Strutt's EV¹ Wheelchair Battery: Design Evolution
How the battery shaped the entire design language of Singapore's innovative wheelchair.
1Battery-first design approach
Strutt's EV¹ wheelchair development began with the battery, not the chair itself. Chief Designer Barney Mason reveals battery certification and testing dictated the project timeline. The 6kg LFP battery's physical requirements influenced the entire product's form language. This unusual approach resulted in a design that balances soft aesthetics with rugged functionality.
2Material and safety tradeoffs
The team chose lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells despite their larger size due to superior safety and lifespan. These characteristics were prioritized for an everyday mobility device. The decision impacted the wheelchair's overall dimensions and weight distribution. Waterproofing requirements led to removing buttons and LEDs from early prototypes, simplifying the final design.
3Ergonomic handling solutions
Designers addressed the 6kg battery's weight through thoughtful features. A sturdy handle and low-ground placement facilitate transport. The charging port's angle and waterproof cover optimize daily use. Inspiration came from jerry cans, resulting in a form that communicates durability while remaining user-friendly for wheelchair owners.
4Iterative durability testing
Drop tests revealed weaknesses in early prototypes, with handles cracking at corners. The team responded by softening corner radii and modifying internal structures. Material tweaks improved impact resistance without compromising waterproofing. These refinements occurred during the soft launch phase, demonstrating Strutt's commitment to real-world performance.
5Design language emergence
The battery's development unexpectedly established Strutt's product design philosophy. Mason describes it as 'soft but dependable' with performance focus. This aesthetic carried through to the wheelchair's final form. The project shows how constraints can drive innovation, with technical requirements becoming brand-defining features.
6User-centric engineering
Every design decision prioritized wheelchair users' daily needs. The battery's low center of gravity aids stability during transfers. Thoughtful details like the angled charging port address real mobility challenges. Strutt's approach demonstrates how medical equipment can combine technical rigor with human-centered design principles.
7Certification-driven timeline
Battery testing and approval processes significantly influenced the development schedule. This regulatory reality shaped Strutt's phased rollout strategy. The team used this mandatory waiting period to refine other design elements. Their experience highlights how medical device startups must navigate technical and compliance challenges simultaneously.
8Medical design innovation
Strutt's battery development represents a shift in assistive technology design. By treating medical equipment with product design rigor, they've created a wheelchair that users might actually enjoy using. The project demonstrates how startups can redefine categories by applying fresh perspectives to established product types.
Original article: Core77 — Strutt's EV¹ Wheelchair Battery: Design Evolution