Indiego
Mobility reimagined.
Power wheelchairs provide independence but are costly and often not covered by insurance, leaving many reliant on manual wheelchairs. The IndieGo team, supported by a $1.125M Google.org grant, developed an open-source power add-on at the Center for Discovery’s maker lab, enabling quick conversion of manual wheelchairs into power chairs.
Our team designed a device under strict requirements: a 6.5” maximum height, compatibility with Golden Motors brushless systems, support for 10” to 26” wheels, and independent use by individuals with upper body mobility. It weighs under 35 lbs, uses cost-effective, easily sourced components, fits 16” to 26” wheelchairs, and supports users up to 250 lbs.
Inspired by speed
Over the course of 8 months, we designed and prototyped three separate iterations of the IndieGo unit, learning and pivoting with each design. The final device aesthetic has hints of automotive design, so users can feel good while using the device.
