6 replies to this topic

[Ian Baillie]

Hi,
My name is Ian, and I live in " Sunny Australia " at Albury which is on the Border of N.S.W. and Victoria.
Back in 1969 while cycling home from a part-time Drink waiters job I was involved in a pretty serious 'Hit and Run ' accident , which put me in the 'Alfred Hospital ' in Melbourne for 4.5 months having my right leg straightened and repaired , plus a head injury which for a while put me back about Ten years in my life.

I was fully recovered after about twelve months but the stress and strains of being in a Standard Wheelchair during rehab left a seed in my mind that one day I would design a Wheelchair which is easier to get around in.

During the last three years I have designed and created the " Shelli " Hand pedal wheelchair which i know from my experience and my research will assist many
'Disabled ' people , whether Adults or Children to be more mobile , because it ease Custom Built to suit the owner.

Details can be seen on my website: http://www.shelliwheelchairs.com.au

Please have a look and get back to me with your comments.

Take care Ian

[russ1]

You want my honest comments - well here goes

My first thought on seeing the picture was 'this is a wind up' (and I'm still not entirely sure it's not).

My second thought was that the chair itself looks like one of those chairs you see in photos of WW2 vets in the 50's.

The actual propulsion system is kinda neat but to be honest it's a problem (driving with a chain type system) that is far better solved by the clip on handbike type and that's not even considering that paras and quads would find huge difficulties in transterring in and out of that chair too and how do you fold it down for transportation.

So no sorry if it's not a wind up it's just plain horrible but on reflection this has to be a wind up doesn't it? Please tell me it's so, it's something from years back that you've come across isn't it. Well presented though

[Apparelyzed]

In addition to Russ' comments, you need to supply the chair with an adjustable footplate.

For a Quad or Para to sit with a posture which leans the legs to one side as you show, would soon lead to pressure sore and spinal problems.

An adjustable footplate would allow fine adjustment to position the legs.

Simon.

[royter]

its gotta be a wind up its horrid and totally impractical i wouldnt have one if you paid me

[Jilly]

I dont get it.....how can the circular motion with your arms forward like that to pedal it possibly be easier than pushing your wheels???

[russ1]

I suppose it's a marginal improvement on this one

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[Ian Baillie]

Hi , all you happy people.

Thanks for you comments re my " Shelli Hand Pedal Wheelchair "

I am not sure what " it's a wind up " means, but if it means what I think it means it's not one. My Shelli HPW/Chair is " Fair Dinkum Mate ".

Jason , who is photographed trying out my Shelli , sufers with ' Spina Bifida '
he came around to my place in his sporty wheelchair and just rolled out of it into my
Shelli and within two minutes he was going up and down the drive really enjoying himself. The pedal position does not feel awkward at all, and with the freewheel hubs
you can coast and just rest your arms when you want to . Jason has his legs bent in that way because it was comfortable for him.
The Reverse and Forward pedalling action allows you to steer very safely and you can after a short trial period be able to virtually turn a circle on the spot.

No , my Shelli HPW/Chair does not fold up , but it will fit easily into the rear of a 'Station Wagon ' or you can carry it safely on a 'bike rack ' fitted ' to your tow bar.

We Custom Build each machine to suit the needs of the user so that the most comfort and ease of operation is achieved.

Please keep commenting as I am still learning.
Best regards Ian