Young Kenyan engineer develops an all-terrain wheelchair

E-Con wheelchair stands on four legs, each with a tri-wheel configuration

A 26-year-old engineer from Kenya is seeking funds to further develop an all-terrain wheelchair to help disabled users stand upright, climb stairs, self-navigate and tackle the challenging infrastructure of his homeland.

Peter Mbiria’s E-Con wheelchair stands on four legs, each with a tri-wheel configuration. Running on one motor, the wheelchair can climb stairs, with each wheel climbing one stair independently, while the back legs create stability. By having an inclining seat, the wheelchair also allows the user to stand upright.

Mbiria said: “Kenya is a developing country, and most areas are off-road – rocky areas are an obstacle for wheelchair users.”

The next step for Mbiria is to source funds to build a life-size prototype to test different motors for the wheelchair.