'RockClimber' the chair advancing mobility for the disabled

This power mobility chair, the first of its kind, is designed for a unique challenge: a solo ascent of Mount Snowdon in 2024.

What is the RockClimber?

Unveiled at Rock Engineering's headquarters in Towcester, Northants, the RockClimber wheelchair is a culmination of advanced design and technology, and it opens up the world to the possibilities of inclusive engineering.

Its primary aim: to tackle the rugged terrain of Snowdon unaided – a feat never before attempted in a mobility chair.

The technology behind the chair

Elliot Dason-Barber, Director of Rock Engineering, explained that designing the RockClimber required a fresh approach. Unlike standard off-road wheelchairs, the RockClimber is conceptualised as a 'Mountaineer', not a 'Trail Runner'.

The team began by analysing the physics of climbing steep, rocky slopes. This led to a realistic specification of the chair, designed from the ground up, free from the constraints of existing equipment. The RockClimber integrates several unique engineering solutions, setting it apart from conventional designs.

The purpose and impact

Nick Wilson, who has become semi-reliant on a powerchair, emphasises the RockClimber's potential to showcase the daily challenges faced by wheelchair users. This project isn't just about scaling a mountain; it's about demonstrating how technology can adapt individuals to their environment, rather than the other way around. Nick's involvement with organisations like Purple Tuesday highlights his commitment to improving accessibility and independence for wheelchair users.

Championing inclusive design

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a major supporter of the RockClimber project. Dr Laura Norton, Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at IET, believes that the RockClimber exemplifies the need for inclusive thinking in design and engineering. The project not only aims to challenge current wheelchair regulations and manufacturing but also strives to provide a single-chair solution capable of navigating various terrains, thereby breaking down barriers for many wheelchair users.

Looking ahead

The next steps for Rock Engineering and Nick Wilson involve extensive testing of the RockClimber in early 2024. The anticipated ascent of Mount Snowdon is scheduled for May 2024. This endeavour is more than an adventurous climb; it's a symbol of hope and an example of what can be achieved when engineering meets inclusivity.

The RockClimber is set to redefine the possibilities for wheelchair users, offering a glimpse into a more accessible, united, and empowered future.