Sinclair Research Limited for the A-Bike, Z1 micro radio, Wheelchair Drive Unit and Sea Scooter

Wheelchair Drive Unit

The most affordable Powered Wheelchair Accessory

A new ultra-light accessory – it weighs less than 10lbs (4.5kg) including battery and charger – the Sinclair Research WDU is designed to provide electrically powered ‘pushing assistance' for most common domestic types of folding and rigid attendant propelled wheelchairs. Priced at just £299 it provides the lowest-cost alternative to conventional powered wheelchairs – typically costing ten times as much - and may be installed in ten to twenty minutes.

The unit's principal purpose is to provide 'climbing' support on ramps and inclines. It will supply, for example, 100% of the power needed to climb a one-in-eight hill at a steady 1.7 mph or 50% of the requirement for a one-in-four ramp (both assuming a 13 stone [82.7kg] patient).

Safety and innovation

The result of a five-year £500,000 development programme, the new Sinclair Research WDU is targeted as a radical departure in the provision of wheelchair facilities for the disabled.

Principally constructed in reinforced polypropylene, the Sinclair Research WDU is designed for optimum safety including a number of motor innovations to prevent overload and overheating. It comprises:

Motor, gearbox and drive wheel unit which fasten simply and quickly to a wheelchair's frame via a pair of arms with quick release clamps at each end.
Separate sealed lead-acid rechargeable battery supplied in a shower-proof bag which straps to the wheelchair's frame.

To operate the chair, the attendant lowers the drive wheel to the ground with a finger tip operated lever. A handlebar-mounted automatic cut-off switch operates by thumb control and power is applied by depressing the switch trigger.

Benefits of the Wheelchair Drive Unit:

Most Efficient
Most Affordable
Easy Installation
Lightes in Weight
Indoor / Outdoor / Uphill Use
Most Wheelchairs Fold with WDU in Place
Suitable for Most Attendant Propelled Wheelchairs

Ease of Use

The new Sinclair Research WDU is designed for maximum ease-of-use and supports a range of special wheelchair user/attendant needs.

Once installed, for example, the quick release clamps mean it may be swiftly removed and re-fitted and additional clamps are available for users with more than one chair. Similarly most folding chairs may continue to fold with the unit and battery in place.

Normal tilting (e.g. when climbing kerbs) is permitted and the unit will also operate in conditions of wet weather or the normal dirt and grime associated with roads and pavements.

For more information, please see: WDU Manual Page 1 and WDU Manual Page 2

Ultra-efficient and smooth power transmission to the wheelchair

Finger tip operated lever

Product features

Designed for attendant control
Rechargable battery powered
Applicable for folding and rigid attendant propelled wheelchairs
Provides 1/2 of the power to climb a 1 in 4 ramp
Ultra-efficient and smooth power transmission to the wheelchair
Allows the attendant to walk alongside steering via one handle
Designed to prevent overloading and overheating the motor
The rechargable battery offers an approximate four-mile range with typical use or over 60 minutes at a steady 2.1 mph (3.4 kph)
Most folding chairs may continue to fold with the unit and battery in place
Normal tilting (e.g when climbing kerbs) is permitted
Comfortable top speed of 2.1 mph (3.4 kph)
Maintenance free battery
Able to operate in conditions of wet weather or the normal dirt and grime associated with roads and pavements
The smallest and lightest of its kind
Measuring only 130 x 145 x 110mm (L x H x W)
Weighs less than 10lbs (4.5kg) including charger and battery
Fits most wheel chairs