A new wheelchair designed and manufactured by Denbigh-based Off-Road Engineering Ltd is set to improve the lives of disabled people.
The HexHog (
www.hexhog.com) brings together the functional attributes of a wheelchair and an all-terrain vehicle and has a flexible chassis that keeps all six wheels in contact with the ground — even on the most rugged terrain.
Sion Pierce, a student engineer at Harper Adams University, came up with the idea after hearing about a disabled farmer who couldn’t access all of his land safely.
He has now secured a £25,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales.
Mr Pierce said: “Other wheelchairs dubbed ‘all-terrain’ are suitable for flat or muddy surfaces, but they struggle with the rugged countryside terrain.
"From private individuals who enjoy an outdoor life to farm workers who have had an accident, the Hexhog is ideal for anybody with a physical disability who needs the capability of a quad bike but is dependent on a wheelchair.”
With a flexible chassis and 20in-diameter wheels that are 6in wide, the Hexhog can handle mud, water, sand, snow and ice.
It is powered by a lithium-ion battery and has a top speed of 9mph, so it complies with European mobility-device regulations. Prices start at £18,000.
Mr Pierce added: “The help from the development bank has made a huge difference. Their faith in our product and our ability to take it to market means that we now have the cash-flow to fund our initial manufacturing.
"We’re so grateful that they’ve had the confidence to take the leap of faith needed to support our vision.”