The winner of Australia’s top national James Dyson Award 2019 goes to… 23-year-old RMIT University student, Ryan Tilley, for his invention of Gecko Traxx! His brilliant creation makes it possible for manual wheelchair users to make the most of any beautiful rugged landscape. It’s a portable and affordable manual wheelchair accessory that enables off-road access, on the spot, without having to get out of the chair.
Tilley said:
Many individuals who experience limited mobility or have a physical disability do not consider the beach as a possible destination because of the inherent inaccessibility. Even worse, I have personally witnessed many wheelchair users just sitting and watching the fun at the beach from the concrete path. I have heard reports of people dragging themselves across the sand to go for a surf. I think it is completely unacceptable and so I am on a mission to solve this problem!
It’s practically impossible for manual wheelchair users to be able to enjoy beaches and forest environments. Australia alone has over 10,000 gorgeous coasts and is made up of 17% rainforest! This is why Tilley got inspired to address the issue of ease of access to these locations. He thought it was such a shame that disabled people have to cross these amazing places off their list of possible destinations. Then one day, he came to know about how his close friend, a long-time wheelchair user, often got stuck in the sand when trying to visit beaches. This was the final motivating factor that really pushed Tilley to make his invention a reality.
Tilley said:
I knew there had to be a better way for him to maneuver around off-road tracks. Current off-road wheelchairs and accessories are either really expensive or bulky. I wanted to build something that was far more accessible and offered the user a more independent experience.
I’m so excited for my design to be recognized by the James Dyson Award. I hope to bring my designs to life and that Gecko Traxx could one day give wheelchair users the opportunity to better explore our beautiful country without restrictions.
How It Works
- A set of Gecko Traxx is easily stowed into a small mesh bag and can be taken anywhere the user goes. They’re extremely light and portable so it will not be an inconvenience at all.
- The tires can be fitted to any standard 24″ wheelchair with the user remaining seated in the wheelchair. Not having to transfer from the chair to put the Gecko Traxx on means you have more time to have fun!
- The process of putting them on is quite effortless. The user just slips it on and rolls into it. There is an integrated clip that locks it into place on its own so that even someone with limited dexterity can fit the tire to their wheelchair independently.
The unique tire cross-section only expands when in contact with the ground – increasing surface area by 3 times – but returning to its thin profile at the top and sides of the wheelchair. This makes it so the accessory does not impede the push-rim or the frame of the wheelchair.
Why It Works
The profile was inspired by a Gecko foot and expands when in contact with the ground. The expansion of the tire on the ground increasing surface area and stops the tire from sinking into soft surfaces.
It’s been tested across a wide range of terrains – including sand, snow, soft grass, and gravel. The accessory has proven itself effective on the following terrains:
- Sand and beach environments
- Gravel and national park hikes
- Soft grass on rural properties or music festivals
- Soft dirt in rural Australia.
- Hard-packed snow around ski resorts.
A Product For A Circular Economy
The extremely simple design enables this product to be easily manufactured. It is also significantly more affordable than any other current solution as it is made of just one material – natural rubber. Furthermore, it requires no inserts or fillers and is completely recyclable! They have even organized a fully circular economy scheme where a person can return their Gecko Traxx for a 20% discount on a new pair. The returned tire is then shredded and molded into a brand-new set of tires.
One of the three Australian judges, Professor Salah Sukkarieh commented:
The Gecko Traxx was the clear winner for me. It’s a simple yet effective design which addressed every aspect of the brief. It’s commercially viable, innovative and most importantly it could help people all over the world.
The Gecko Traxx tire was originally designed with ‘active’ wheelchair users in mind – individuals who enjoy being outdoors and enjoy challenges. However, in the end, it is also extremely helpful for the day-to-day life of people in developing countries where the environment is not yet user-friendly for people with disabilities. Not only that, but it also provides enormous benefits for families and caregivers who want to push their child’s, parent’s, or friend’s wheelchair along the beach or other soft, off-road terrains, as it significantly reduces the effort required.
