"UNAwheel in Singapore"

UNAwheel has been a great motorised aid to me as it helps me navigate through the city for any occasion.

Design
It’s sleek and compacted design ensure the it utilises a small area when navigating or parking the wheelchair during travel in public transportation. Additionally, it’s adapter and the motor can be easily set up and used for easy access. This is extremely beneficial in terms of switching between manual mode and motorised mode so removing them is easily done when using the toilet.

Modes
There are three different modes which includes reverse and forward movements that has two speed modes. The first mode is to reverse which can be useful but I rather use this manually since I can control the speed better. The second mode is to move forward and the speed can reach up to 6 km/h which is ideally used in the city since there are many people around and this can allow easy navigation. The third mode is also to move forward but the speed can reach up to 16 km/h so this is much faster and ideally used in open spaces. Hence, this mode is not utilised typically if you are living in the city.

Battery life
I went out for nearly 7 hours (inclusive of travel time) and for an estimated distance of 11km (according to my daughter’s health application whom travelled with me by walking) and there was still 3 bars left out of the five bars. This suggests a long battery life and can be utilised for everyday work life and during those leisure days. It is recommended to use a fully charged UNAwheel especially when you have to overcome slopes.

Improvements I hope UNAwheel will consider
Firstly, a better brake would be beneficial for emergencies. In a crowded area, there could be instances when people could suddenly collide with your path and the brake would slow down the motor before coming to a stop. The notion behind this brake is scientifically ideal because of the law of inertia since the brake would lessen the impact and decrease the chances of the user falling forwards when braking and stoping the motion. I have overcome this situation by manually stopping which has become an instinctive effort. From my personal experience, crowded areas which has children are especially dangerous which we should consider improving the brakes for users who prefer using the UNAwheel functions and those who has poor grip or weak handed.

Secondly, the UNAwheel cannot go on steep slopes without the manual aid of either pushing yourself with one hand whilst driving forward (with the UNAwheel mode) or seeking help from others to push. It can go on mild slopes without any issues but the problem arises with steep slopes which are quite common in city areas. This can become troublesome when encountering many steep slopes and can cause the user to become tired from pushing the wheelchair up with the motor on. This is not ideally suited for those who has low upper body strength and grip like the elderly.

I am an elderly who suffers from arthritis and I would avoid using UNAwheel on the days I feel pain and weak handed. Hence, emergency brakes for users and better motor strength for steep slopes would be ideal for users such as myself.

"UnaWheel in the UK"

From registering my interest, speaking with the experts, measuring my chair up and getting the device ordered, shipped and fitted, the whole process was straightforward. There was always someone on hand to speak to if I had any questions or concerns. And the device itself is great! It brings back a little independence and control during a time in my life where I feel that those things have been taken from me. It’s also a great conversation starter, and it looks cool! Most mobility devices look outdated and miserable, but not the UnaWheel. I love it!

"I’m a real UNAwheel fan"

I was one of the first users of UNAwheel Mini and became a real fan of this small and lightweight, but powerful gadget!
I use a wheelchair for 23 years and tried different handbikes and big power assists to help me move through the city. That was a good help, but couldn’t use them everyday as they are very heavy.
UNAwheel Mini weighs just 5kg, I may lift it with one hand and put into my car. This difference in weight really changed my life as I drive everywhere on Mini everyday.
I wish driving range was bigger, but it’s still Ok for one day.
With my 80kg weight I have about 10-13km range.