WHILL Model M: Versatile All-Terrain Wheelchair for Enhanced Mobility
Author: WHILL
Published: 2017/01/04 - Updated: 2025/06/12
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Product Release, Update
Category Topic: All-Terrain Wheelchairs - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This article highlights the WHILL Model M, a technologically advanced personal electric vehicle designed to enhance mobility for wheelchair users. It details the vehicle's FDA clearance, achieved after a rigorous review, underscoring its credibility as a medical device that physicians can prescribe. The Model M's omni-directional wheel technology offers superior maneuverability, making it highly practical for navigating diverse environments, from tight indoor spaces to outdoor terrain. Its consumer-oriented design, informed by user feedback, addresses both functionality and comfort, which is particularly valuable for the 6.8 million mobility device users in the U.S., including seniors and those with disabilities. The article's authoritative tone stems from its detailed reporting on FDA approval and insights from WHILL's CEO, making it a reliable resource for understanding how this innovative device can improve independence and quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
WHILL, the leader in intelligent personal electric vehicles (EVs), presents its new FDA-cleared vehicle, the Model M, at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show.
Main Content
The Model M features patented omni-wheel technology to tackle tough terrain outside, while its compact shape and nimble steering easily navigate tight spaces. Designed by automotive engineers, the Model M drives like a premium electric vehicle, distancing itself from antiquated power wheelchairs and scooters designed decades ago.
"The wheelchair industry has seen very little innovation in design and technology," said Sugie Satoshi, CEO of WHILL. "Our user-centric approach has helped us craft an innovative vehicle that empowers the disabled community to enjoy their newfound freedom. Our customers drive the Model M with a smile on their face and are excited to enjoy the outdoors in ways that were previously inaccessible using standard power wheelchairs."
With a simplistic design and advanced technology, the Model M provides high-quality mobility in a versatile way.
With four-wheel drive, patented front omni-wheel technology and a three-inch obstacle clearance, the Model M easily moves along rough terrain, like pebbles, wood chips and branches, and within small spaces due to its tight turning radius. These are examples of the incredible maneuverability that the Model M allows, providing users with a liberating, mobile and active lifestyle.
WHILL has not only created a unique personal electric vehicle for disabled users, but also multi-faceted software that can evolve as the autonomous driving industry becomes more integrated with smart cities and the connected home.
The company is exploring plans to release a new product lineup in the future, including a mobile app that will wirelessly sync with all personal EV products to help prevent accidents and ensure safer navigation.
With these types of automatic features fully enabled, WHILL's line of personal EV products will truly become smart driving assistants for both disabled and non-disabled users. Possible use cases include calling for help in an emergency, remembering where it is parked if the passenger forgets and even stopping if unsafe conditions are detected.
Additionally, the company is working on developing a sophisticated network of personalized sensors to deliver real-time stats to users and caregiver, including pulse rate and respiratory rate during all activities, to monitor the user's wellness.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The WHILL Model M represents a significant step forward in redefining mobility, not just as a tool for movement but as a bridge to greater freedom and engagement with the world. Its blend of cutting-edge technology and user-focused design challenges the outdated stigma of clinical, cumbersome mobility devices. For seniors and people with disabilities, this vehicle offers a practical solution that balances style, comfort, and performance. As the mobility industry evolves, innovations like the Model M remind us that thoughtful engineering can open new doors - literally and figuratively - for those who need it most, encouraging a broader conversation about accessibility and independence in everyday life - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by WHILL and published on 2017/01/04, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.