GEN_1 Design Wheelchair

GEN_1 specifications:

– 35 lb (16 kg)

– conventional 4-wheel design

– 8” x 1” front casters

– 24” x 1.95” mountain bike rear tires

– brakes on both rear wheels

– rigid, non-folding steel frame

– polypropylene resin chair (virgin resin) + UV stabilizer

– adjustable leg-length footrest

– a 3 cm thick urethane foam cushion

– a hand air pump and patch kit fixed to the frame

– a 5 strap adjustable harness for children and adults as needed

– nylon insert stay-tight nuts

– Approximate resin chair dimensions (based on commercially available chair): 31″”h x 20″”w x 22″”d

– Rated to hold up to 90 kg (198 lbs)

Assembly guide is available online.

FWM provides training videos for the distribution partners to watch: assembly video and  care and maintenance video.

Distribution partners are trained by FWM through the “Leading Partner Program” to properly prescribe and fit wheelchairs as well as train recipients how to better care for themselves and their wheelchair.

Recipients all receive a manual with their wheelchair that covers proper use and maintenance. A training video is also shown to recipients (when a video cannot be shown, a live demonstration is given).

No disposal protocol information readily available. Designed to last 3-5 years.

Dr. Susan Shore’s field study, which surveyed recipients of FWM wheelchairs in India and Peru found: 28% of FWM recipients reported a repair at some time during use (average 18 months); 19.7% reported tire problems; most common maintenance problem reported was with the wheels (6.4% front, 13.3% back) including flat tires or difficulty with the valves; 2.7% reported problems with the resin chair; 62.2% of recipients were able to use the chair independently for mobility (all others were transported in the chair by family members or friends); 6.9% reported using their chair less than 1 hour/day, 46.3% used it 1–4 hours/day, and 46.8% used their chair more than 4 hours/day, 11.7% reported using their chair more than 8 hours/day.

GEN_1 version of FWM wheelchair is one size and thus does not allow for individual fitting to accommodate children or individuals with varying disabilities. A wheelchair that is not properly fit to the needs of an individual user can result in discomfort or injury (such as scoliosis or pressure sores) due to insufficient support or improper cushioning. There is also a risk of tipping while using a wheelchair.