AWARD YEAR
2019
CATEGORY
Body
GOALS
Good Health & Well-being
KEYWORDS
wheelchair, manual, steering mechanism
COUNTRY
Switzerland
DESIGNED BY
Reto Togni
WEBSITE
https://retotogni.com/the-reagiro
The Reagiro
The Reagiro ist the world's first manual everyday wheelchair with an actual steering mechanism.
The Reagiro is the first manual everyday wheelchair that promotes joy in using assistive devices. Its fully mechanical, patent pending (GB1709932.6) steering system allows a user to control the movement of the chair either conventionally or through upper body movement rather than through breaking and pushing. Through a laterally tiltable backrest that is linked to a front axle a leaning into curves is turned into a steering. Tilting sideways for steering is closely connected to fun, delight
and a sense of freedom. As the kinetic energy can be steered a natural and dynamic movement is enabled and easy one-handed propulsion unlocked. This leaves room for i.e. a cup of coffee, a
smartphone or an umbrella and as such increases the overall quality of life for wheelchair users. According to feedback gained in general user-testing the system also offers therapeutic benefits through stimulating core muscles and relieving the hands and therefore potentially prevents common healthcare problems