Wheelchairs

Conventional wheelchairs are not suited for African conditions. The small front wheels quickly get stuck in sand and mud. Uneven terrain makes that one front wheel is repeatedly lifted, resulting in a dangerous imbalance. This is one of many reasons why shipping second-hand wheelchairs to Africa is not a practical solution, despite the good intentions.

Three-wheeler wheelchairs have a better balance in rough terrain. With a relatively large front wheel they are less likely to get stuck while its V-profile ensures a low rolling resistance on hard surfaces. These “off-road” wheelchairs can be made locally using commonly available materials like bicycle parts. In Tanzania they are made by MobilityCare.