Enhancing Inclusive Mobility with Solar-Powered Assistive Technology: Design and Development of a Hybrid Smart Wheelchair with Multi-Modal Control
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61453/joit.v2026_0201Keywords:
Solar-powered Wheelchair, Assistive Mobility Technology and Renewable Energy IntegrationAbstract
People with disabilities also face many different types of physical issues. Examples include nerve or muscle degeneration, decreased motor function, and loss of balance and/or mobility. Modern powered wheelchairs are generally electrically powered and run on rechargeable batteries. An obstacle that individuals with electric wheelchairs may encounter is the continuous need to recharge their wheelchair batteries, the limited lifespan of wheelchair batteries, and reliance on electricity. In addition, there may be times when it is difficult for an individual to locate a place to recharge their wheelchair battery while traveling outdoors or to remote locations. Therefore, we set out to create a solar-powered wheelchair with joystick controls, head motion controls, and/or another type of control system used to direct the wheelchair's forward/backward (X) direction as well as its left/right (Y) direction. The backup power of solar energy is stored in a lead-acid battery. The solar wheelchair mainly consists of a solar panel, DC motor, Battery, Charge controller (MPPT), Throttle, and DC-DC converters to ensure that the collected energy is used efficiently and safely. This is a doubly powered device that operates on solar and electric energy. Overall, this solar-powered setup not only makes the wheelchair more reliable and convenient but also supports cleaner and more sustainable energy use, particularly in sunny outdoor settings.
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