George Johann Klein invented the electric wheelchair in the 1950s. Regarded as the most productive Canadian inventor of the 20th century, his other notable inventions include the microsurgical staple gun, the ZEEP nuclear reactor, the Canadarm, and the Weasel all-terrain vehicle. . Klein was working for the National Research Council of Canada when he came up with the electric wheelchair that was intended for wounded World War II veterans.
In 2005, the first successful powered wheelchair was received in Canada during the official launch of Klein’s biography in Ottawa. The chair had been awarded to the United States government in 1955 as a gesture to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to helping disabled people around the world. It is now on display at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology.
The electric wheelchair has been dubbed Canada’s Greatest Invention. Its development was fueled by an influx of World War II veterans who were left disabled by injuries sustained in battle. The concerted efforts of the National Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Paraplegics Association and the Canadian Department of Veterans Affairs resulted in a truly useful electric motor-powered wheelchair.
Before the advent of this type of wheelchair, quadriplegics had no way of getting around on their own. Shortly before, the founder of the Canadian Association of Paraplegics, John Counsel, had successfully lobbied the Canadian government for the mass purchase of manual wheelchairs. This helped the paraplegic veterans but not the quadriplegics. Dr. Klein, in collaboration with physicians, patients, engineers, and scientists, pioneered the breakthrough by creating the concept of the electronic wheelchair.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on August 15, 1904, George Klein became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1968 and was later inducted into the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology Hall of Fame (in 1995) due to to his work in electricity. wheelchair and other noteworthy inventions. He died on November 4, 1992 in Ottawa at the age of 88.
His inventions, however, keep him alive in the memories of people around the world, especially those who enjoy the independence and mobility that he made possible through the electric wheelchair. Today there are many adaptations of this type of wheelchair, which has been customized to the different needs of people. Rear, mid, front and all-wheel drive variants are currently available.
Originally intended for quadriplegics and invalids who are unable to self-propel in a manual wheelchair due to certain disabilities, the power wheelchair is now also prescribed for people with cardiovascular conditions. It can be designed for indoor or outdoor use, or both. There are portable models and full-featured “rehab” models. There are types that have on-board chargers, while others have separate chargers.
The power wheelchair is controlled by joysticks or other types of devices, such as chin controls or puff/sip scanners. These controllers can regulate not only the speed and direction of the chair, but also other functional movements, such as recline, tilt, seat elevation, and leg elevation, which allow its occupant to perform certain movements and activities. that otherwise would not have been possible.