Business & Research

My main interests and experience are:

Supporting and encouraging others to innovate and start small businesses.

Research and development of engineering solutions in the areas of outdoor mobility products, personal mobility and disability lifestyle equipment.

Current projects include:

Development of a new handlebar control/steering system for individuals with no hand function and limited and strength.

Development of a novel all terrain accessible electric mobility device.

Business Experience.

Founder and Director of Molten Rock Equipment Ltd throughout its 10 years trading from 2006. Molten Rock was a manufacturer and retailer of specialist mobility equipment.

Growing the company from living room to SME employing five full-time staff.

Securing private equity finance to grow the business through Angel networks and investment groups.

Previous projects include:

Investigation of powered wheelchair ride comfort.

Off-road mobility for physically disabled wheelchair users.

Countryside access for individuals with a physical disability.

About the author

Chris Swift administrator

: The Lockdown Roller ramp is designed to work with simple bicycle training rollers which are readily available from stores such as Amazon.

: This Lockdown Roller Ramp is made from 5 mm hardwood ply (plywood between 5-6 mm is perfect), and is secured using standard wood glue.

: Lockdown Roller enables pushing exercise indoors. Resistance can be increased or decreased by changing the air pressure in the wheelchair tires.

: Three of the rollers feet fit into locating holes in the base with an extra stiffening layer laid on top.

: Original concept in SolidWorks

: Concept drawing in SolidWorks

: Concept drawing with the handlebars folded forward for easy access

: The superb recumbent delta trike from Hase. Featuring a unique and novel independent trailing arm rear suspension.

: Foldable frame for easy transport and storage at home

: Hand cycle already manufactured by Hase incorporating similar chassis frame.

: Lots of space to do a simple sliding transfer

: The basic second-hand trike chassis features the “Compact Twist Fold” mechanism allowing the rear frame section to fold over the front section.

: First assembly of the chassis, seat and front wheels. As you can see the seat frame at this point is unmodified.

: An extension to the seat base was welded into place, giving an improved sitting position and support for a pressure relief cushion.

: Trialling a J2 pressure relief cushion

: Control concept based on the Batec Modified Handlebars (see my other projects). Providing power, braking and steering for riders with no hand function and very limited arm strength.

: Heinzmann geared hub motor fitted together with control electronics and pannier battery. Weight distribution gives great traction on the rear tire.

: Active Hands gripping aids ensure safe and comfortable hand position.

Business & Research