Making an electric wheelchair

[RHODIE]

I have been in a wheelchair for over 18 years now and am now thinking about getting a chair made to my spec. The quality of electric chairs has gone right down since my first one and now £2000 buys a new one and Iseem to "break" them in 2-3 years.
I was thinking of getting one made in titanium or another ultra light strong tubing but dont know what would be best. I would need the chair to fold to go in mycar boot, but to keep weight down as my wife has tio lift it in and out.
I can buy tried and trusted electronics and motors so it is just the chassis that needs making - so if anyone has any ideas please tell me.
I was hoping to get some help from a Formula 1team but cant find any numbers or cant get past the switchboard so any help here would be appreciated.

 

[Caesium]

Not a specialist in this by any means, but how about getting an existing one replicated in carbon fibre? This company seem to do that http://www.compositesengineering.com/
Would certainly be strong, depends how deep your pockets are I suppose.

 

[RHODIE]

They look good,could well be worth a call. Thank you for that.

 

[Staz]

I would approach sports car manufacturers such as Noble or Ariel who deal in making lightweight chassis. Possibly not titanium but aluminium would be strong enough if designed properly I guess.

 

[RHODIE]

Cracking idea will get onto them in 2010. Happy Christmas

 

[orb]

I have been riding BMX since 1984 and one name that has been around in he UK for ever is Curtis.

They make FANASTIC quality framesets and they are VERY VERY strong. 4130 Chromolly is a great material for this and is almost indestructable.

I bet Brian Curtis would be happy to build you a 'chassis' that would suit.

Have a look at the TIG welding and the like. The quality is awesome. You could also have some Skyways on it for that Old School look

http://www.curtisbikes.co.uk/

 

[RHODIE]

curtis looks brilliant plus they are not that far from me, looks like a busy new year. thank you

 

[orb]

cool.

let me know how you get on!