Invacare Zinger - Power Add-on for Rigid Chairs

[Sabbott6]

Hello CareCure Community:

I work for Invacare and I am interested in getting feedback on the Zinger, a power add-on system that we are still developing and hope to release later this year.

I know there have been many comments about the Zinger based on the original YouTube video below. We have made a few improvements to the Zinger and are hoping to get input from users as we make a few more changes to the design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtzU4ZAd_o

Here are some of the things that I am looking for feedback on:
1. How would you see yourself using the Zinger?
2. How oftern would you use the Zinger? (Everyday vs. occasional use?)
3. Where would you use the Zinger? (Indoors, outdoors, types of terrain, etc.)

I am also recruiting participants for focus groups in the Northeast Ohio area for the Zinger. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in trying it out.

Thanks in advance,
Sarah

[maglito]

Sarah,
Thank you for participating here in our forums!
Here is a link to the discussion, so far, on the Zinger:
http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=119806

I am interested in joining your focus group as indicated in the thread linked above and will be contacting you, as requested.

My post on page 3 of the above linked thread lists some of my specific interests and expectations for the product, but I will address your specific questions below.

Here are some of the things that I am looking for feedback on:
1. How would you see yourself using the Zinger?
2. How often would you use the Zinger? (Everyday vs. occasional use?)
3. Where would you use the Zinger? (Indoors, outdoors, types of terrain, etc.)

1. The Zinger, for me, would serve as a great alternative to a powerchair. I currently do not own any wheelchair, powered or manual as I am waiting to see if I will be able to operate this product before purchasing a wheelchair through my insurance provider. I have no desire to purchase a vehicle modified to transport a heavy traditional powerchair, yet I am unable to hand propel a traditional chair. I use a walker, and while I don't easily fatigue, I move at about .5 MPH (top speed) so it takes a considerably longer time for me to move any distance.

2. I would imagine I would use the Zinger occasionally, but with it installed, full time to the chair. I recently purchased a pair of used 1st generation Segway i167s that should address the mobility speed issue, but I still believe I would use a rigid wheelchair that I either propel with the Zinger, or be pushed from behind in the following situations:
a. Carry things on my lap that may spill (need to be upright) or are too large to fit into a walker/segway bag (i.e. laundry, food and drink, shopping, travel with luggage, etc)
b. Assist with transporting small children (too dangerous with the walker or segway)
c. Dense, perhaps unruly crowds (where the risk of being shoved, intentionally or not, is too great for the walker or segway)
d. Any place where Segway use is frowned upon or prohibited (many more places than you might think)
So, I would estimate using my walker 60% of the time (least hassle to transport, load and unload, good exercise, nice to move under your own power) with the remainder split between my segway, 35% (fast 12.5 MPH top speed, nice to be upright and not look disabled) and the Zinger powered rigid chair (carry items better, safest/lowest fall risk, least hassle from others) 35%.

3. The video showing the Zinger in the grass was impressive, but I really don't plan to take mine through grass, gravel, or any especially rough or steep terrain.

I have questions for you as well but this post is long enough as is and they can wait. One final word of caution another member of this forum (pattherat) has designed a different power add on device, and while very impressive in it's own right, it is likely at least a year or two from mass production/availability. Many members here are excited about his device as it is "home grown" by a member of our own forum and it has some very nice exclusive features of it own (namely the auto attachment/disattachment and intuitive, easy to use controls). See here for details:
http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=119541

BUT, LETS KEEP THIS THREAD ON TOPIC (THE ZINGER) AND FOCUS ON GIVING SARAH THE INPUT SHE IS HERE FOR AND NOT ABOUT OTHER WHEELCHAIR POWER ADD ONS.

Thank you.

[Andy]

Interesting unit. I'm guessing 2 HV brushless controllers and motors, some form of lithium polymer batteries judging from the size of the case and the wattage needed to haul 200+ lbs. The big question...projected cost? Anticipated run time? Any chance of switching the steel frame to titanium for lower weight with possibly more disassembly options for more compact stowage? I'm sure most users wouldnt be able to put the whole unit into the trunk of the car as in the video...as they need the wheelchair to get to the trunk

And hey, if you want to expand your testing horizons 2 states over...ship one to me and I'll give it a good workout. I can see this coming in handy for grass and various mild grades found locally here.

[RSieck]

How much? Will it work with mountain bike tires? How does it work in muddyish wet conditions? i.e. on a farm

[Sabbott6]

Here are a few answers to some of the questions raised about the Zinger power assist system for wheelchairs. Feel free to ask me additional questions. I really appreciate the feedback!

1. Battery - the battery (lithium-iron-phosphate) will last approximately 10 miles.
2. Frame material - the original Zinger in the video was made out of steel but we now have prototypes made with aluminum, making the Zinger lighter. We probably won't use titanium in the final version mainly because it would increase costs.
3. Attaching/Detaching - we have also changed the way that the Zinger is attached to a chair making it easier to get on or off a chair without assistance. We are still working on this.
4. Terrain/weather conditions - we plan on packaging the Zinger to shield it from everyday elements.
5. Mountain bike or "nubby" tires - we are still looking into which ones will work best with the Zinger but there are some tires that are smoother or less nubby in the center.

Maglito - I will reply to your PM but feel free to use this thread to ask me additional questions about the Zinger.

[Brianm]

Originally Posted by Sabbott6

Here are some of the things that I am looking for feedback on:
1. How would you see yourself using the Zinger?
2. How oftern would you use the Zinger? (Everyday vs. occasional use?)
3. Where would you use the Zinger? (Indoors, outdoors, types of terrain, etc.)

Hi Sarah, and welcome.

1) I have a young son, I could see me possibly using this playing outside with him; we have a large yard. Also, as he gets older, maybe at events like little league, soccer...

2) Occasional

3) Outdoors in varied terrain, the intrigue would be terrain too difficult without.

My concern from what I recall from the video is having to do some form of twisting on a lever for speed, this will not work for those of us that lack grip.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Sabbott6

Battery - the battery (lithium-iron-phosphate) will last approximately 10 miles.

Sounds good, I guess a bit safer that way . What cell count are you guys going to set this up with? Total amp-hours?

[CowboyCrip]

Hi Sabbott,

Not to be glib or a dick - but Invacare dropped the ball latching on to this versus PattheRat's invention. Pat's is far superior in form and function. Much larger consumer base (only good paras can use the Zinger.)

IMHO

[Sabbott6]

BrianM:

Thanks for the feedback.

To address your concern about the grip, we are working on a different grip design for someone who might lack grip - to give them the ability to engage the throttle.

[kel13]

how would the zinger compare w/ the e-motions that are currently out. I have had nothing but trouble with mine but it's the older version that had more bugs in it.