Italdesign has unveiled WheeM-i, the first ride sharing service for wheelchair users.

Short for Wheelchairs Mobility Interface, WheeM-i is a collaboration between Italdesign and Etisalat and is on display at the GITEX Technology Week in Dubai from October 6 to 10.

Described as the equivalent of a bicycle-sharing system for wheelchairs, WheeM-i is a “wheel-on,” semi-autonomous electric vehicle that makes traveling around cities easier for people with lightweight manual wheelchairs.

Also read: Toyota Re-Imagines The Wheelchair With 5 Mobility Concepts

Users will be able to book WheeM-i through a smartphone app, reach the closest hub and then get on board the pre-booked vehicle. At the end of the trip, users will return it to the closest hub to their destination.

WheeM-i packs integrated systems that help users avoid any collisions with fixed or mobile obstacles. The vehicle is also designed to help them easily overcome architectural barriers. The app will enable users to interact with the device, other wheelchair users, other means of transport as well as other transport applications (via API).

GITEX visitors will be able to witness live demonstrations of the WheeM-i, from booking the device via the dedicate app, to the selection of the route, up to the simulation of the use itself, with the possibility to roll on WheeM-i with an actual wheelchair.

“As a company providing development services to the worldwide mobility industry, we strongly believe that future mobility must have a positive impact on everyone’s life. WheeM-i is part of this vision which we really hope to bring to reality,” said Italdesign CEO Jörg Astalosch.

 

Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users
Italdesign WheeM-i Unveiled As A Ride-Sharing Vehicle For Wheelchair Users