Kickstarter campaign adds silicone style to wheelchairs
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on Kickstarter.com to buy injection moulds to produce a simple device called “Grippoz”, a wheelchair push-rim cover that enables users to propel themselves with greater ease and comfort.
The brainchild of Paul Lawson of Alyth, Perthshire, whose partner Diana has been wheelchair-bound for eight years, Paul made a prototype of his invention after seeing how pain and lack of grip frustrated Diana in completing everyday tasks. Since installing on her wheelchair Grippoz has given her a greater degree of independence.
The plan is for the invention to go into full production, with the push-rim covers made from colourful, durable, antimicrobial silicone. The social enterprise that has been set up to market the product will sell Grippoz online, with profits being used to help other small businesses and new products in the area. The initial funding needed for the injection moulds is being raised through the established crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter. The campaign will run online until 8th December and aims to raise at least £22,500.
Speaking about how Grippoz has changed her life, Diana said: "I always had to wait for Paul to come and push me along. When I first I went out with my Grippoz on, I realised I didn't have to wait for him and went off myself into the hospital for my appointment. Every few metres people were stopping me to talk about Grippoz. The colourful push-rims really make my chair stand out more. For the first time people saw me and were speaking to me in my chair and not the person pushing me. It was just wonderful."
Grippoz are made from injected silicone which offers users additional protection from germs and infection, and their robust design helps to protect furniture from bumps and scrapes. The product is designed for adult wheelchair users and will be produced initially in black or pink to fit a 24 inch pushrim.
To contribute to Grippoz crowdfunding campaign, visit www.grippoz.com/kickstarter.