Nextek Mobility Corporation is developing a new steering concept to produce a more agile power wheelchair with superior maneuverability and stability. This new concept is called Parallel-All Wheel Steering or PAWS. Nextek was awarded a Phase I SBIR by the NICHD to demonstrate the potential benefits of this technology, sponsoring the design, construction and ANSI/RESNA testing of several PAWS prototypes. These results demonstrated the technology can be safely, effectively and economically applied to expand the capabilities of power wheelchair users. Phase II was awarded to continue the development of the technology by incorporating user input, engineering evaluations by field experts, and ANSI/RESNA testing into the design. PAWS is able to maneuvering through sand, across rough trails, and up steep grades as well as able to navigate tight office space and public facilities. PAWS Powerchair is now available in six-wheel drive. Nextekâs power wheelchair technology is called PAWS because the seat and all of the wheels share a common linkage that allows them to rotate relative to the frame but maintains them parallel to one another.
