Italdesign has unveiled WheeM-i, the first ride
sharing service for wheelchair users. Short for Wheelchairs Mobility
Interface, WheeM-i is a collaboration between Italdesign and Etisalat and is on
display at the GITEX Technology Week in Dubai from October 6 to 10.
Described as the equivalent of a bicycle-sharing
system for wheelchairs, WheeM-i is a “wheel-on,” semi-autonomous electric
vehicle that makes traveling around cities easier for people with lightweight
manual wheelchairs.
Users will be able to book WheeM-i through a
smartphone app, reach the closest hub and then get on board the pre-booked
vehicle. At the end of the trip, users will return it to the closest hub to
their destination.
WheeM-i packs integrated systems that help users
avoid any collisions with fixed or mobile obstacles. The vehicle is also
designed to help them easily overcome architectural barriers. The app will
enable users to interact with the device, other wheelchair users, other means
of transport as well as other transport applications (via API).
GITEX visitors will be able to witness live
demonstrations of the WheeM-i, from booking the device via the dedicate app, to
the selection of the route, up to the simulation of the use itself, with the
possibility to roll on WheeM-i with an actual wheelchair.
