Design and Fabrication of An Automated Solar-Assisted Wheelchair

The mobility of physically disabled people has become an important social concern in today's society. A wheelchair is used for the mobility of disabled people. Some wheelchairs are operated manually, while others are operated by a joystick. In recent years, the use of renewable energy in various sectors has gained popularity. The solar-assisted wheelchair is an innovative mechanical device that offers self-mobility with the help of a Bluetooth control app. It allows users to control the wheelchair using an Android app, eliminating the need for a joystick and addressing related issues, while utilizing renewable energy sources. The wheelchair is powered by a solar panel that charges the battery through an electrochemical process, which provides power to the motors that rotate the wheels. As a result, the user's effort to operate and control the wheelchair’s wheels and joysticks is reduced. Different buttons in Android apps allow the wheelchair to go left, right, forward, and backward. If no button is pressed, the wheelchair remains stationary due to the motor’s high torque. Additionally, there is a manual brake system available for use when needed. The wheelchair also features a charging regulator and a cord for charging mobile devices. This solar-assisted wheelchair has been successfully developed and tested. The average speed of this vehicle is 2.47 km/hr on concrete roads, 2.84 km/hr on asphalt roads, 1.96 km/hr on brick roads, and 2.54 km/hr on floors. This wheelchair is especially beneficial for people with disabilities in rural areas, and it is an affordable, user-friendly, self-driven solution. It provides greater independence and is cost-effective, making it a viable option for low-income countries like Bangladesh.