Electric ATV lets disabled return to the woods
Steve Hilbrand was looking for a way to help a paralyzed relative hunt when he stumbled upon a bent piece of metal that would change his life. The 48-year-old tool and die shop owner was a lifelong tinker. It was not unusual for him to see possibility in a metal frame being sold by a defunct company auctioning off its property.
Add six wheels, a seat, a joystick and electric motor and it would might make a perfect all-terrain wheelchair for his cousin.
What he didn't anticipate was learning later that it might prove a hot item for millions of aging baby boomers and more ambulatory seniors who were looking for a little help getting out in the woods or on the ice.
"I was pretty excited. I immediately saw the potential," said Hilbrand, who founded Outbound Mobility three years ago to manufacture the 6X Power ATV. Hilbrand plans to bring the electric all-terrain chair to market early next year.
The 6X Power ATV is driven by batteries. It can turn on a dime, go 8 miles an hour, travel nearly 10 miles on a charge and has enough power to drag a deer home a mile or more.
Being all-wheel drive allows it to go through shallow mud, snow and loose sand. It can travel through the woods, up and down hills or along trails.
A roll cage, headlights, GPS and even a camouflage blind are some of the optional accessories that are available. The basic vehicle is expected to sell for about $10,000. The price will go up from there depending on the equipment.
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Add six wheels, a seat, a joystick and electric motor and it would might make a perfect all-terrain wheelchair for his cousin.
What he didn't anticipate was learning later that it might prove a hot item for millions of aging baby boomers and more ambulatory seniors who were looking for a little help getting out in the woods or on the ice.
"I was pretty excited. I immediately saw the potential," said Hilbrand, who founded Outbound Mobility three years ago to manufacture the 6X Power ATV. Hilbrand plans to bring the electric all-terrain chair to market early next year.
The 6X Power ATV is driven by batteries. It can turn on a dime, go 8 miles an hour, travel nearly 10 miles on a charge and has enough power to drag a deer home a mile or more.
Being all-wheel drive allows it to go through shallow mud, snow and loose sand. It can travel through the woods, up and down hills or along trails.
A roll cage, headlights, GPS and even a camouflage blind are some of the optional accessories that are available. The basic vehicle is expected to sell for about $10,000. The price will go up from there depending on the equipment.
more...
