IIT Madras Develops India's First Indigenous Motorized Wheelchair Vehicle
CHENNAI: Indian Institute of Technology Madras has developed India's first indigenous motorized wheelchair vehicle that can be used not only on roads but even on uneven terrains. Called 'NeoBolt', it has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and travels up to 25 km per charge. It empowers wheelchair users with a convenient, safe and low-cost mode of outdoor mobility when compared to cars, auto rickshaws or modified scooters. NeoBolt is powered by a Lithium-Ion Battery that will give 25 Kms for every charge. Throughout the development process, the IIT-M Researchers collaborated extensively with organizations and hospitals working among people with locomotor disability and built the products factoring in their experiences and making constant design adjustments. NeoBolt was developed by a team led by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, and has been commercialized through a startup called 'NeoMotion.' The Startup has been co-founded