Design and user testing of a kirigami-inspired sheet metal rugby wheelchair

Exercise and participation in sport can have physical, psychological, and social benefits to persons with disabilities. The high cost ($5,000 to $12,000 USD) and long lead times of sport wheelchairs, however, is a barrier to participation. The objective of this study was to develop an affordable kirigami inspired rugby wheelchair made from sheet metal instead of tubes. Three prototypes of varying seat widths were designed, fabricated, and evaluated by 11 participants. Participants performed common drills in the prototype that best matched their hip width, and each provided feedback via a structured interview. The participants reported overall favorable reviews and cited the adjustability, repairability, and implications of this wheelchair on decreasing the barrier of entry to sport as its best features. Participants also identified areas for improvement, such as seat material and caster size. Future study should examine safety, durability, and performance during training and competition scenarios.