Scewo is a self-balancing wheelchair that can go up and down the stairs independently and smoothly. This innovation offers people a dynamic experience for navigating over obstacles with multiple rubber tracks offering a smooth and safe ride on the stairs.
With recent innovations in smartphone, automobile, drone, and even robotic vacuum cleaner technology, Scewo was surprised to find the same electric wheelchairs from years ago in today’s market. Founded by four university students from ETH Zurich + ZHDK, they have managed to create and fund the entire project independently while building a wheelchair fit for the 21st century, with new technology and aesthetics.
The ‘Scewo’ wheelchairs sturdy rubber tracks provide a safe and comfortable transition up or down the stairs, while its extra-wide base can stabilize the chair even on spiral stair cases. Transfers onto the stair and back to the floor are automated. Self-balancing chair provides agile maneuvering on spot and dynamic driving also over common obstacles like curbs, while the person can either use the joystick or a shift in body weight to control the chair.
The self-balancing wheelchair features three different driving modes depending on the terrain: ‘safe’ mode is used for getting on and off, getting to a table, or standing still; ‘elevated’ mode enables eye-to-eye communication and reaching high-lying objects; plus ‘track’ mode overcomes slippery surfaces like snow or gravel, trickier obstacles, or steep inclines with increased traction.