In the European Union alone, five million people use wheelchairs to get around. It’s not too much of a bold statement to say that many cities are not wheelchair-friendly – for example, there are often no escalators and never elevators to get down to the Paris metro – so there are already some obstacles when it comes to freedom of transport for those with disabilities. Added to this is the fact that most wheelchairs are neither comfortable nor space-efficient: they are usually clunky, cumbersome and not so easy to use. 

Wheelchair of the future

This is where LAYER comes in, in partnership with Materialise, with its made-to-measure wheelchair of the future, ‘GO’. This 3D-printed wheelchair is made to fit people with a wide range of needs and disabilities, and made with its user in mind. The seat has a custom form, as well as the foot-bay – both designed using 3D digital data derived from each user’s biometric data. 

“GO is an excellent example of the use of 3D printing to offer mass customisation and personalisation of products. This project is a meaningful application of 3D printing to have a positive impact on individuals’ lives.” – Philip Hudson, Managing Director at Materialise

As a result, each wheelchair fits its user’s body shape, weight and disability so as to reduce any discomfort and allow for more flexibility and increased safety. This product is the future of mobility with a disability, one in which users can move around more freely, comfortably and where their needs are actually being met and catered to. 

The process

GO is the product of a two-year intensive research process during which LAYER interviewed wheelchair users and medical professionals in order to create a product that was more human-centred. One of its main goals was also to find ways to reduce the stigma which wheelchair users face on a daily basis, which they seem to have achieved. 

Users can even participate in the design process of their own wheelchair through the GO app, on which they can choose optional elements, patterns and colour ways. 

The sleek wheelchair is elegant and stylish while still being minimalistic and comfortable – so much so that it is being used by athletes. GO received multiple awards, such as ‘Best Product’ by the Fast Company Innovation Design Award, ‘Best Product’ by the Design Index Award, and the ‘Designer of the Year’ Award from Ideat. 

Make sure to also check out Layer’s project Joyn – the autonomous ride sharing platform.

Pictures: LAYER