43 replies to this topic

[Rough Roller]

Hello Everyone!

For the last 18 years I have been developing and testing a off road wheelchair device. It will adapt to your everyday chair, it will fit almost all electric and manual wheelchairs. The manual design has a duel shock radical suspension! This device will take you almost wherever an able bodied person can walk!

It's Finally finished, you can see it at www.RoughRoller.com please check it out! It is not in production yet, but the more people that sign up on the website, the sooner it will be on the market...

Thank You!

Edited by Rough Roller, 23 June 2009 - 08:51 PM.

[twisted_ophelia]

I just checked it out, that's cool. Just wondering if you could tell me the differences between the Rough Roller and other off-road attachments that are currently on the market? I was actually thinking of getting an off-road bit for my chair.

Edited by twisted_ophelia, 21 June 2009 - 04:23 PM.

[greybeard]

Don't want to be a party pooper, but watching the guy in the sand pit, it looked to me as though he was getting absolutely no assistance from the front balls except when going backwards. They obviously didn't sink as deeply as normal castors would have done, but his forward movement was a series of small wheelies with the balls clear of the sand for most of the distance travelled.

The same was true when negotiating the logs on the trail. He had to wheelie to get over them despite having the balls.

The only advantage seemed to be an extended anti-tipper that stopped the chair from going over backwards on kerbs.

But don't most "cool" young wheelers chuck the anti-tippers away as soon as they get their new chairs? I can't see them wanting to replace them with something as "in your face" as this. Perhaps it's aimed at older wheelers, but although I certainly qualify, would I want one? No thanks.

[DaveP]

Looks interesting but there's no mention of prices on your web site. Why's that?

[wheelywendy]

i felt same a greaybeard, the videoes did seem to show going forward in difficult situations as done by small wheelies, however when it was free running down hill i do think it looks like it would give a big advantage as i know for sure my castors would at some stage have hit a pot hole or stone or twig and flipped me out (not if i was using my freewheeel attatchment though), the ball does seem good on that and as greybeard says it does seem to stop the front sinking as dep as it might with castors, i'd like to see it and try it before disreguarding it as i think it could be useful, but i'm not convinced it really has much advantage over pats freewheel attatchment. you really need to display prices on your site as no prices automatically make you think if they arent showing the price its most likely well out of my price range!

Edited by wheelywendy, 23 June 2009 - 11:51 PM.

[twisted_ophelia]

greybeard, on Jun 21 2009, 05:26 AM, said:

Don't want to be a party pooper, but watching the guy in the sand pit, it looked to me as though he was getting absolutely no assistance from the front balls except when going backwards. They obviously didn't sink as deeply as normal castors would have done, but his forward movement was a series of small wheelies with the balls clear of the sand for most of the distance travelled.

The same was true when negotiating the logs on the trail. He had to wheelie to get over them despite having the balls.

The only advantage seemed to be an extended anti-tipper that stopped the chair from going over backwards on kerbs.

But don't most "cool" young wheelers chuck the anti-tippers away as soon as they get their new chairs? I can't see them wanting to replace them with something as "in your face" as this. Perhaps it's aimed at older wheelers, but although I certainly qualify, would I want one? No thanks.

I haven't had anti-tippers on my chair in years but I don't think I'm cool though, I think I'm pretty nerdy ;) Anyway, that's why I wanted to know what the differences are (other than aesthetic) between this and other off-road bits. I was thinking I'd want to do some hiking and camping stuff in Algonquin park over the summer with friends and need something that will help me bulldoze my way through the wilderness.

And yes, price listings would be good to know. They're not listed on the site and they should be. That's one of the first things people want to know.

[Yasko]

Rough Roller, on Jun 20 2009, 01:58 PM, said:

Hello Everyone!

For the last 18 years I have been developing and testing a off road wheelchair device. It will adapt to your everyday chair, it will fit almost all electric and manual wheelchairs. The manual design has a duel shock radical suspension! This device will take you almost wherever an able bodied person can walk!

It's Finally finished, you can see it at www.RoughRoller.com please check it out!

It's OK, but I must say that Pat's FreeWheel is more practical and useful.
Anyway, thanks for the designing it as well as letting us know about it!

Edited by Yasko, 22 June 2009 - 02:24 PM.

[Rough Roller]

twisted_ophelia, on Jun 20 2009, 09:24 PM, said:

I just checked it out, that's cool. Just wondering if you could tell me the differences between the Rough Roller and other off-road attachments that are currently on the market? I was actually thinking of getting an off-road bit for my chair.

[Rough Roller]

Most certainly, the Rough Roller is the only off road wheelchair device with a suspension and the only device that can be backed up and turned around in the sand and snow with no worry's of getting stuck. The RR -2 can be taken with you easily and offers a smooth ride, it depends on if you want Super Rough Terrain or just going to the beach.

greybeard, on Jun 21 2009, 02:26 AM, said:

Don't want to be a party pooper, but watching the guy in the sand pit, it looked to me as though he was getting absolutely no assistance from the front balls except when going backwards. They obviously didn't sink as deeply as normal castors would have done, but his forward movement was a series of small wheelies with the balls clear of the sand for most of the distance travelled.

The same was true when negotiating the logs on the trail. He had to wheelie to get over them despite having the balls.

The only advantage seemed to be an extended anti-tipper that stopped the chair from going over backwards on kerbs.

But don't most "cool" young wheelers chuck the anti-tippers away as soon as they get their new chairs? I can't see them wanting to replace them with something as "in your face" as this. Perhaps it's aimed at older wheelers, but although I certainly qualify, would I want one? No thanks.

[Rough Roller]

Greybeard, Did you checkout the entire website or just the Rough Roller-2? The series of small wheelies from the older man in the sand pit was only allowed because of the wheelie bar. he had never been in a chair before, otherwise he would have been laying on his back. As for the logs in the trail, the narrator enplanes it's a bit too extreme for the RR-2, the RR-2 was designed to go out on the beach or going in up to 6" of snow...It must not snow where you live. Also on the website it has a wheelie bar for cool young wheelers that actually works, they chuck them because they don't work at All!

Yasko, on Jun 22 2009, 07:23 AM, said:

Rough Roller, on Jun 20 2009, 01:58 PM, said:

Hello Everyone!

For the last 18 years I have been developing and testing a off road wheelchair device. It will adapt to your everyday chair, it will fit almost all electric and manual wheelchairs. The manual design has a duel shock radical suspension! This device will take you almost wherever an able bodied person can walk!

It's Finally finished, you can see it at www.RoughRoller.com please check it out!

It's OK, but I must say that Pat's FreeWheel is more practical and useful.
Anyway, thanks for the designing it as well as letting us know about it!

[Rough Roller]

twisted_ophelia, on Jun 21 2009, 09:27 AM, said:

greybeard, on Jun 21 2009, 05:26 AM, said:

Don't want to be a party pooper, but watching the guy in the sand pit, it looked to me as though he was getting absolutely no assistance from the front balls except when going backwards. They obviously didn't sink as deeply as normal castors would have done, but his forward movement was a series of small wheelies with the balls clear of the sand for most of the distance travelled.

The same was true when negotiating the logs on the trail. He had to wheelie to get over them despite having the balls.

The only advantage seemed to be an extended anti-tipper that stopped the chair from going over backwards on kerbs.

But don't most "cool" young wheelers chuck the anti-tippers away as soon as they get their new chairs? I can't see them wanting to replace them with something as "in your face" as this. Perhaps it's aimed at older wheelers, but although I certainly qualify, would I want one? No thanks.

I haven't had anti-tippers on my chair in years but I don't think I'm cool though, I think I'm pretty nerdy ;) Anyway, that's why I wanted to know what the differences are (other than aesthetic) between this and other off-road bits. I was thinking I'd want to do some hiking and camping stuff in Algonquin park over the summer with friends and need something that will help me bulldoze my way through the wilderness.

And yes, price listings would be good to know. They're not listed on the site and they should be. That's one of the first things people want to know.

Rough Roller, on Jun 23 2009, 02:33 PM, said:

twisted_ophelia, on Jun 21 2009, 09:27 AM, said:

greybeard, on Jun 21 2009, 05:26 AM, said:

Don't want to be a party pooper, but watching the guy in the sand pit, it looked to me as though he was getting absolutely no assistance from the front balls except when going backwards. They obviously didn't sink as deeply as normal castors would have done, but his forward movement was a series of small wheelies with the balls clear of the sand for most of the distance travelled.

The same was true when negotiating the logs on the trail. He had to wheelie to get over them despite having the balls.

The only advantage seemed to be an extended anti-tipper that stopped the chair from going over backwards on kerbs.

But don't most "cool" young wheelers chuck the anti-tippers away as soon as they get their new chairs? I can't see them wanting to replace them with something as "in your face" as this. Perhaps it's aimed at older wheelers, but although I certainly qualify, would I want one? No thanks.

I haven't had anti-tippers on my chair in years but I don't think I'm cool though, I think I'm pretty nerdy ;) Anyway, that's why I wanted to know what the differences are (other than aesthetic) between this and other off-road bits. I was thinking I'd want to do some hiking and camping stuff in Algonquin park over the summer with friends and need something that will help me bulldoze my way through the wilderness.

And yes, price listings would be good to know. They're not listed on the site and they should be. That's one of the first things people want to know.

[greybeard]

Rough Roller, on Jun 23 2009, 10:13 PM, said:

It must not snow where you live. Also on the website it has a wheelie bar for cool young wheelers that actually works, they chuck them because they don't work at All!

Yasko, on Jun 22 2009, 07:23 AM, said:

It's OK, but I must say that Pat's FreeWheel is more practical and useful.
Anyway, thanks for the designing it as well as letting us know about it!

You're right, it never snows here worth worrying about.
I'm with Yasko. I'll stick with my FreeWheel attachment, thanks.

[wheelywendy]

greybeard, on Jun 24 2009, 12:15 AM, said:

Rough Roller, on Jun 23 2009, 10:13 PM, said:

It must not snow where you live. Also on the website it has a wheelie bar for cool young wheelers that actually works, they chuck them because they don't work at All!

Yasko, on Jun 22 2009, 07:23 AM, said:

It's OK, but I must say that Pat's FreeWheel is more practical and useful.
Anyway, thanks for the designing it as well as letting us know about it!

You're right, it never snows here worth worrying about.
I'm with Yasko. I'll stick with my FreeWheel attachment, thanks.

just to say we had quite deep snow here beginning of this year and pats freewheel kept me mobile. my electric chairs wouldnt go down the road but my manual chair with the freewheel on did!

[edlee]

They are both similar in many ways,, only way to tell which would be preferable for an individual would be to try them both.

If they ended up being about the same,,, I'd have to go with the roller,,, on esthetics alone,, I like it's look better. Of course, price would be a big part of it.

Is the price a secret? Or don't you have a manufacturer, yet?
ed

[Rough Roller]

Hi edlee,

Thanks for looking, I just started the website looking for a sponsor. I am hoping the more people that sign up on the website, the better chance I will have finding one. I am trying to get it to Spokane Washington, they are having the National Veterans Wheelchair Games there this year. I have competed in Manhattan "right before 9-11" and Anchorage, my health is getting, worse and I am glad I can drive there from here. Flying is tough on the body, although just about 2 weeks ago, my right arm just gave out, after 2 cortisone shots and putting low resistant steering on my van, I am hoping to make it.

Sorry I never got back to you sooner, I am trying to figure out this site, open for any suggestions!

Johnny

[Rough Roller]

wheelywendy, on Jun 21 2009, 04:31 AM, said:

i felt same a greaybeard, the videoes did seem to show going forward in difficult situations as done by small wheelies, however when it was free running down hill i do think it looks like it would give a big advantage as i know for sure my castors would at some stage have hit a pot hole or stone or twig and flipped me out (not if i was using my freewheeel attatchment though), the ball does seem good on that and as greybeard says it does seem to stop the front sinking as dep as it might with castors, i'd like to see it and try it before disreguarding it as i think it could be useful, but i'm not convinced it really has much advantage over pats freewheel attatchment. you really need to display prices on your site as no prices automatically make you think if they arent showing the price its most likely well out of my price range!

[Rough Roller]

Hi Wendy,

I designed the RR-1 for Extreme Off Roading, the RR-2 is for more mild off road, like Pat's freewheel device you see in the pick. I am a C-5-6 qwad, and I really am happy with the electric RR, with some wider tires it would be super. If you look at the video's you can see how well it does totally stock, with the front casters still on, and an EZ Lock bolt hanging low.

Please forgive me for not explaining I am looking for investors, it's on the website, and I corrected it here.

Thanks,

Johnny

Edited by Rough Roller, 24 June 2009 - 03:02 AM.

[AndrewB]

The rough roller looks MUCH more OFFroad worthy... the freewheel attachment does not look like it could handle going too far into the wild. I'm a very active para who would be interested in trying one out! Here in the mark twain forest i sometimes go deep deep into the woods, having to stop and get out of the chair some times to pull it over small branches or brush patches.. I watched both videos, free wheeler looks more practical for a lawn.. the rough roller looks more hardcore into the wild freedom, you could just send me one RR and i could settle this debate!

[twisted_ophelia]

AndrewB, on Jun 23 2009, 11:55 PM, said:

The rough roller looks MUCH more OFFroad worthy... the freewheel attachment does not look like it could handle going too far into the wild. I'm a very active para who would be interested in trying one out! Here in the mark twain forest i sometimes go deep deep into the woods, having to stop and get out of the chair some times to pull it over small branches or brush patches.. I watched both videos, free wheeler looks more practical for a lawn.. the rough roller looks more hardcore into the wild freedom, you could just send me one RR and i could settle this debate!

Yeah, send me one too, we'll demo it

Anyway, I agree with Andrew. I'm looking for something that can handle deep wilderness, not just average campgrounds, lawns, beaches, etc. For that I use my knobby tires (and also like Andrew, I get out of my chair and drag it over things if need be).

[DaveP]

All very good getting all this free advertising but still no mention of the prices!

Come on Johnny, surprise us....

[greybeard]

Rough Roller, on Jun 23 2009, 10:13 PM, said:

Greybeard, Did you checkout the entire website or just the Rough Roller-2?

Hi Johnny,

No, I didn't at the time. I have now, and having viewed all the videos and listened to the commentaries, I think you should do well with the original for wilderness use by wheelers with huge upper body strength.

Not sure about the two wheeled version. I still think the FreeWheel has the edge over that one.

As others have said, the price will be the clincher. You must have a ball-park figure in mind. Want to share it?

Edited by greybeard, 24 June 2009 - 10:25 AM.

[dancin' johnny]

He's not keen to share that all important price is he.

I'll start the guessing,

$6000 + extras?



Any more bets, closest gets a night out in Derby!

[DaveP]

dancin' johnny, on Jun 24 2009, 12:49 PM, said:

He's not keen to share that all important price is he.

I'll start the guessing,

$6000 + extras?

Any more bets, closest gets a night out in Derby!

My guess is something like $2k but more importantly, who's Derby??? lol

[dancin' johnny]

[twisted_ophelia]

Yup, let's hear the price... I'm thinking it's sky high since it hasn't been mentioned and we've all been asking.

I'm thinking of getting this guy http://www.back2sports.net to build me a true off-road chair. His prices are incredibly low for custom made chairs/equipment and he's a really really nice guy. His name is Tom Hernon. He will basically build you anything you want. Here are some of his products: http://www.back2spor...portschairs.htm

[Yasko]

greybeard, on Jun 23 2009, 04:15 PM, said:

Rough Roller, on Jun 23 2009, 10:13 PM, said:

It must not snow where you live. Also on the website it has a wheelie bar for cool young wheelers that actually works, they chuck them because they don't work at All!

Yasko, on Jun 22 2009, 07:23 AM, said:

It's OK, but I must say that Pat's FreeWheel is more practical and useful.
Anyway, thanks for the designing it as well as letting us know about it!

You're right, it never snows here worth worrying about.
I'm with Yasko. I'll stick with my FreeWheel attachment, thanks.

I've check the whole web site and the videos as well, and I will just say that all that I can do with Freewheel as well (but much faster)! Don't get me wrong RR, it's cool design, but this is just mine opinion. Best regards, Yasko

[AndrewB]

I guess really the only thing that makes the freewheel look a little less 'competent' for the wilderness is the fact that the casters are still attached and would get hung up on any downed trees, rock formations, etc.. Hmmm, i'm thinking of going out to the garage now and starting fabrication on my own contraption....

Edited by AndrewB, 24 June 2009 - 06:21 PM.

[Rough Roller]

AndrewB, on Jun 23 2009, 08:55 PM, said:

The rough roller looks MUCH more OFFroad worthy... the freewheel attachment does not look like it could handle going too far into the wild. I'm a very active para who would be interested in trying one out! Here in the mark twain forest i sometimes go deep deep into the woods, having to stop and get out of the chair some times to pull it over small branches or brush patches.. I watched both videos, free wheeler looks more practical for a lawn.. the rough roller looks more hardcore into the wild freedom, you could just send me one RR and i could settle this debate!

[Rough Roller]

Thanks Andrew,

I wish I could send you one, if you could please go to my website and sign up, I am hoping to find an investor VERY soon! I am going to try my hardest to make them keep the cost low as possible!

Peace,

Johnny

[edlee]

Obviously the price will be important,,, but I doubt that any reliable number could be placed on it until Johnny finds a manufacturer who might be interested.

There's a long road from the drawing board and prototype, to the showroom floor. Things change,,,, so do costs..

I think TA is finding that to be true for her designs, as well. Getting a great idea to market is a tricky deal and a lot of work,,, not unlike going from little league to the majors,, not many who want it, get there.

John,,, you have my best wishes,,, I can't wait to see your machine for sale to the public.
ed