Wellness & Healthy Living

Küschall makes Superstar wheelchair light and strong with some help from graphene

Küschall makes Superstar wheelchair light and strong with some help from graphene
The Superstar's is reckoned to be lighter and tougher than classic carbon-fiber-based wheelchairs
The Superstar's is reckoned to be lighter and tougher than classic carbon-fiber-based wheelchairs
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The Superstar''s X-frame is fashioned from graphene
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The Superstar''s X-frame is fashioned from graphene
The Superstar''s X-frame is fashioned from graphene
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The Superstar''s X-frame is fashioned from graphene
The Superstar's is reckoned to be lighter and tougher than classic carbon-fiber-based wheelchairs
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The Superstar's is reckoned to be lighter and tougher than classic carbon-fiber-based wheelchairs
The Superstar's x-shaped geometry is said to result in increased performance and direct drive
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The Superstar's x-shaped geometry is said to result in increased performance and direct drive
The Superstar has LED rear lighting
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The Superstar has LED rear lighting
The Superstar has an integrated seat cushion and a bespoke backrest
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The Superstar has an integrated seat cushion and a bespoke backrest
The Superstar has integrated LED lighting to the front
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The Superstar has integrated LED lighting to the front
Mudguards will shield the Superstar user from whatever the wheels throw up
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Mudguards will shield the Superstar user from whatever the wheels throw up
The Superstar's x-frame tips the scales at under 1.5 kg
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The Superstar's x-frame tips the scales at under 1.5 kg
The Superstar's bespoke backrest can be adjusted without needing to raid the toolbox
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The Superstar's bespoke backrest can be adjusted without needing to raid the toolbox
View gallery - 10 images

Graphene – the "wonder material" that's stronger than steel and tougher than diamond – has recently found its way into experimental aircraft, clothing and concrete. And now Swiss wheelchair veteran Küschall has announced the Superstar, the first wheelchair to be built using the one atom thick form of carbon.

Küschall says that the Superstar has been developed using computer-aided design tools and will be produced in partnership with Formula 1 manufacturers, with each customer getting a tailor-made model to ensure a perfect fit. The company boasts that it will be 30 percent lighter yet 20 percent tougher than classic carbon wheelchairs.

The Superstar''s X-frame is fashioned from graphene
The Superstar''s X-frame is fashioned from graphene

"Superb power transfer through the entire frame will mean the Superstar responds rapidly with every movement, combined with impressive road dampening properties, the Superstar will provide an effortless glide anywhere you go," the company said in a press release.

Its X-shaped geometry is said to result in increased performance and direct drive, while promoting the correct user posture for increased efficiency and helping reduce the risk of upper body injuries.

The Superstar's x-shaped geometry is said to result in increased performance and direct drive
The Superstar's x-shaped geometry is said to result in increased performance and direct drive

There's an integrated seat cushion and a bespoke backrest that can be adjusted without needing to raid the toolbox. On either side of the footplate and to the rear of the mono post is an LED light built into the frame, which tips the scales at under 1.5 kg (3.3 lb), and mudguards will help shield the user from whatever the wheels throw up.

As of writing, there's no word on when production is due to begin, or how much the Superstar will cost. The promo video below has more.

Source: Küschall

Kuschall Superstar

View gallery - 10 images
2 comments
2 comments
akarp
the "wonder material" that's stronger than steel and tougher than diamond...so we made the exact same product, but lighter!!!!!!
This is a wonder material...where is the real innovation? We should be able to design a cross between crutches and a wheel chair.
Mivoyses
I'm with "akarp", we've got this wonder material and we're still making the same thing. I didn't notice any of the big design brains in a wheelchair. Have any of them even been in one? Had to use one? My MS had me in one for 4 years. Now I only spend about 2-3 days a week in one. The current design leaves a lot to be desired. I have even gone so far as to design my own air suspension for my wheelchair, and it even adds about 4" to the seat height so counters are easier to use, and the chair still folds, and the air pressure is adjustable to the user's desire. What about those super thin wheels? Or the really small diameter ones in the front? Even most pavement would be difficult with those and god help you if there is any snow or slush or even large cracks. If Swiss wheelchair veteran Küschall really is as good as they think they are they'd be designing something better and that's not going to cost me a years worth of my disability payments. You know their chair is not going to be cheap, and good luck getting the insurance company to cover it.