AWARD YEAR
2017
CATEGORY
Play & Learning
GOALS
Reduced Inequality
KEYWORDS
open-soure , DIY, wheelchair
COUNTRY
Italy
DESIGNED BY
Fabrizio Alessio, FabLab Torino
WEBSITE
http://toowheels.org/
ToowWheels
An open-source DIY toolkit to build a sports wheelchair. It's low-cost, adaptable and easy to build.
Too Wheels provides a low-cost and adaptable DIY alternative to expensive ready-made sports wheelchairs. Makers are able to download the open-source wheelchair blueprint, adjust the design based on their unique measurements, and build the finished product from cheap and easily available materials such as plywood, metal tubing, and bicycle wheels. If built correctly, for as little as €200 anyone across the world can own a sports wheelchair with the performance of a €2,000 pre-made alternative. Fabrizio Alessi, founder of Too Wheels, first started designing the DIY wheelchair as a student after spending time volunteering with a disability charity. Although state funding in Italy, Fabrizio’s home nation, provides standard wheelchairs for disabled people, the more expensive wheelchairs required for playing sports are not covered. Using Too Wheels, children and adults alike are able to play a host of games including basketball, tennis, softball or rugby.