SolidWorks CAD developer Dassault Systèmes has announced that Freedom One Life, who joined the SolidWorks Startup Program, has launched its Series 5 power wheelchair, which aims to disrupt the powered wheelchair market and significantly improve independence and expand boundaries for powered wheelchair users. 

The Startup Program is an initiative, which offers hardware startups - software, training, and co-marketing resources at no extra cost to help them in their journey to design, develop and launch products to the market.

Freedom One Life's Series 5 power wheelchair boasts one of the largest batteries found in a powered wheelchair. This is combined with high-efficiency motors that deliver triple the power of comparable wheelchairs in the market, allowing users 40 kilometres of real-world range on a single charge.

The wheelchair also enables riders to navigate tight spaces, uneven terrain and steep hills through its compact design created for precise manoeuvrability in extreme situations.

Alex Papanikolaou, founder, Freedom One Life said: “The SolidWorks Startup Program changed the direction for Freedom One Life from its early days by helping us address the challenges in designs and simulate the various mechanical aspects of our power wheelchairs.

“While prototyping was difficult initially due to the complexity of the products, SolidWorks allowed us to overcome these challenges. The software is one of the most advanced in the market, and we are confident our power wheelchair will change the lives of all its users and enable them to live the life they choose.”

SolidWorks was the primary software used during the design process. It offered a variety of applications that were invaluable to the design of the Series 5, from basic modelling and surface modelling to sheet metal, machining, casting and simulation.

The chair was created to make transportability easier and was specifically designed for air travel. The Series 5 was designed with an onboard charger and a fully customisable and a future-proof user experience. With the use of SolidWorks simulation, the Series 5 received the crash test certification from Cranfield Impact Centre, an independent industry authority, at its first attempt – a remarkable achievement by industry standards.

John Kitchingman, managing director, EuroNorth, Dassault Systèmes commented: “We commit to empowering people through the use of our technology across all sectors and industries. These powered wheelchairs have been designed to liberate users who have been limited by the restricted options in the market. Our SolidWorks Startup Program demonstrates how lives can be transformed when ourn software is used to accelerate innovation and advance the product development process from concept to manufacturing."

Test drives for the Freedom One Life chair can be booked on its website.  

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