4 ms·

> (have you ever tried the joystick control on an electric wheelchair?) I have, and they suck. But the main reason they suck is because they've been neutered s

> (have you ever tried the joystick control on an electric wheelchair?) I have, and they suck. But the main reason they suck is because they've been neutered so they're useable for a wider range of people. Many people who use electric wheelchairs also have problems with fine motor control, seizures, etc. so the joystick has a lot of filtering with associated slow response and staggered acceleration. I know people in wheelchairs who otherwise had no problems with fine motor skills that had electronically-minded friends help them to upgrade the chairs and replace the control unit. Those wheelchairs go fast after some modding.

pbhjpbhj 11y ago
>Those wheelchairs go fast after some modding. // Wheelchairs usually occupy the same space as pedestrians - this was a big failing with the Segway, they're not allowed on pavements (aka sidewalks) - in the UK at least - as they're powerful and relatively heavy vehicles. Presumably at least a part of the design is to protect the wheelchair users surroundings and people nearby.
- _delirium 11y ago
  In Copenhagen it's become semi-standard that motorized wheelchairs / mobility scooters go in the bike lane instead of on sidewalks, which means it's reasonable for them to go at a higher speed [1]. This obviously wouldn't work until you have a citywide infrastructure of fairly wide bike lanes, though. [1] http://www.copenhagenize.com/2008/02/elderly-mobility-in-copenhagen.html http://www.copenhagenize.com/2008/02/elderly-mobility-in-cop...