Medical Fair Brno / Rehaprotex
18.-21.10. 2011

A unique quad bike is presented to the public for the first time at Medical Fair Brne / Rehaprotex. The “Elbee” vehicle has been developed by the Czech company “ZLKL” which wants to start serial production next year.

The revolutionary nature of the novelty lies in its conception. Instead of regular cars with a modified steering system, wheelchair users are for the first time offered a mean of transport which is developed in accordance with their needs, moreover it has a large possibility of individualization. It is a problem for many wheelchair users to get from the wheelchair into their car without help, then put the wheelchair into the car, and get into the wheelchair again at the end of their journey. Everyone can do it with “Elbee”, even electric wheelchair users or people with a partial disability of the upper limbs, who can thus manage without an assistant when travelling.

“It is a worldwide rarity in many aspects,” says the head of the “Elbee” project, Ladislav Brázdil. “The most important thing is that the wheelchair user does not have to board the vehicle but controls it directly from their wheelchair. “Elbee” has a hinged front so the wheelchair user can see where the ramp is being put and where to go with their wheelchair. In addition, it is a very compact vehicle with a length less than 2.5 metres so it can park perpendicularly to the pavement in a row of longitudinally parking cars,” L. Brázdil lists the biggest advantages of the novelty which has been awarded one of the three awards of the fair: Medical Fair Award 2011.

“Elbee” has caught the interest of not only the judging committee, but also of the visitors of the fair. At Brno Fairs, it is presented in two versions: a test prototype, which is available for demonstration rides, drives on the grounds, and in the A2 pavilion visitors can see the main framework which is going to be altered mainly in the driver section. “In the steering parts we're aiming for a universal solution which would appeal to as big as possible a number of the handicapped,” explains Josef Franc, the head of the “Elbee” developing team. “The steering can also be adapted to a wheelchair user who only has one arm functioning because it is not a problem to move the handling and gearing to one side. Somebody might need a handlebar, which they are used to from motorbikes, and we can comply to these customers as well. Every piece will be individually crafted to suit the particular client, their handicap and personal preferences,” the constructor adds. For those of the handicapped who are not able to produce big strength, ZLKL has an individually adjustable power steering prepared. The customer can also choose between a petrol engine and an electric driving mechanism.

The biggest attention is certainly paid to the unique front of the vehicle which can be lifted on command by a remote control while a ramp is pushed out below. The wheelchair is dragged in and is fixated inside by a special construction. A place for a fellow passenger or luggage remains behind the wheelchair. The maximum speed of the vehicle is 80 km/h and driving on motorways is also possible. The price of the vehicle should be about half a million Czech crowns but the wheelchair user can get up to two hundred thousand from the state for buying and customizing it.

ZLKL has been working on the concept of “Elbee” since 2008. The development is now practically finished and the vehicle has been approved for operating on roads. For the present, five pre-serial pieces are being made and the production itself is supposed to launch next year. “Even though 'Elbee' is a worldwide rarity, we will first offer it only on the Czech market. Next year we want to set the processes of distribution, individualization and after sale service in the Czech Republic and only afterwards we will step-by-step enter the markets of other countries,” Ladislav Brázdil describes the closest plans and adds: “I believe that Medical Fair Award, which we immensely appreciate, will help us with this. It has already helped us promoting our novelty medially at this fair and we will definitely try to make more good use of it.”