Carbon Fiber: Lightweight designs reshaping mobility
Discover how carbon fiber is transforming wheelchairs & mobility aids at NextGen HME. Learn about its strength, lightness, durability & explore top carbon fiber products.
CARBON FIBER AS A MATERIAL FOR WHEELCHAIRS, SCOOTERS, ROLLATORS, AND MORE.
Understanding the Science: What Makes Carbon Fiber Exceptional?
At its core, carbon fiber consists of incredibly thin filaments, primarily composed of carbon atoms. These filaments, often bundled into yarns or woven into fabrics, are then combined with a plastic resin matrix to create a composite material. This synergy results in a material that surpasses traditional wheelchair materials in several key aspects:
Unrivaled specific strength.
Imagine a material that's not just light, but incredibly strong for its weight. Carbon fiber boasts a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio than titanium or aluminum.
Pound for pound, a carbon fiber component can withstand forces many times greater than its metal counterparts. This translates directly to a lighter yet more robust wheelchair frame.
Pound for pound, a carbon fiber component can withstand forces many times greater than its metal counterparts. This translates directly to a lighter yet more robust wheelchair frame.
Exceptional durability.
Carbon fiber exhibits superior fatigue resistance. Unlike metals that can weaken and fail under repetitive stress, carbon fiber components endure the daily rigors of wheelchair use for longer.
Studies have shown carbon fiber wheelchairs exceeding industry durability standards by a significant margin.
Studies have shown carbon fiber wheelchairs exceeding industry durability standards by a significant margin.
Not welded, but molded.
Unlike metal frames that rely on welding – a process that can weaken the material by up to 40% at the joint – carbon fiber is molded into complex shapes.
This eliminates weak points, resulting in a stronger, more integrated frame throughout every curve and angle.
This eliminates weak points, resulting in a stronger, more integrated frame throughout every curve and angle.
Vibration dampening
Wheelchair users are often subjected to low-frequency vibrations that can contribute to discomfort and fatigue. Carbon fiber excels at damping these vibrations, absorbing energy rather than transmitting it to the user's spine.
This can lead to reported reductions in back pain, neurogenic pain, and overall fatigue, allowing users to go further with greater comfort.
This can lead to reported reductions in back pain, neurogenic pain, and overall fatigue, allowing users to go further with greater comfort.
Not welded, but molded.
Unlike metal frames that are susceptible to rust and degradation from environmental exposure, carbon fiber and its composites are highly resistant to corrosion.
This ensures a longer lifespan for your mobility device, even in challenging conditions.
This ensures a longer lifespan for your mobility device, even in challenging conditions.
Stable across multiple tempatures.
Metals expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, potentially compromising frame integrity over time. Carbon fiber, however, possesses a near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion.
This means minimal dimensional changes in extreme temperatures, ensuring consistent performance and a comfortable ride regardless of the environment.
This means minimal dimensional changes in extreme temperatures, ensuring consistent performance and a comfortable ride regardless of the environment.
ONE OF THE BEST MATERIALS TO BUILD WITH
Why Carbon Fiber Excels in Mobility
Unrivaled Lightness, Uncompromising Strength: Carbon fiber provides the structural integrity of metal with significantly less weight. This translates to easier maneuvering, reduced user fatigue, and enhanced portability – key factors for daily living.
Built for the Long Haul: Its superior resistance to wear and tear ensures that carbon fiber-based devices withstand the rigors of everyday use, offering long-term reliability and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Smooth and Comfortable Movement: Carbon fiber effectively absorbs vibrations, minimizing discomfort and fatigue often associated with traditional mobility devices, allowing users to remain active for longer.
Durable and Hygienic: Unlike metals that can corrode, carbon fiber resists degradation from environmental factors and bodily fluids, contributing to a more hygienic and longer-lasting product.
Designed for Optimal Support: The unique moldability of carbon fiber allows for the creation of ergonomically contoured designs that provide superior support and comfort, crucial for patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
CARBON FIBER: FRIEND OR FOE?
Dispelling Carbon Fiber Myths:
Here are some of the top misconceptions regarding carbon fiber being used in mobility device manufacturing.
Myth #1: Performs poorly in cold temperatures. Fact: Carbon fiber is used extensively in aerospace applications, enduring extreme temperature variations with minimal expansion or contraction.
Myth #2: Breaks or chips easily. Fact: Carbon fiber technology has advanced significantly. When designed with proper fiber alignment, it can withstand high-impact forces.
Myth #3: Catastrophic damage is common. Fact: The strength of a carbon fiber component is directly related to its design and the way the fibers are laid. Well-engineered carbon fiber products are incredibly durable.
SCOOTERS | WHEELCHAIR WHEELS | SEAT BASES | BACKRESTS
Top Carbon Fiber Products
- Regular price
- $3,199.00
- Sale price
- $3,199.00
- Regular price
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$4,789.00
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The Pride Mobility Go Go® Carbon Portable Scooter is the ultimate lightweight travel scooter, combining cutting-edge design with convenience.
Built with a carbon fiber frame, it offers an incredibly strong yet lightweight structure, making transportation effortless. This ultra-portable scooter folds in seconds and features an airline-compliant lithium battery, allowing for worry-free travel.
With a 300-lb weight capacity, a top speed of up to 3.7 mph, and a range of up to 10 miles per charge, the Go Go® Carbon is perfect for users who need a reliable and stylish mobility solution.
Key Features
- Full carbon fiber frame for maximum durability and portability.
- Folds in seconds and can be easily transported.
- FAA / Airline-friendly lithium battery for hassle-free travel.
- Vibrant color display with easy-to-read information.
- NFC ignition system for added protection and theft security.
- Removable seat back and base for easy cleaning.
- Telescoping Tiller to suit different user preferences.
- LED Lighting for improved visibility for added safety.
Key specs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Top Speed: Up to 3.7 mph
- Range per Charge: Up to 10 miles
- Overall weight: 39 lbs.
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- Regular price
- $579.00
- Sale price
- $579.00
- Regular price
-
Shipping calculated at checkout.
The ADI Carbon Fiber seatbase is a viable option for anybody looking to reduce the overall weight of their manual chair setup while still maintain consistent, solid seating.
- Cut to order: All seatbases are cut to the provided chair dimensions
- Provides a solid foundation for seating without adding the weight
- Real carbon fiber technology
- Helps deter progression of postural deformities
- Mounting hardware is available for use on rigid frames
- Facilitates upright seating in chair
- Seatbase can also be sent without hardware for use on folding frames or as a cushion insert
- Reduces back pain
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- Regular price
- $679.00
- Sale price
- $679.00
- Regular price
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The ByAcre Carbon Ultralight Rollator is a revolutionary mobility aid designed for active individuals. Crafted from high-strength carbon fiber, this rollator boasts exceptional strength and durability while remaining remarkably lightweight at just 10.6 lbs.
Its featherweight design makes it effortless to maneuver, lift, and transport, offering unparalleled freedom and convenience for users on the go. Whether you're navigating busy streets, traveling, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, the Byacre Carbon Ultralight Rollator provides the support and agility you need.
Key Features:
- Ultra-Lightweight: Weighing only 10.6 lbs, it's the world's lightest rollator.
- High-Strength Carbon Fiber Construction: Durable and robust for everyday use.
- Easy Folding and Storage: Convenient for travel and storage.
- Ergonomic Handles: Comfortable grip and reduced hand fatigue.
- Integrated Brakes: Enhanced safety and control.
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- Regular price
- $789.00
- Sale price
- $789.00
- Regular price
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
With the off-road walker Carbon Overland, it is our ambition to give you the freedom to move wherever you want - without restrictions.
With its lightweight, the strong carbon fiber frame and the solid rubber tires, you can take the Carbon Overland with you in all kinds of weather and on any terrain, so you can enjoy the outdoors.
Key Features:
Superior outdoors on grass, hills and dirt roads
Very solid, pneumatic tires with maximum shock absorption
Strong front forks and sealed bearings
Carbon fiber frame – five times as strong as steel
Weighs only 6.7 kg
Easy to fold and comes with a built-in seat
Delivered fully assembled and ready for you to explore
A companion for exploring and adventures.
All-terrain rollator with ultra-durable pneumatic tires and superb suspension
Rigid front forks and sealed bearings that withstand every weather and terrain
Carbon fiber frame – 5x stronger than steel
Tough yet lightweight at only 14.8 lbs – for easy lifting into your vehicle
Foldable and with a built-in seat
Comes fully assembled and ready to explore
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- Regular price
- $2,539.00
- Sale price
- $2,539.00
- Regular price
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
The Jazzy Carbon is the epitome of portable power. Crafted with a lightweight carbon fiber frame, this folding power wheelchair is designed for those who value both style and substance.
Key Features
- Ultra-Lightweight at only 43.6 lbs
- Compact Folding to 28.3”x12.2”x24”
- 300 lb capacity
- Powerful performance battery - up to 9.3 mile range
- Suspension system
- 3.7 MPH
- Accessories: headrest, cup holder, cushion, and extra battery
✈️🔋Transport of this item on commercial aircraft is subject to federal regulations and airline policy.
Please consult your airline prior to your flight to ensure your Jazzy® Carbon and its lithium ion battery are permitted. ✈️🔋
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At 589 grams a wheel (1.1 LBS.) you will feel like you are floating through the air.
The Round Betty Carbon Spöke Wheel is without a doubt the best true FULL carbon fiber wheelchair wheel in the industry.
A classy super high performance top-of-the-line wheel using only the highest carbon fiber technology.
The fixed spoke design means no loose spokes needing to be tightened or replaced. Complete performance, strength and durability for everyday use. Accept no substitutes when it comes to the best.
Key Features
- Available in 24” [540] size.
- Stainless steel bearings ½” axle size.
- 3-spoke full carbon fiber wheel.
- Wheel weight 589g/wheel
- Handrims and tires mounted to wheels
- Price is per pair
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