IIT Madras Develops Motorized Wheelchair Vehicle NeoBolt that Can Be Used Even on Uneven Terrains

IIT Madras has developed India's first indigenous motorized wheelchair vehicle that can be used not only on roads but even on uneven terrains. The product, called NeoBolt, has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and travels up to 25 km per charge. It empowers wheelchair users with a convenient, safe and low-cost mode of outdoor mobility when compared to cars, auto rickshaws or modified scooters. NeoBolt is powered by a Lithium-Ion Battery that will give 25 Kms for every charge, said a press release from the institute.

IIT-M Researchers collaborated extensively with organizations and hospitals working among people with locomotor disability and built the products factoring in their experiences and making constant design adjustments through the development process oof NeoBolt. NeoBolt was developed by a team led by Prof Sujatha Srinivasan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, and has been commercialized through a startup called 'NeoMotion.' The Startup has been co-founded by Prof Sujatha Srinivasan and an IIT Madras Alumnus  Swostik Sourav Dash, who is the CEO of NeoMotion.

Highlighting the vision behind developing these products, Prof Sujatha Srinivasan, faculty head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, said: "Our centre's vision is to transform the disability landscape in India by creating functional and affordable assistive devices. How often do you see a wheelchair user at a school, an office, a shop or a theatre? Wheelchair users are typically restricted to the four walls of their home, which affects their community participation and their ability to contribute to the economy."

She further went on to add: "NeoMotion, the start-up from R2D2 incubated at IIT Madras, is here to transform the landscape through game-changing and world-class wheelchair products designed and made in India - for India and the world."

Features of IIT Madras NeoBolt

• Quick and easy attachment design (patented).
• Safety anti-tippers (patented).
• Li-Ion battery, 25 km per charge, 4 hours recharge.
• Digital dashboard.
• Headlight, side indicators, horn, and mirror.
• Reverse function
• Telescopic suspension.
• Rugged built chassis.