Rolling walkers are a common mobility solution for those living in urban environments, but in rural Uganda, the terrain is often so rough that a typical rolling walker would not last long. Additionally, the materials that are typically used to make these walkers are not readily available for local manufacturers.
While approaching this project with the overall goal to increase mobility in Uganda in mind, fourth year student Ruby Hadley found there was a gap in the market that could be filled with locally produced walkers designed specifically to withstand rough terrain.
After visiting the region, Ruby developed a context-specific walker design that was then manufactured in Kasese by local artisans. Her design features a stronger, non-collapsible frame, larger tires to account for rough terrain, and plenty of space within the cargo hold allows for the user to transport goods, which could increase their economic opportunity. Perhaps most importantly, the design was able to be manufactured with local materials in Kasese.
Extended Mobility: Final Report
Extended Mobility: Poster