© Siemens Stiftung 2015.

empowering people. Award: Winner 2012 – LFC

www.empowering-people-network.org

© Siemens Stiftung 2015.

Leveraged freedom chair

© Siemens Stiftung 2015.

Leveraged freedom chair

The Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC) is a wheelchair developed for the conditions in developing countries. It is a lever-propelled wheelchair that provides unparalleled mobility on rough terrain. Instead of using gears and derailleurs, which are likely to break in the conditions prevailing in developing countries, the user changes gears and achieves a 3:1 change in mechanical advantage by simply moving his hands up and down a set of levers that are connected to the drivetrain. All moving parts on the LFC are made from bicycle components. The LFC is currently produced with a contract manufacturer in India. The cost of producing an LFC and ensuring it is appropriately prescribed is approximately 200 USD. This is much less than the costs of conventional “off-road” wheelchairs constructed in developed countries. The business model includes complementing the current base in India by establishing regional distributors in key locations such as Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

© Siemens Stiftung 2015.

Leveraged freedom chair

Contact: Tish Scolnik GRIT – USAwww.goGRIT.orgtish@goGRIT.org

© Siemens Stiftung 2015.

empowering people. Award 2015

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