A Two-Wheeler for People with Disability who don’t have Both Hands

Mr. Shubhajit Bhattacharya

Introduction

Mr. Shubhajit Bhattacharya, has designed modifications to a Suzuki Swish automatic scooter to commute safely within Bangalore. The modifications are unique to his disability such as the handle on the right is made spiral shaped for driving with one hand only, with cushioning to protect the elbow in case of bad roads or sudden brakes. All components like brake, accelerator, lights, horn to the foot area to be able to operate them easily.

The Need of the Innovation

Mr. Shubhajit Bhattacharya, lost both his arms in a childhood accident. On the right he has lost his arm from the elbow onward and on the left from shoulder onward. He works as a graphic designer using a prosthetic arm. He wanted a safe and quick way of commuting to work since buses were crowded and unsafe, especially while getting on and off in crowded buses with no arms was stressful and unsafe. He also had to change two buses each way making him spend long hours commuting. Therefore, he thought of an innovative solution by modifying a 2 wheeler which could help him commute safely and efficiently in Bangalore.

IGNOU has recognized his design as an important innovation by an IGNOU student and is keen on nurturing it further.

The Innovation

Mr. Shubhajit Bhattacharya, modified a Suzuki Swish scooter using his own design to make it possible for him to drive safely and comfortably despite his disability. He consulted several mechanics, watched a number of online videos and read articles before devising these modifications. He already had some experience of this since in 2013 as he had modified a bicycle to go around his immediate neighbourhood. He first thought that he would ask a willing mechanical workshop in his city to design and modify a scooter that he would provide. But this was very discouraging. Many workshops did not believe that it was possible for a person without arms to ride a scooter at all. The workshops willing to do it either quoted very long lead times or wanted to charge amount which he could not afford. He saw that no one understood the challenges due to his disability. He became skeptical of their ability to deliver a vehicle which would be safe and easy for me to drive. This led him to design modifications to a Suzuki Swish automatic scooter allowing him to commute safely within Bangalore. The modifications are unique to his disability since he found that only he best understood his specific needs. He modified the handle on the right as spiral shaped to enable tight grip by his elbow. As he drives with one hand only, this component is very important. He did cushioning of the spiral shaped handle to protect his elbow in case of bad roads or sudden brakes. Most importantly, he shifted all components like brake, accelerator, lights, horn to the foot area so that he could operate them easily.

Innovative Features

The unique features of the innovation include:

  • A modified spiral shaped handle on the right with cushioning to enable a tight grip, to provide comfort and to protect his arm from getting hurt especially during sudden brakes and bad roads.

  • All components like brake, accelerator, lights, horn to the foot area since better space availability allowed him to operate them easily.

  • Accelerator connected using a specially welded iron rod and pipe to prevent the wire from being cut off when brake was pressed with force. This prevented the scooter from abruptly coming to a stop amidst traffic and potentially leading to an accident.

  • Components attached in a screw on fashion to enable him to move easily and cost efficiently to a different scooter should the need arise. The present scooter can be sold as a regular one enabling him to recover some of its cost.

Future Scope of the Innovation

This innovation essentially involves adapting a scooter to operate without handles. It will be beneficial to anybody with any disability in one or both of their hands or arms. With these modifications people with arm/hand disabilities will be able to ride their own mode of transport and enjoy an independent life. It is believed that major retailers of scooters can be briefed and educated about the need that disabled people have for scooters. They can be informed about the innovation – how they have improved life of the innovator and also do not involve spending large amounts of money. On understanding their requirement,the innovator can also suggest the design/ modifications needed. The actual modification could be made by a local mechanic in that specific city.