Electric addition makes wheelchairs zoom

This story first appeared in the June issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

You’ve heard of electric bikes – now there’s electric wheelchair “trikes”.

Yes, electric power assist is available for wheelchair users to get them where they want to go – quickly and without muscle stress.

RGK New Zealand, run by Brendon Stratton and Scott Robertson from their office in Takapuna, Auckland, offers electric power assist attachments for wheelchair users.

They can help people go further and faster and are suitable for footpaths, cycleways, and even off-road in some cases. Speeds are limited to under 35km/h, but Stratton reckons most would do about a 25km/h top speed, depending on weight and terrain.

Stratton, a paraplegic since the age of 14 after a car crash, has a customised electric attachment for his own use. A world-class athlete in handcycling and a wheelchair basketball coach, he gets around.

Before his accident, Stratton was also a world-class BMX competitor, rated No 4 in New Zealand for the 14-year boys 20-inch class. He was a month away from attending the BMX world championships in Florida when the crash occurred.

Not one to let such things get in his way, Stratton has been competing since 2012 and does a lot of mountain biking (handcycling), especially in Woodhill Forest. He’s also been in some of the most gruelling cycle challenges around, like the 100km K1 Coromandel to Tairua ride and the 160km Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

It was among all this Stratton realised people from children to senior citizens using wheelchairs often needed more help with mobility.

He started RGK New Zealand in 2005 with Robertson, both also involved since 2004 in IT recruitment company High Street IT.

RGK offers a variety of makes and models, particularly from Italian brand Triride which has about seven models. These are customised, targeted to needs and budgets from a standard connection to off-road devices, Stratton says.

They easily turn a standard wheelchair into a motorized wheelchair or a lightweight, compact and powerful electric scooter.

“We can configure these to suit the customer,” he says.

The Trirides also offer a regenerative braking system – IBS intelligent braking systems.
Weight is often a critical factor for wheelchair users, and the Triride range starts at 7.5kg, with the heaviest 12.5kg, including a battery.

The Firefly, by Rio Mobility, is 10.5kg including the battery.

The lighter weights make the power attachment easier to get in and out of vehicles, usually unclipping in seconds.

“That’s important for people who may not have much body strength,” Stratton says.
The power assists have a range varying from 35km to 100km, depending on the product, the individual and the terrain. The lithium battery recharges in about three hours and 45 minutes from empty.

Stratton says it’s the ability to customise which is important, done in Italy where even a colour match can be provided.

All models feature advanced functions, including electronic brake operated by lever, reverse gear, cruise control, electronic-assisted lifting for the wheelchair’s front wheels, “Normal” and “Sport” modes, five speed levels and more.

An entry-level power assist comes from USA-based Rio Mobility, which provides the Firefly attachable full power handcycle.

The Firefly doesn’t offer the same flexibility and customisation as Triride, but Stratton says it’s useful for those seeking a lower cost device for use in an urban environment.
Another is Quickie Attitude which also provides a power assist.

Stratton says power attachments like Triride’s may take about an hour to first set up, but then only require seconds to later add or remove.

He uses a Triride high powered attachment to do a lot of chores.

Trirides can have their torque configured to suit individual needs.

Stratton says he was initially against having power assist for himself. “But I found it amazing – it allows you to do so much more.”

Until a few years ago, power assist was not as viable. But advancing technology has made them far more useful, Stratton says.

Search for RGK NZ on Facebook or contact Brendon Stratton on 0274 660 048, or Scott Robertson on 0274 322 489.