French all terrain wheelchair

Whether summer or winter, the Hippocampe (seahorse) wheelchair serves as an all-terrain buggy, adaptable to sand, water, or snow.

Developed by Vipamat Technologie of Ploemeur, France, the Hippocampe allows users to participate in the activities and face the elements that have typically excluded individuals with limited mobility.

Designed by a team that included a paraplegic, an orthoprothesist, and two kinesitherapists, the Hippocampe provides both wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and sports.

This all-terrain wheelchair features a waterproof seat, an adjustable back, a single front wheel, which serves as a shock absorber, double-width wheels, an innovation that optimises movement on sand, and a frame that is not only sand and water resistant but also coated with anodized aluminium, which prevents the Hippocampe from absorbing heat from the sun.

The Hippocampe provides individuals with limited mobility a choice of autonomy through its self-propelling capabilities or by permitting a friend or family member to steer the chair with a push bar. Small in size, this all-terrain buggy is easily transportable – the seat can be folded down, the push bar removed, and the wheels detached – and weighs only 12 kg (approximately 25 pounds), a feature that allows the Hippocampe to float in the water and move across snow. Additionally, the Hippocampe seat is low to the ground, facilitating transfers from a traditional wheelchair or car seat either with assistance or independently.

The European Commission has recognised the Vipamat’s innovation in design by awarding the Hippocampe first place in the Culture, Leisure and Sports category at the first annual Design for All and Assistive Technology Awards.

For more information visit www.vipamat.fr