Page 40 - Mobility Management, July/August 2021

Drop-off Protection
Every power wheelchair manufacturer publishes a safe step threshold for their chair. This safe step limit is typically in the range of 3-3.5 inches but varies by wheelchair make and model and represents the drop- off that would likely cause the wheelchair to tip over. It is the best rule-of-thumb value based on ANSI/ RESNA testing and is useful; but it is based on strict test methodologies in test lab conditions; not in real world driving. In the real world...
Physics tells us that there are an infinite number
of combinations of seating assembly positions, accessories and attachments, user weight, user positioning, ground slopes, and drop-offs that could cause a power wheelchair to tip over.
In the future, intelligent seating assemblies will improve the safety of wheelchairs. Since most current power wheelchairs on the market do not actively track the actual center of gravity of the chair, the safe step threshold is the best information we have to work with.
Challenge Accepted
It’s a tough problem, but LUCI’s team is leading the way.
From a safety standpoint, LUCI introduces collision avoidance safety features that are simply expected on other motorized vehicles and is adding drop-off protection to the list of safety features that should exist in the world. Our outside research found that a power wheelchair collision can create forces greater than those allowed by law in cars and can cause more trauma than an NFL helmet-to-helmet tackle.2 LUCI’s collision avoidance protects riders while allowing them greater independence with fewer accidents and fewer costly chair and home repairs.
Predictive drop-off protection is something that is unique to the world of power wheelchairs and LUCI is leading the way in developing a solution. All the previously discussed challenges of developing safety technology for collision avoidance apply to drop-off protection, with the added challenges of:
• Unlike automobiles, wheelchairs go everywhere; there is no mapped road with a nice stripe down the middle and road signs.
• Many carpet patterns, tile patterns, surface textures and light to dark shadows mimic the look of an unsafe curb or edge.
• The clinical and industrial environment often use highly polished reflective flooring that can make detection of the ground difficult, due to glare.
While the challenge is difficult, tips and falls in power wheelchairs can be extremely damaging. Every tip avoided is one less, potentially catastrophic injury.
LUCI changes the industry’s current discussions around innovation and safety and offers a platform for progress. Ultimately, we hope the experience and information LUCI provides will lead to real improvements in riders’ experience, health, independence, and quality of life.