The solar-powered three-wheeled vehicle helps people with disabilities move easily along the busy streets of Cairo, the capital of Egypt
A group of students from Helwan University in Egypt has just developed a solar-powered three-wheeled vehicle that helps people with disabilities travel long distances without any assistance.
“Our product design idea came from observing the wheelchairs on the market and the products the state provides for the community of people with disabilities. Wheelchairs like these do not allow them to travel a long distance, such as from Masr El Gedida to Nasr City or vice versa” – Ahmed Adel Labib, the research team leader, said.
Faced with this reality, Ahmed Adel Labib and his friends decided to turn wheelchairs into three-wheeled “cars” using solar energy.
“Users will not need any assistance in driving or when they need to stop. If they want to stop, they can use the “emergency system” already fitted. The vehicle’s top speed can reach 55 km/h, a speed particularly suited to Egypt”, Ahmed Adel Labib added.
This unique vehicle has been tested on the streets of Cairo. To save costs, the research team installed a solar panel on the roof of the vehicle to charge the motor’s battery. According to the research team, this three-wheeled vehicle will be a great companion, helping people with disabilities feel freer.
“People with disabilities cannot move around; they can only choose between staying in one place or manual wheelchairs with slow speeds. This inconvenience can affect their lives because it is very difficult for them to interact with society. The new vehicle can help them go to work or travel far on their own when necessary” – Ghofran – a member of the team, shared.
Although the product is still in the testing phase, this talented group of students has received quite a few sponsorship offers from large enterprises to commercialise this special vehicle.
Recently, they received 28,000 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to about 1,500 USD, to complete the prototype. These young engineers are working hard to perfect the product to attract more investment so the product can soon be brought to market.
Ngoc Huong – http://khampha.vn