair and will send an uncomfortable jolt up the arms of anyone pushing from behind. Many users find this limiting, especially outdoors.
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