Vancouver-based startup TetraGear has developed LED lights to increase visibility and safety of users of various mobility devices including wheelchairs, bicycles and strollers at night.
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Different applications for TetraGear include wheelchairs, mobility scooters, strollers, handcycles, and bikes. (All photos courtesy of TetraGear) |
The Canadian company started to develop the smart LED lights after a company staff Eric Molendyk was hit by a car, while commuting to work in his electronic wheelchair during the early morning hours of November 2008.
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Eric Moleyndyk in his electric wheelchair waiting to cross the road. |
Despite wearing a reflective vest and having the right to the road, the car driver was unable to see Molendyk crossing the road in his wheelchair. After months spent recovering from the accident, Moleyndyk decided to design a smart LED light to increase visibility of people in mobility devices.
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The LED lights can be controlled by a touch sensor embedded controller. |
The TetraGear is a programmable RGB LED light that can be controlled with a touch-sensitive controller. The lights can be customized to lighten up in different colors, or blink at various intervals.
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TetraGear lights can be customized to light up in different colors. |
The company will be donating free products to children at Sunny Hill Health Center at British Columbia in the name of donors for every CA $125 (US $ 95.38) pledge they receive from their "Pledge-a-Light" program.
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Children from Sunny Hill Health Center will receive a free light from donors that give more than $125 in Pledge-a-Light campaign. |
So far the Canadian company’s Kickstarter project has raised CA $51,509 out of its CA $70,000 goal. The Kickstarter campaign will be closing on May 25, 2016.
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Eric Moleyndyk seen operating his electric wheelchair with the TetraGear lights. |