Have you ever dreamed of the excitement of four-wheeling through rugged terrain, only to realize that outdoor adventures are often out of reach for many? This is especially true for wheelchair users, who face significant barriers to enjoying nature despite their adventurous spirits. Thankfully, this story is shifting thanks to Exotek’s groundbreaking innovations and their remarkable creation, the Exoquad, which embodies human ingenuity and the unwavering determination to break through limitations. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a new beginning for outdoor exploration.
The story of Exoquad begins with two visionary individuals.
Sigurd Groven and Mattias Storvestre recognized a market niche and an opportunity to significantly impact the lives of numerous people. Driven by a personal connection, Storvestre, a CAD designer and aviation mechanic, set out on this adventure. A task that many would find intimidating, he looked for a mobility tool that would allow his physically unable wife to go on outdoor trips with him. Conversely, Groven, a physical therapist who had a T1 total spinal cord damage in a mountain bike accident, expressed dissatisfaction with the outside mobility options that were accessible to him after his injury. Their desire to develop something ground-breaking was inspired by their mutual love of the great outdoors and personal encounters with the shortcomings of current mobility aids.
The Exoquad stands as a testament to this labor of love, a state-of-the-art engineering feat that empowers wheelchair users to independently navigate even the toughest outdoor environments with ease and confidence.
This remarkable concept serves as a beacon of hope for enhancing inclusivity in outdoor recreation, masterfully blending ruggedness with comfort through advanced technology to create unparalleled experiences. With adaptable features like two-wheel and four-wheel drive, the Exoquad caters to all levels of adventure, ensuring that the thrill of the great outdoors is accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical challenges.
The Norwegian startup Exotek is behind this extraordinary endeavor, serving as a very strong example of how technology can be used to break down barriers. Founders Storvestre and Groven are not just entrepreneurs but pioneers in the most literal way, driven by a mission to place the physically challenged right at the heart of outdoor adventures. This spirit flows from the way the Exoquad’s sturdy design allows for adaptability in every sense. It’s not just about giving a new means, it is about redefining a concept- challenging the status quo and opening up the world of adventure to those that have long been excluded from it.
The Exoquad transcends the definition of a vehicle; it acts as a lifeline to nature for those who have yearned to engage with it but have been hindered by physical barriers.
Symbolizing progress, the Exoquad embodies the belief that adventure should be within everyone’s reach. Its introduction marks a significant stride towards a more inclusive society, where physical limitations won’t keep anyone from enjoying the exhilarating escape of outdoor exploration. As we delve into the technical specifications and capabilities of the Exoquad next, let’s celebrate the innovative spirit that birthed this magnificent vehicle, transforming lives and adventures one journey at a time.
Let’s now explore the impressive attributes that make the Exoquad a revolutionary option in the realm of outdoor adventure for wheelchair users – starting with its specifications!
With two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configuration options, the Exoquad demonstrates its adaptability to a range of terrains and user requirements. With the roll bar removed, the vehicle’s measurements are a small 170 cm in length, 90 cm in width, and 80 cm in height. This elegant design guarantees stability in rugged terrain and agility in confined spaces, demonstrating Exotek’s commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible and pleasurable for everybody.
At the core of the Exoquad’s design is a robust 6061 tubular aluminum frame, complemented by a roll bar that enhances safety, achieving an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. This careful selection of materials ensures that the 4WD version remains sturdy yet relatively lightweight at 90 kg, exemplifying the priority given to safety and durability during its construction – making it the perfect companion for the most daring journeys.
The Exoquad’s tires and wheels are yet another standout feature. From sandy beaches to muddy paths, the vehicle’s 20 x 4-inch knobby Kenda fatbike tires provide the best possible grip and traction. No matter the weather, this is essential for keeping stability and control.
When it comes to braking, the Exoquad is equipped with Tektro Twin+ hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable and effective stopping power even in the harshest conditions. This essential feature provides users with peace of mind, knowing that they can halt the vehicle safely when necessary.
Both the front and rear DNM adjustable coil shocks in the suspension system have a travel range of 170 to 200 mm. This makes it possible to ride over barriers and bumps smoothly, lessening the impact on the user and improving the experience as a whole. Users may adapt the suspension to suit various terrains and personal preferences thanks to the shocks’ adjustable design.
Depending on the configuration selected, the Exoquad is powered by a number of motors. Two 3.5-kW rear hub motors, each producing a potent 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque, are included with the 2WD version. The 4WD variant equips both front wheels with 600W hub motors (60 Nm/44 lb-ft) for those who want even more power. Because of the great strength and control this system offers, users can easily navigate difficult terrain and steep inclines.
A detachable 48V/2.1-kWh lithium battery powers all of the motors, giving you the energy you need for prolonged outdoor excursions. This battery is a considerate feature that optimizes the vehicle’s efficiency because it allows riders of the 4WD model to switch to 2WD mode on level terrain to conserve power. The top speed, which strikes a compromise between safety and excitement, is 6 km/h (4 mph) in 4WD and 15 km/h (9 mph) in 2WD. Adventures won’t end suddenly because of power problems because the battery can last four to six hours of mixed-mode riding on a single 7-hour charge.
For those who prefer the raw thrill of gravity-assisted rides, the Exogravity version of the Exoquad steals the spotlight.
It has comparable specifications but is powered solely by downhill motion rather than a motor or battery. With its reduced weight of 49 kg, this version is even recommended for activities like dogsledding and is perfect for thrill-seekers seeking unrestrained downhill descents.
The starting prices for these innovative rides are €7,199 ($7,814) for the Exogravity, €12,999 ($14,109) for the 2WD Exoquad, and €15,999 (approximately US$17,365) for the 4WD Exoquad. While these prices may seem steep, the flexibility, adventure, and inclusivity these vehicles offer translate this investment into a worthy pursuit of freedom.
Through its thoughtful and precise design, the Exoquad unlocks a world of outdoor adventures that were once beyond reach for many. With its power, safety, and adaptability, it becomes more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a gateway to exploration and a key to the vast outdoors. Whether scaling rugged landscapes or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, the Exoquad represents the spirit of inclusivity and technological progress, proving that the thirst for discovery knows no bounds.
Related posts:
All-terrain Exoquad gets wheelchair users into four-wheelin’ action
Choosing the Perfect All-Terrain Vehicle — EXOTEK
Exoquad four-wheeler brings off-road adventure to wheelchair users (startupselfie.net)
