From Superinnovators 10/11/23. This article is in TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) format which is popular in the innovation community and provides a bullet summary of information.
- Innovative mobility solution: Rooftop-based wheelchair storage and deployment systems for cars enable greater independence for mobility impaired people, with easy storage and access.
- Chair Topper: One such system is the Chair Topper from BraunAbility, a company renowned for creating mobility solutions, including modifications for wheelchair-accessible NYC taxis. A recent viral video post from Anthony J James showed a similar but as yet unknown system from east Asia.
- Company and product timeline: BraunAbility has been a leader in mobility solutions for nearly 50 years. The Chair Topper, a recent innovation, was further developed and is now manufactured by Autoadapt in Sweden as of 2017.
- How it functions: The Chair Topper works by lifting and storing a foldable, manual wheelchair in a weatherproof rooftop compartment. It operates with a handheld control, completing its cycle in just 30 seconds.
- Addressing challenges: This innovation solves the challenge of wheelchair users being able to transfer between wheelchair and driver seat, and load or unload t without the need for additional help. It also frees up interior space and maintains cleanliness, especially beneficial in tight parking situations.
- Quantifiable benefits and cost: The system can handle wheelchairs weighing up to 44 lbs and adds about 22.5 inches in height to the vehicle. It offers the convenience of not sacrificing passenger or cargo space inside the car. The Chair Topper is priced from £1,973.
- Future prospects and availability: The Chair Topper is available globally through BraunAbility’s extensive dealer network. Its design, over 25 years old, has been modernised, making it a lightweight and attractive solution for wheelchair users worldwide.
