Trottiwheel

Born in 2019 from a partnership between several organisations (CRM, UHA, Réseau APA, APF France Handicap, CICAT, TUBA and m2A), Trottiwheel is led by Chloé Gignet (TUBà Mulhouse) with the manufacturer Thurmelec. The venture meets an identified need: producing a low-cost electric assist for manual wheelchairs through industrialisation, whereas the existing prescribed equipment remains expensive because of demanding technical specifications and complex approval processes. The assistive device, which can be operated by the wheelchair user or by a third party, is made up of components weighing less than 5 kg for easy fitting, and will be sold at a target price of around €1,500. The first prototype, built by Thurmelec in Pulversheim, was tested during the year.