“Big Wheel” Attachment Improves Wheelchair Mobility
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One big front wheel is better than two small ones when it comes to maneuvering a wheelchair over obstacles and rough terrain. The FreeWheel® Wheelchair attachment was designed and developed by engineer Patrick Dougherty after an accident left him a C6/7 quadriplegic.
His manual wheelchair was difficult to maneuver in his backyard when he wanted to be with his children. With the help of machinist friends he built the first prototypes and sold them out of his garage. Serious factory production started in 2010, and the FreeWheel is now sold in 32 countries, says Cindy Krieg, business manager for the Boise, Idaho, company.
“It quickly and securely clamps onto the footrest frame and lifts the front casters off the ground. Putting the big 12-in. wheel out front increases the wheelbase and helps negotiate curbs and obstacles,” she explains.
She adds that even small bumps in the street can tip people out of their wheelchairs with standard size front wheels, so riders are always watching the ground in front of them.
“Customers tell us they can look up now. They don’t have to stare at their feet to make sure the casters don’t catch on anything,” Krieg says. Besides smoothing out the ride, the front wheel also stays straight with a detent mechanism (spring tension ball) to improve stability; it releases for easy turning.
She says she hears stories every day from customers excited about regaining some independence with the FreeWheel for a reasonable cost ($599). With the RACK Carry-All, wheelchair users can also carry up to 25 lbs. of gear in front of them for easy access.
Some insurance companies cover at least part of the cost, and veterans receive full coverage.
FreeWheel products and dealers can also be found through the company’s distributor, www.epicalsolutions.com.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Free Wheel, Cindy Krieg, Boise, Idaho (ph 208 571-2051; cindy@gofreewheel.com; www.gofreewheel.com).
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“Big Wheel” Attachment Improves Wheelchair Mobility FARM HOME Miscellaneous One big front wheel is better than two small ones when it comes to maneuvering a wheelchair over obstacles and rough terrain The FreeWheel® Wheelchair attachment was designed and developed by engineer Patrick Dougherty after an accident left him a C6/7 quadriplegic His manual wheelchair was difficult to maneuver in his backyard when he wanted to be with his children With the help of machinist friends he built the first prototypes and sold them out of his garage Serious factory production started in 2010 and the FreeWheel is now sold in 32 countries says Cindy Krieg business manager for the Boise Idaho company “It quickly and securely clamps onto the footrest frame and lifts the front casters off the ground Putting the big 12-in wheel out front increases the wheelbase and helps negotiate curbs and obstacles ” she explains She adds that even small bumps in the street can tip people out of their wheelchairs with standard size front wheels so riders are always watching the ground in front of them “Customers tell us they can look up now They don’t have to stare at their feet to make sure the casters don’t catch on anything ” Krieg says Besides smoothing out the ride the front wheel also stays straight with a detent mechanism spring tension ball to improve stability; it releases for easy turning She says she hears stories every day from customers excited about regaining some independence with the FreeWheel for a reasonable cost $599 With the RACK Carry-All wheelchair users can also carry up to 25 lbs of gear in front of them for easy access Some insurance companies cover at least part of the cost and veterans receive full coverage FreeWheel products and dealers can also be found through the company’s distributor www epicalsolutions com Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Free Wheel Cindy Krieg Boise Idaho ph 208 571-2051; cindy@gofreewheel com; www gofreewheel com
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