Two innovative students, Kate Reed (
Reed and Tong have developed five major prototypes thus far, and, even though they have achieved high levels of functionality, they are still working endlessly to improve their design. They began the design by experimenting with a dual ratchet mechanism, which works to spring the wheelchair forward or backwards depending on which ratchet the user engages with. After adding three double-sided ratchets onto one of their prototypes, looking to improve the function and speed provided by the Hand Drive, Reed and Tong decided to implement a 
The project, which has been selected by the Maker-friendly Hackaday.io platform as a one of ten finalists for their 2015 Best Product Finalists, is still being improved by the day. Regardless of how far they get with there design, these two students have created an opportunity for wheelchair users to access an affordable, open source modification to improve their mobility and overall well being. What was once unaffordable for those with disabilities can now be printed in their very own home for an unprecedented fraction of the cost. I can’t help but wonder what innovative modification Reed and Tong will develop as their design progresses!
