Firms team up for adaptable wheelchair lift

Martin McGilligan of MCG Mobility has teamed up with H360, a sister company of SJC Hutchinson Engineering, to invent a ‘standalone’ adaptable wheelchair lift at competitive price, offering greater accessibility to those who couldn’t previously afford it.

Previously, ‘all in one’ wheelchairs that raise and lower the user have costed thousands of pounds, pricing many individuals out of the market. This invention, the ALTO, comprises a scissor lift mounted onto the users existing wheelchair, allowing the user to be raised – enhancing quality of life. The ALTO can be easily attached or detached by the user allowing for a range of benefits, including; heightened independence, safe working at standard height appliances, eg cookers and a reduced dependency on others.

Martin McGilligan, MCG Mobility explained: “I first encountered some of the difficulties faced by wheelchair users at the age of 16 when my younger sister who was born with spina bifida began to use a wheelchair more and more until eventually becoming a full time wheelchair user.

“Most of the world around us has been designed around the able bodied population, particularly when in a standing position. Other solutions on the market with the height function built in were highly expensive and couldn’t be easily transported, meaning the user had to once again depend on others for mobility. I spent several years from an A-Level technology and design project to now working on a range of products that would give wheelchair users actual independence.

“I must say thank you to H360. I came to the company with the original concept designs, but it was Ian and his team’s hard work and dedication that brought my vision to life. My sister is now using the ALTO and it really has changed her life for the better.”

Ian Ferguson, Senior Design Engineer at H360, said: “The ALTO will be adaptable to various designs of wheelchair. We are currently working on adapting the structure for different models of wheelchair, so it is difficult to project costs for each structure as they may have to be designed bespoke. As we are mounting an attachment on to the user’s existing wheelchair, this drastically cuts the costs instead of the user having to purchase expensive ‘all in one’ wheelchairs.”

H360, otherwise known as the ‘complete solutions provider’ in the industry, takes a concept from idea right through to production. It includes an initial consultation, a feasability study, through to design and development, producing a prototype before going into full production.

“We are known for taking on concepts and making them a reality. Late last year we also fully converted a Ford Tourneo Connect van for mobility purposes. From working on bespoke stand systems for a high end audio equipment manufacturer, to designing surfboard manufacturing equipment for Skunkworks Surf Company, we have worked on a vast range of products and become known as the engineering solution provider in the industry. Clients come to us at various stages of the design /manufacture process, and with 45 years experience behind us at Hutchinson Group, we are able to assess the client’s needs and help with any engineering problem,” Ferguson explained.