When was the first electric wheelchair invented? The History of the Electric Wheelchair

The Electric Wheelchair – A Short History

Electric wheelchairs help people move easily. They’re great for those with mobility challenges, like disabilities. These chairs have come a long way. They started as simple devices. Now, they’re advanced tools for comfy, easy travel.

Before the Wheelchair

The first wheelchairs are hard to trace. Historians found clues in ancient Greece and China from the sixth century AD. These show early mobility tools.
In 1595, a special chair was made for King Philip of Spain. He had gout, which made walking tough. An inventor built this chair to help him move.

1783 – The Electric Wheelchair Was Invented

The first known wheelchair was the Bath wheelchair. John Dawson made it in 1783. It sold better than others in the early 1800s. But it wasn’t very comfy. Later in the 1800s, many fixes were made. The first wheelchair patent came in 1869.

The 1800s – The Early Wheelchair

In 1869, a patent showed wheelchair casters and a rear push feature. This is seen as the earliest model of its kind.

The End of the 19th Century

Between 1867 and 1875, rubber wheels were added. They looked like bicycle wheels from that time. These set the stage for push rims. Push rims let users move on their own. This big step came in 1881.

1916 – Introducing the Motorised Wheelchair

A major leap happened in 1916. A motorised wheelchair was first used in London. This was a huge moment for mobility.

1932 – The Modern Folding Wheelchair

In 1932, Harry Jennings built a folding wheelchair. Its design is close to today’s models. With his friend Herbert Everest, Jennings started a top wheelchair company.

1953 – The Beginning of Electric Wheelchairs

Push rims helped users move independently. But manual wheelchairs were hard for some. In 1916, early motorised tests began. Then, in 1953, George Klein made electric wheelchairs real. He and his team built them for veterans hurt in World War II.
Klein’s design had heavy wheels and limited steering. But it was mass-produced. This showed a big need for powered wheelchairs.

Key Dates in the History of Electric Wheelchairs

Important moments shaped electric wheelchairs:

• In 1900, spoked wheels were added.
• In 1916, a motorised wheelchair was first used in London.
• In 1932, Harry Jennings made the modern folding wheelchair.
• In 1953, the first mass-produced electric wheelchair hit the market.
  Klein’s 1953 invention met a real need. Though bulky with weak steering, it proved powered mobility was wanted.

Modern Electric Wheelchairs

The wheelchair market keeps growing. New materials and tech make today’s electric wheelchairs small, strong, and easy to use.
Recent years brought big changes:

• Better batteries allow longer trips.
• Tight turning makes them great for small spaces.
• Light frames make them easy to carry.
  Battery sizes have improved. For example, LITH-TECH uses light batteries, unlike heavy lead-acid ones from the 1990s and 2000s.
  The World Health Organization calls mobility a human right. These devices give independence to those who need it.

FAQ

When was the first electric wheelchair invented?

A motorised wheelchair was first used in London in 1916. But George Klein’s 1953 invention made electric wheelchairs real and mass-produced.

Why did electric wheelchairs become necessary?

Manual wheelchairs need arm strength or help. Electric ones give freedom to those who can’t push themselves, like veterans or people with severe disabilities.

What are some key innovations in modern electric wheelchairs?

New features include light carbon fiber frames, smart controls, comfy shock-absorbing seats, tight turning, strong motors, longer battery life, foldable designs, and easy-to-use interfaces.

Are electric wheelchairs considered medical equipment?

Yes. They’re durable medical equipment (DME). They improve life for people with mobility challenges.

SUPERPI Model P2 and the Future

Super Pi Robot’s Model P2 is a top example of new wheelchair tech. Super Pi Robot, started in July 2022, focuses on smart devices for the elderly. They aim to boost mobility with innovation.
The Model P2 blends great design and performance:

• It weighs only 20.5kg, with a light carbon fiber frame. It’s the lightest folding electric wheelchair around.
• Elastic seats with memory foam make it super comfy.
• Two 250W brushless motors give strong power, climbing up to 12° slopes.
• A smart control system has auto-braking and collision avoidance. It turns in just 78cm.
• It’s small enough to fit in a car trunk, great for daily use or trips.
  Super Pi Robot offers strong R&D, custom options, and great after-sales support. They provide training, marketing help, spare parts, and a two-year warranty (not for consumable parts).
  The Model P2 isn’t just a product. It’s part of a mission to improve seniors’ lives with smart, caring tech.

Partners who share this vision are welcome. To join as a distributor: contact → intro → negotiate → sign → deliver.