Whirlwind’s co-founder, Ralf Hotchkiss was interviewed in December by San Francisco’s KGO radio. Check out the audio clip and find out why he hasn’t tipped forward out of his RoughRider’s® in ten years! Transcription for this video: I Haven’t Tipped Once in the 10 Years … [Read more...] about I Haven’t Tipped Once in the 10 Years
Ralf Hotchkiss
Whirlwind’s Handcycle Tricycle Development and Testing
Many types of hand-powered tricycles are used by people with disabilities around the world, from lightweight sports handcycles for racing and recreation to rolling stores to cargo trikes loaded with merchandise. Whirlwind is applying our experience with wheelchair propulsion, ergonomics, and manufacturing to the development of a cargo handcycle that can be efficiently produced … [Read more...] about Whirlwind’s Handcycle Tricycle Development and Testing
Diverse – October 2011
Ralf Hotchkiss teaches a wheelchair design and fabrication class at San Francisco State University and enlists the help of students in continually improving wheelchair designs for the developing world. Read The Story Here. … [Read more...] about Diverse – October 2011
Mission Local – October 2011
Ralf Hotchkiss experiences the travails of a wheelchair rider on San Francisco public transit. Read The Story Here. … [Read more...] about Mission Local – October 2011
Simplified Strength Testing of Manual Wheelchairs
Many small manufacturers of wheelchairs throughout the world's developing countries do not have the resources and technical background to test their products for safety and durability. This paper suggests some essential tests which they can easily perform. The tests are based on fifteen years of experience with the Whirlwind type wheelchairs (which are manufactured and used in … [Read more...] about Simplified Strength Testing of Manual Wheelchairs