This plastic molded wheelchair is tough, water-friendly and non-rusting. Made from ultra-violet-resistant plastic with nylon wheel bushes, stainless steel axles and aluminium tube footrest, the Sealander can be immersed in salt water without damage. This wheelchair suits bathing and use on beaches and can be fitted with a commode/toilet.

The Sealander is available in three models with seat width of 15".

The "BEACH' model is fitted with 10" and 14" diameter plastic wheelbarrow wheels and wide 4" tyres for traction on sandy and bush terrain. The front wheels are fixed.

The standard Sealander has 24" diameter plastic wheels and solid rubber tyres, eliminating punctures. Castor wheels have 8" diameter solid tyres. Axles are 0.5" stainless steel rod.

Note: Regular cleaning to remove sand will stop damage to axles

In Sri Lanka and Souh India (1999) and Nepal (2000) MEND developed protoypes of chidren's size tricycles using locally available steel tubing, 20" BMX bicycle wheels and a plastic seat. Costing $50US in materials this tricycle can be pedalled and steered using both hands. Tricycles can be made in a small workshop in a few hours.

Tricycle users can travel long distances over flat country --often 50 kms a day!

A walker can help a disabled person become mobile, is good for exercise and encourages independence. Our standard walker can be made locally and can be fitted with a fold-down seat and back harness. With her new walker, this 12 year old Fijian girl has now regained some independence..

Costing as little as $10-$20US walkers can be made of wood, steel and aluminium tube, fibreglass and plastic.

This aluminium trolley design combines a commode/toilet for a disabled person who has difficulty sitting. A bucket is placed underneath and it all can be washed down, there being no parts to rust. The 12" diameter wheels use inexpensive nylon bushes (50 cents each) that can be replaced without any technical skill. The seat is made from trampoline material and laced onto the frame. This trolley can be used on on beaches and for bathing too. The sloping base suits comfortable oudoor sunning and stretching out of legs.

Weight is about 8 kgs.

Using a solidly welded frame and a single front castor wheel this design is cheap to build and sturdier than folding models for rugged areas.

Note: A wheelchair with 3 wheels is often stabler than 4 wheels on rough ground as all wheels touch the ground.

Seating can be made of leather, nylon webbing, car tyre inner tube, ply & foam or plastic.

Cost to build in India is about $35-$40US.
Children's size uses 20" diameter BMX bicycle wheels, while adult's size uses 24", 26" or 28" diameter back wheels.

Note : Ordinary bicycle wheel axles are 3/8" diameter and if used, an outer support arm is necessary. If the hub is replaced by a 0.5"diameter axle (as on rickshaw wheels) it can then support user's weight.

This vehicle can be propelled by hand or foot, or small gasoline or (solar) electric motor. It can enable a disabled person to travel with another disabled person, their family or caregiver. Luggage and goods can be transported as well as passengers. This design protects the cyclists from both sun and rain, and from other vehicles. It is constructed of steel or aluminium tubing and standard bicycle parts and 20" diameter rickshaw wheels.

Developed to be made and used in the Pacific Islands where fibreglass is much used for building boats these wheelchairs are tough, waterfriendly and low -cost. Even the wheel rims can be made of fibreglass, minimising the importation of additional materials.

Costing $250US to make they are produced in two sizes in the Solomon Islands using 20" solid-tyred back wheels for children and 26" mountain bike wheels for adults.