Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Translogic checks out the made-for-wheelchairs Kenguru EV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/translogic-checks-out-the-made-for-wheelchairs-kenguru-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/translogic-checks-out-the-made-for-wheelchairs-kenguru-ev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/translogic-checks-out-the-made-for-wheelchairs-kenguru-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

kenguru ev with wheelchair

The people behind the subway-friendly, all-electric Kenguru have experienced many of the ups and downs that other start-up EV companies are all too familiar with. In fact, when you first go to the Kenguru website, it doesn't ask if you want to buy a car, it says "Investors Wanted!"

But that drama hides a simple idea that is executed so well here. The Kenguru is basically a battery-powered, car-shaped wrapper for a wheelchair. That idea, to help people with mobility difficulties achieve a new level of independence, is elucidated nicely by Stacy Zoern, CEO of Community Cars (the company now behind the Kenguru; the vehicle was originally designed by Rehab, Ltd in Hungary) in a new video by our friends at Translogic. Watch it below.

Based in Pflugerville, TX, Community Cars assembles the Kenguru by hand, but it currently doesn't have enough money to make and sell them (see: call for investors). The latest hiccup isn't stopping Zoern, who says that a joystick-driven model is coming next. This will be a big deal for her, because, as you can see in the video when she shakes hands, she does not have the upper-body strength to drive the current version. She has driven a car before, a converted "normal" car that cost $80,000, but ended up getting into an accident, making the cheaper Kenguru - at $25,000 - both personal and practical. We think that the Kenguru is also a perfect candidate for wireless charging.

The RWD, fiberglass Kenguru has but one door - in the back to allow a wheelchair to roll on in - and has a top speed of 45 kilometers an hour (28 miles per hour) and a range of somewhere between 70 and 110 km (43-68 miles). It also qualifies, in some areas, for both green vehicle credits as well as vocational rehabilitation incentives. That just might make it the best kind of hybrid. See for yourself in the video below.

Continue reading Translogic checks out the made-for-wheelchairs Kenguru EV

Translogic checks out the made-for-wheelchairs Kenguru EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclekengurukenguru evstacy zoernwheelchairwheelchair carwheelchair vehicleSun, 17 Jun 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20257113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/17/translogic-checks-out-the-made-for-wheelchairs-kenguru-ev/20257113/article-detail.xml 20257113 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/kenguru-ev-with-wheelchair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/kenguru-ev-with-wheelchair.jpg <![CDATA[AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/am-general-to-build-vpg-mv-1-people-mover-at-hummer-h2-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/am-general-to-build-vpg-mv-1-people-mover-at-hummer-h2-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/am-general-to-build-vpg-mv-1-people-mover-at-hummer-h2-factory/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vehicle Production Group MV-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Standard Taxi from the Vehicle Production Group? It's now called the MV-1, and production is slated to begin next year at the AM General plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. That's the same assembly location where the Hummer H2 is built, which makes sense since the MV-1 is based on the same GM underpinnings as the behemoth SUV.

According to its makers, the MV-1 is the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle in America, and it's able to accommodate up to six adults or two full-size wheelchairs. An ADA-approved ramp that stows under the vehicle's floor and a 36-inch wide side opening are designed to make entry and exit a simple affair.

With its body-on-frame construction made with fully boxed rails, the MV-1 should prove to be a durable people mover and its well-known GM drivetrain components should also be easily serviceable. Further, VPG has teamed up with Clean Energy to develop a dedicated compressed natural gas powertrain option that will provide a 250-mile range with significantly reduced emissions.

Styling wise, the MV-1 may not be the prettiest machine on the road, but for those needing to transport wheelchair-bound passengers, this design may just be a thing of beauty. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Vehicle Production Group MV-1


[Source: VPG Autos, Detroit Free Press]

AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cng taxiCngTaxicompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmh2hummerhummer h2HummerH2mv-1standard taxiStandardTaxivehicle production groupvehicle production group mv-1VehicleProductionGroupVehicleProductionGroupMv-1vpgwheelchairwheelchair accessiblewheelchair accessible carwheelchair accessible taxiWheelchairAccessWheelchairAccessibleWheelchairAccessibleCarWheelchairAccessibleTaxiWed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19203219/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/21/am-general-to-build-vpg-mv-1-people-mover-at-hummer-h2-factory/19203219/article-detail.xml 19203219 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/vpg-mv-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/vpg-mv-1.jpg <![CDATA[Wild Ride: Semi pushes wheelchair-bound man 50mph down highway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/07/wild-ride-semi-pushes-wheelchair-bound-man-50mph-down-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/07/wild-ride-semi-pushes-wheelchair-bound-man-50mph-down-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/07/wild-ride-semi-pushes-wheelchair-bound-man-50mph-down-highway/#commentsFiled under: ,

rig grilleIt could have been a horrible tragedy, but at the end of it all, no one was injured, and there were no hard feelings, either. Michigan State Police were skeptical when they started receiving calls saying that a big rig was pushing a wheelchair down the Red Arrow Highway in Paw Paw, Mich., but when the calls didn't abate, they headed out to investigate.

The rig was found in front of a local trucking company and to everyone's shock, there was a wheelchair attached to the front. With a man in it, no less. The occupant was unharmed, and the astonished truck driver had no idea he was even there. Apparently, the wheelchair was in the process of crossing the road in front of the truck. Too low for the driver to see, it was driven into. Miraculously, the chair was positioned in such a way that the handles lodged in the rig's grille and it wound up facing forward. Think about it -- it could have just as easily been knocked over and then run over -- a nightmare scenario for all parties involved.

Instead, the worst thing that happened was that the man in the wheelchair apparently spilled the soda pop he was drinking during his high-speed trip. Of the experience, he told authorities, "It was quite a ride."

Friends, that's today's candidate for understatement of the year.

[Source: South Bend Tribune]

Wild Ride: Semi pushes wheelchair-bound man 50mph down highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big rigBigRigsemiwheelchairwheelchair pushed down highwwayWheelchairPushedDownHighwwaywheelcharThu, 07 Jun 2007 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/912822/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/06/07/wild-ride-semi-pushes-wheelchair-bound-man-50mph-down-highway/912822/article-detail.xml 912822 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/rig_grille_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/rig_grille.jpg <![CDATA[GM tacks on two extra years of OnStar for mobility-adapted vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/gm-tacks-on-two-extra-years-of-onstar-for-mobility-adapted-vehic/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/gm-tacks-on-two-extra-years-of-onstar-for-mobility-adapted-vehic/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/13/gm-tacks-on-two-extra-years-of-onstar-for-mobility-adapted-vehic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

General Motors announced today that in addition to the standard free year of service that comes with every vehicle equipped with OnStar, customers purchasing a GM vehicle with aftermarket equipment for the disabled will receive an extra two years of free OnStar service. The deal works through GM's Mobility Reimbursement Program that since 1991 has been reimbursing disabled customers an extra $1,000 when they buy or lease a GM vehicle and adapt it with one of 35 eligible aftermarket mobility modifications such as scooter hoists, wheelchair lifts and GM's own Sit-N-Lift Power Seat. GM sees OnStar as a service that provides additional benefits to the disabled and seniors with its ability to make hands-free calls, 24-hour emergency assistance and remote door unlocking capabilities, among others. After a person's three years of free service ends, the cost of continuing OnStar would be either $199/year for the Safe & Sound plan or $399/year for the Directions and Connections plan that includes turn-by-turn navigation.

[Source: GM]

GM tacks on two extra years of OnStar for mobility-adapted vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disabledGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsliftmobilityOnStarwheelchairFri, 13 Oct 2006 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/684324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/10/13/gm-tacks-on-two-extra-years-of-onstar-for-mobility-adapted-vehic/684324/article-detail.xml 684324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/gmsitnlift_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/gmsitnlift.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki unveils MIO: the fuel-cell powered wheelchair]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/suzuki-unveils-mio-the-fuel-cell-powered-wheelchair/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/suzuki-unveils-mio-the-fuel-cell-powered-wheelchair/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/29/suzuki-unveils-mio-the-fuel-cell-powered-wheelchair/#commentsFiled under: ,




From sister-blog Engadget comes word of an adorable new Suzuki that should have people rolling in the aisles. Not because it's funny looking, but because it will offer mobility to those who need the aid only a wheelchair can provide. And guess what? It's one of the greenest vehicles on the planet too. Ditching the old-school lead-acid batteries of its forefathers, the new Suzuki MIO uses a so-right-now fuel cell-powered motor. Well, it doesn't forego batteries altogether, using a "large capacity Li-ion secondary battery." Range should be around 25 miles per 4 liter methanol fill-up.

And check out the other slick features on this broken-hip whip. The MIO uses armrests that double as safety barriers, ergonomic handlebars, a ventilated mesh seating surface, and an LCD panel that displays fuel level and power status. Suzuki insists the MIO is simply a prototype, and offers no pricing details while it "judges consumer interest."

[Source: Engadget]

Suzuki unveils MIO: the fuel-cell powered wheelchair originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenelectricfuel cellFuelCellLi-onmethanolMIOwheelchairFri, 29 Sep 2006 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/676684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/29/suzuki-unveils-mio-the-fuel-cell-powered-wheelchair/676684/article-detail.xml 676684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/mio_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/mio.jpg <![CDATA[Wheels for the wealthy wheelchair-bound]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/23/wheels-for-the-wealthy-wheelchair-bound/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/23/wheels-for-the-wealthy-wheelchair-bound/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/23/wheels-for-the-wealthy-wheelchair-bound/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When we think of transportation designed for the physically challenged, a picture of a Dodge Caravan converted to be wheelchair accessible pops in our heads. But your average Mr. Money Bags doesn't find himself scoping out Caravans when it comes time to replace his chauffer-driven Rolls, so why should those who roll in a wheelchair have to? It's an interesting question that Dignity Transportation felt compelled to answer with its Dignity Star wheelchair-accessible limo, believed to be the first of its kind in North America. Based on a 2006 Dodge High Roof Sprinter 2500, the Dignity Star's cargo hold has been converted into a limo with all the opulent trimmings one would expect in any stretch, including 15- and 20-inch LCD TVs, a DVD/CD player, five-speaker sound system with wireless headphones, and full dark window tint. There's also a curved leather couch inside that seats six and enough room for two wheelchairs to come aboard via the rear-mounted lift. You know what that means? No more cruisin' to the country club in a Caravan.

[Source: Dignity Star]

Continue reading Wheels for the wealthy wheelchair-bound

Wheels for the wealthy wheelchair-bound originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Sep 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibledisabledmobilitywheelchairSat, 23 Sep 2006 17:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/673597/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/23/wheels-for-the-wealthy-wheelchair-bound/673597/article-detail.xml 673597 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/mod-264926_aprbw_special_need_10116309_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/mod-264926_aprbw_special_need_10116309.jpg <![CDATA[Tank Chair promises extended mobility for disabled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/24/tank-chair/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/24/tank-chair/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/24/tank-chair/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"This is crap. Real all-terrain wheelchairs have tank treads."

This was Autoblog reader Shiznannigan's reaction to the Superfourin chair posted earlier. He then graciously referred us to the Tank Chair.

The Tank Chair (TC) is a one-person vehicle that uses tracks (like a tank) instead of standard wheels. While the inventor doesn't give much in the way of technical specs, the TC has reportedly been tested in snow, mud and sand. Each chair is custom-built to customer's specifications-- a 300-pound person with a T1 spinal break would have an altogether different chair (including suspension characteristics)--than someone who is, say, a 150-pound paraplegic.

Pictures, video, and additional information can be found at the link.


[Source: TankChair.com]

Tank Chair promises extended mobility for disabled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diabilityTank chairTankChairWheel ChairwheelchairMon, 24 Apr 2006 16:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/611158/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/04/24/tank-chair/611158/article-detail.xml 611158 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/tankchair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/tankchair.jpg <![CDATA[Superfourin chair allows roughing it for disabled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/23/superfourin-chair-allows-roughing-it-for-disabled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/23/superfourin-chair-allows-roughing-it-for-disabled/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/23/superfourin-chair-allows-roughing-it-for-disabled/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sibling-site Engadget posted about the Superfourin chair, a modified wheelchair/ATV developed by the German organizations Fraunhofer Institute for Information and Data Processing IITB and Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH. The chair not only allows a disabled person to traverse rough terrains with ease, but tracks them via the built-in GPS system while other systems monitor the driver's vital signs. In the event of a problem, such as the driver suffering a seizure or the chair's wheels lock up, an alert is instantly transmitted.

Other details, such as the hybrid engine and fleet monitoring, can be found at Engadget.

[Source: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft via Gizmag via Engadget]

Superfourin chair allows roughing it for disabled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Apr 2006 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disabledwheelchairSun, 23 Apr 2006 07:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/610853/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/04/23/superfourin-chair-allows-roughing-it-for-disabled/610853/article-detail.xml 610853 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/Superfourin-chair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/Superfourin-chair.jpg -1 2