Last month we profiled the innovative Wheelblades, which essentially allow a user in a wheelchair to better travel over snow and ice. Patrick Mayer, the visionary behind this technology, told us how he hopes it can improve the users’ lives.
KineticShift: Do you think this product can improve the lives of the users by making it easier to get around in winter conditions?
Patrick Mayer: Yes, definitely! I am the inventor of the Wheelblades and I don’t want to sell any useless crap. The Wheelblades really improved my life during wintertime but to gain the maximum mobility, you also have to buy mountain bike tires for your wheelchair.
With this little product, you can push a wheelchair through the snow for the first time. I tested the skis really critically and can’t say anything bad about them. They just do what you want and you can install them very easy and fast.
KS: How long did it take you to develop this technology?
PM: At all, it took 4 years to develop the Wheelblades. In 2008, I started on my own and in 2010 I worked together with the IPEK, a very good company in Switzerland which is specialized in developing new products.
In the first two years, I could make a lot of important experiences which helped me in the process of development. I had a clear vision of the product when I collaborated with the IPEK.
On http://www.facebook.com/wheelblades you can see one of my first drawings. But without the professional work of the IPEK, I would never come so far!!
KS: How are medical suppliers and health care providers responding to this device?
PM: Everybody is very excited about this new product and I get mails from the Germany, Austria, US, Russia, UK, Canada and even Australia.
I am not interested in earning a lot of money with my invention. I just found the perfect solution for wintertime when the ground is covered with snow ore ice and I want to make this solution available for everyone.
KS: Would you ever consider developing Wheelblades for athletic wheelchairs?
PM: The wheelblades are designed for all manual wheelchairs. The adjustable clamp lock covers all wheel widths from 1.8 to 6 cm.
Even if your Wheelblades run quiet and steady at high speeds, they are not a sports machine but a mobility aid and perform best and safest at walking speed. If people want to use them for athletic wheelchairs doing sport, I don’t take responsibility for any accidents.
KS: What is your next project?
PM: I have a very interesting new project in my head but I can’t tell you more details. You have to wait some years. The realization will be quite difficult and expensive so first, I’ll have to earn some money to go for my big dream.
You can be excited!!
Thank you to Patrick for talking with us.