Gear

Upgraded electric four-wheeler takes wheelchair users on off-road adventures

Upgraded electric four-wheeler takes wheelchair users on off-road adventures
The Exoquad V2 is available in color choices of green, copper, black and
The Exoquad V2 is available in color choices of green, copper, black and gray
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The Exoquad V2 is available in color choices of green, copper, black and
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The Exoquad V2 is available in color choices of green, copper, black and gray
The V2's new color LED screen displays more information than its predecessor
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The V2's new color LED screen displays more information than its predecessor
The V2 sports a dual-LED headlight and coil spring shocks
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The V2 sports a dual-LED headlight and coil spring shocks
The V2 features Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
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The V2 features Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
The V2 is available in 2WD and 4WD models
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The V2 is available in 2WD and 4WD models
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Just because you're a wheelchair user, that doesn't mean you should be limited to using nothing but a wheelchair. That was the thinking behind the electric off-road Exoquad, and it's definitely the thinking behind its even more capable successor, the Exoquad V2.

Released just last year, the original Exoquad was made by Norwegian startup Exotek. The vehicle was available in both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations.

Exotek was founded by outdoor enthusiasts Mattias Storvestre and Sigurd Groven. Storvestre is a flight mechanic and CAD designer who was previously looking for a mobility aid that would allow his physically challenged wife to come along on hikes. Groven is a physical therapist who suffered a T1 complete spinal cord injury when mountain biking, and wasn't satisfied with the outdoor mobility options he was subsequently left with.

The V2 is available in 2WD and 4WD models
The V2 is available in 2WD and 4WD models

Like the original model, the V2 is a single-seater with a tubular aluminum chassis and the buyer's choice of two or four hub motors. The 2WD version is propelled by two 3.5-kW rear hub motors that each deliver 190 Nm (140 lb ft) of torque, while the 4WD version adds 600W hub motors (60 Nm/44 lb ft) to both front wheels. Even on the 4WD variant, drivers can choose to temporarily go 2WD in order to save battery power.

Among the improvements on the V2 is a larger cockpit with more legroom and room for an optional second battery; a larger LED display with app integration; a full lighting system that includes a dual-LED headlight and turn indicators; plus CNC-machined, quadriplegic-friendly controls.

The V2 sports a dual-LED headlight and coil spring shocks
The V2 sports a dual-LED headlight and coil spring shocks

Other upgrades include coil spring front and rear shocks instead of air sprung; a redesigned 48-volt lithium battery for a longer range of up to about 50 km (31 miles); a new electronics system; plus higher-volume, knobbier tires.

We're told that the whole thing tips the scales at 99 kg (218 lb).

The V2's new color LED screen displays more information than its predecessor
The V2's new color LED screen displays more information than its predecessor

As before, the top speed is 6 km/h (4 mph) in 4WD and 15 km/h (9 mph) in 2WD. Pricing varies with region but for reference, the original model was priced at €15,999 (about US$18,855) for the 4WD version and €12,999 ($15,319) for the 2WD.

Sigurd Groven points out some of the vehicle's other features in the following video.

Exoquad v2: Every Upgrade Explained by One of Our Founders

Source: Exotek

View gallery - 5 images
8 comments
8 comments
CuriousReader
Looks potentially useful if/when it's priced reasonably - which isn't the case (listed prices are close to a price of a small CAR). And what exactly person that needs this device will do if/when battery runs out unexpectedly - crawl?
Uncle Anonymous
I see this as just another way for paraplegics to get into places that they will have to be rescued from. I know it has the ability and range, however there will be the few who will want to push the envelope and when an envelope gets pushed, there's a good chance it will end badly. Oh well, if a person has the cash for one of these, that person will probably have the money for a sat phone.
Username
Getting in and out isn't shown and I suspect is not effortless. The video shows the operation with the wheelchair hung on the back, How pray tell did it get there?! If they made it cheaper and faster they could market it to everyone.
panaphobic
Or, you could just get one from Not A Wheelchair for a fraction of the cost. "The Rig" is 4WD and has a 12mph top speed. You get 10-12 miles, but it can be customized to have bigger/more batteries to go further. And it starts at $5k USD and is built in the US by a non-profit company.
Sigurd Groven, co-founder Exotek
CuriousReader: We understand that the price—starting at €19,000—is a significant investment. This reflects the advanced technology, engineering, and safety features involved. While funding can be challenging, some customers have used grants, crowdfunding, or organizational support to help with costs. Regarding battery life, the Exoquad provides clear warnings before running low, and in an emergency it can be manually pushed by another person.
Sigurd Groven, co-founder Exotek
Uncle Anonymous: Safety is a top priority in our design. The Exoquad’s systems are built for reliability and include safeguards to help prevent misuse. As with any vehicle, we encourage users to plan routes carefully and respect their own limits. For those adventuring further afield, additional communication devices are always recommended. And as we say in Norway, "Never hike alone."
Sigurd Groven, co-founder Exotek
Username: Thank you for raising accessibility concerns. Transfers in and out of the Exoquad are designed to be as user-friendly as possible, and we’re continuously working to improve this experience based on feedback. In some cases, assistance may be needed depending on individual ability. I have a high injury level and can easily transfer in and out of the Exoquad. I do, however, need assistance attaching the wheelchair to the Exoquad. Many of our users with different levels of mobility can attach it by themselves without help.
Sigurd Groven, co-founder Exotek
panaphobic: We appreciate you mentioning other mobility solutions like "The Rig." We admire their work in making outdoor mobility more accessible. Each device has its own strengths—Exoquad is engineered for a different level of terrain capability, durability, and user customization, which impacts cost. Our goal is always to balance performance with affordability while ensuring safety.