Perhaps the designers of this wheelchair started from the premise that – “4 wheels are expensive. Let’s see if we can do it with 2”. If so, mission accomplished.

The Nino Robotics wheelchair uses the same self-levelling system as the Segway to balance comfortably and safely on just 2 wheels. When you get in and out of the chair, a couple extra mechanical legs pop down either side of it to hold it steady while you adjust your balance. These also serve to park the chair.

Driving review

The chair moves largely based on the movement of the weight and balance of the person sitting in it. If you lean forward the chair goes forward. If you lean back it goes back. You get the idea. A handle bar assists with left and right turns but once again the shifting of weight is key. The chair can travel over pretty rough terrain including beaches and it also seems to perform well indoors, coping with a 360° turn on the spot.

Technical specs

• Look can be customised – change the colour of chassis and body of the chair
• Exclusive smartphone app links your device to Nino
• Weighs only 39kg
• Maximum user weight is 100kg
• Charging time is 3hrs
• Covers 35 miles on a full charge

The overall design of this wheelchair aims to challenge the usual look of personal mobility devices and give it more personality so it can inspire positive thoughts. On its website, the UK sales agent for Nino Robotics Wheelchair, Magic Mobility describes it as being “[…] modelled to distract from disability, focussing more on practical design and individuality of the rider”.

This short clip feels a bit like a safety video you get on an airplane but it shows interesting details in motion...

Your smartphone can link up with the chair and fit to the handle bar, showing you operational information and allowing you to choose a speed limit.

Can anyone drive the Nino Robotic? No. You need to weigh under 100kg and have reasonable upper body control to manage its balance controlled system. In a sense though this is true of most personal mobility vehicles. None are suited for all and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

What do you think? Would you try the Nino Robotics wheelchair? 

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