Foldable wheelchair that fits cabin baggage standards aims to revolutionise air travel
The inventor of a collapsible wheelchair that fits the standard cabin baggage dimensions used universally by airlines is hoping his design will revolutionise air travel for disabled people.
Founder and Inventor Andrea Mocellin hopes the functional yet “safe and sturdy” design of the Revolve Air could help transform air travel for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair users face challenges on a daily basis with getting on trains, buses and airplanes, but the Revolve Air claims to help alleviate these issues.
Featuring collapsable wheels, Revolve Air folds in the same amount of time as a common foldable wheelchair, according to its inventor, saving up to 60 per cent more space when folded.
Its compact design means that wheelchair users do not have to check-in their own wheelchair and rely on airport assistance along their journey.
According to its inventor the Revolve Air is the first wheelchair in the world that can be used as hand luggage in aeroplanes, without any added difficulties.
“Revolve Air aims to give a total new independence to all active wheelchair users, who commute and travel everyday,” comments Andrea.
“This means no more need to check in the wheelchair at the airport hours before the flight, with the risk of damage to the valuable and necessary chair.
“No more long waiting at the luggage delivery. No need to store the wheelchair in a large car trunk giving Revolve Air owners the freedom to drive small cars or take any taxis available.
“Plus less need of assistance along the journey for more independence and time to invest for what really matters: the freedom to travel light and efficiently.
“This is a real breakthrough that can have a liberating effect on those who need to use wheelchairs, in all of the best ways.”
The ability for the user to easily store the wheelchair in a small trunk; the passenger seat of a compact car or in the overhead baggage hold on an aeroplane puts it in a whole new category, far ahead of the standard wheelchairs, folding or not, according to Andrea.
Opening or folding the wheelchair is a simple action, with 24-inch foldable wheels which can collapse along the same hub together with the seat and the backrest, guaranteeing transportability.
Andrea Mocellin personally developed, designed and constructed the current prototypes but now, he says, the product needs the right partners in the project to bring the wheelchair to market.
The inventor is currently looking to connect with individuals, companies and associations who are interested in helping support the development and manufacturing of a limited series of wheelchairs to be tested with potential users and infrastructure all around the world.
He is also seeking partners who could help him developing a rental space in airports around the world, making Revolve Air available to rent, and making trip flow much smoother.
Find out more by visiting the Revolve Air website and viewing the short video.