Stair-Climbing Wheelchair FDA Approved
Wednesday August 20, 2003
Imagine a wheelchair which relies on a computerized system of sensors, gyroscopes, and electric motors to allow for indoor/outdoor use of stairs, crossing rough terrain, level or uneven surfaces. It's the INDEPENDENCE iBOT 3000 Mobility System, known as iBOT. It was recently approved by the FDA, will carry a price tag of $29,000, and be available by the end of the year. Read more in FDA Approves Stair-Climbing Wheelchair
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Comments
Obviously this is a good thing, however, I can’t imagine anyone who is disabled or has had to resort from a sizable income to living off of Social Security benefiting from one of these great devices. Personally I was struck with a combination of illness which leave me needing an electric wheelchair, yet I must be clever whenever maneuvering the stairs into my condo and up stairs to my bedroom. One day I don’t believe I will be able to accomplish this task without full support and a chair like this could liberate someone like me and many others in similar situations. Also I would buy a home that is one level, however, I own the condo I am in now and with the horrible economy cannot reasonably do anything about where I live. I believe the government should finance these devices for people who cannot afford them.