World record attempt in an Abler Adventure wheelchair

I have tried the Abler Adventure before (see previous post here dated July 23, 2008) and I enjoyed the experience greatly. The Abler Adventure is a superb well-engineered power wheelchair from Germany.

I chanced upon an attempt by a person who wants to break a world record travelling 1,000 miles or 1,600 kilometres in UK. Here are the excerpts from this attempt:

"I (Mary Laver) have a dream and that is to drive a power wheelchair from Lands End to John O’Groats UK in 29 days. After looking at many power wheelchairs I was told by wheelchair experts, that for such an adventure I needed a power wheelchair that you could change the batteries without getting out of the chair; that I needed a power wheelchair chair that had good suspension, up to date technology in fault finding. I needed speed and endurance as I would need to cover 40 miles per day for 29 days with the odd rest day, to complete the task I had set myself; then there was only one chair to fill all of these requirements and more, that was and is, the Alber Adventure."

To read further, click here.

Predator 4x4 all terrain power wheelchair

Predator 4x4 power wheelchair by Radical Mobility, South Africa. With the wet savannah mudlands at the company's doorsteps, it is blessed with testing and making power wheelchairs that can survive the harshest environment. Maybe it will build a power wheelchair which can outrun a cheetah (about 70 mph or 114 kph)?

Wheelchairs as fast as this cheetah?

Below is the philosophy of Radical Mobility:

"Radical Holdings (Pty) Ltd t/a Radical Mobility is a South African company that designs, manufactures and markets power wheelchairs, which maximize mobility and comfort for disabled people.
Martin Brown, founder and CEO of Radical Mobility is a C3/6 quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair since 1998. His frustration in trying to find a power wheelchair that catered for his needs led directly to the formation of Radical Mobility.

Martin demanded manoeuvrability indoors but also the ability to drive on surfaces like beach sand. He needed comfort and support, and the ability to surmount obstacles and slopes and didn’t want his power wheelchair to look like hospital equipment. So Radical Mobility was born with inspiration from his Creator, friends and family. Martin teamed up with Pieter Nell to develop a range of wheelchairs that are affordable, comfortable, safe and versatile – especially in their ability to operate indoors and outside."

To read further, click here.



Up a steep slope with minimal effort.



Beach cruising

A voice-controlled power wheelchair

A cool wheelchair using one's voice to move it.

The next day 15 August 2008

My buddies Ricky, Philip and me after a hearty breakfast in the hotel. Although this hotel is not in the main cities like Bangkok, its breakfast buffet was better than a similar four-star hotel breakfast in BKK. Charoensri Hotel breakfast was really good :)
This was the first forest monk's temple we visited.
This temple belongs to one of the disciples of the great late Ajahn Mun. A doctor donated a real skeleton to remind the followers of the impermanence of life.
The temple hall.
The serenity of the temple's surroundings.

Me feeding the fishes as my other buddies went up to the temple which was not wheelchair accessible. This is outside Ajahn Fon's wat, one of AC Mun's disciples.
The view ouside the pond.
The great tudong master late Ajahn Mun's museum.

Personal artefacts of AC Mun when he meditated and wandered in the wild forests of Udon Thani.
Noticed the parasol which was the protection he had to shelter him from rain and sun when he meditated in the forests.

A path built for walking meditation in the forest.
A friendly monk at Wat Pa Yong who was also our translator when we visited the abbot there.

Thanks for viewing. Please come back again to visit my blog as I will be constantly adding new photos on the Udon Thani trip.

My recent trip to Udon Thani, Thailand

Just landed in Udon Thani, about one hour from Bangkok
Posing outside the Udon Thani domestic airport. It is a small airport with basic amenities and a canteen for light refreshments. Behind me is my buddy Ricky who was one of the three of us in this trip. Our purpose of the trip was to visit the forest monks in Udon Thani.
I was outside Charoensri Grand Royal Hotel where we stayed. I just had dinner at the nearby night market.
View of our hotel at night.
Our first taste of local food at the night market! We had a plate of ngio hiang dish or "chinese rojak", a huge steamed fish, fried chicken, mango salad and fresh coconuts for each of us. For dessert, we had "ching ting" which is the best I ever tried: its version had more than ten ingredients unlike the Singapore version of maybe 4-5 ingredients. The total cost? About S$16 for four of us :)

Launching of my blog Ts

Want to win one of my tshirts? All you need to do is to go up to me when I am travelling outdoors on my power wheelchair and say "Hello! Singapore Wheelchair Warrior!". You then have to visit my blog to give the answer to this question: What is my nickname used in the blog? You need to post the answer and also state the date/time and place we met. You must post your answer at the latest entry of my blog.

Discovering Singapore's newest green hub - The HortPark with Alber Adventure

Let me introduce two "firsts". The first is the latest attraction for nature lovers - the opening of HortPark, a seemless nature trail of parks connector of some 23 hectare of green space.

"HortPark is a one-stop gardening hub that brings together gardening-related, recreational, educational, research and retail activities under one big canopy in a park setting. It is a knowledge hub for plants and gardening and provides the platform for the industry to share best practices and showcase garden designs, products and services. This 23-hectare regional park in South-Western Singapore is also a park connector, connecting Telok Blangah Hill Park to Kent Ridge Park."

To read more, click here.

The other first is the testing of the fastest power wheelchair currently available here. The German-made Alber Adventure power wheelchair with a top speed of 14kph will blow you away. The Abler is one hell of a dream machine. I had this rare opportunity of riding this uber wheelchair due to the kind courtesy of Mr Cheong of Start-Centre, the person who is responsible for marketing it here. The photos below showed the dual joy of discovering Singapore's latest green lung on the fastest power wheelchair here.

The rather deceptive path leads to a flight of steps with no indication or signage of the imminent danger. There is however a flat path just besides it. From the wheelchair rider's perspective, it appears a slope downwards. I hope the NParks will look into this immediately.

The dangerous view from the other side.
The Alber was a joy to ride on - its excellent suspension coupled with comfortable seat made me feel like I am travelling on business class seat of my beloved Singapore Airlines. It is a continuous climb of slope of some 500 metres or about 10 minutes to reach the top of South Ridge by Alber power wheelchair.

Me and Alber. What an achievement reaching the top of South Ridge, well almost the top. Our journey was hampered by a flight of steps to continue a little further.

Feeling contented of conquering South Ridge without a sweat, I travelled down.
Feeling supremely happy with being in touch with nature, the Alber just made it so much enjoyable like travelling into the heart of Congo.

Hello! A pitfall!

The Singtel Hello! buidling at Somerset Road.

Just on the way out with the slope around the corner.

No marking to indicate a step nor a slope.

At the very edge, the danger is still not apparent.

A combination of slope and step is highly dangerous for both walkers and wheelchair travellers.

A wheelchair traveller struggled in the newest Santiago subway system

This was recorded recently in Santiago, Chile. Santiago's metro system is the newest and most extensive subway system in South America. However, it's not very handicap-friendly.

Is it a bicycle? Is it a power wheelchair? No, it is the Segway wheelchair!

Great invention using gyroscope technology which makes this wheelchair an amazing two-wheeler!



I remembered our local Singapore Airport Police force tried to use the Segway standing version many years back as a pilot project. Apparently the project did not take off. Look at this video - don't you think it makes life easier and fun? I managed to locate the local newspaper's article on this trial project here:

"S'pore police patrols - batteries included.
177 words
20 May 2003
Straits Times
English
(c) 2003 Singapore Press Holdings Limited

THE Singapore Police Force has bought battery-operated scooters which will go on trial from next month, possibly at Changi Airport.

These scooters have only standing room and cost S$8,541 each.

Made in the United States, the 'vehicles' are called Segway Human Transporters.

They have a top speed of 20kmh, are quiet and produce no exhaust fumes. Each vehicle can be used non-stop for a full day, and can negotiate rough terrain like gravel and sand.

The Segway is said to have been developed at a cost of US$100 million (S$172 million), and has sensors which mimic the body's ability to maintain its balance.

It has no brakes and no accelerator. It has only handle bars to change direction.

The rider has to lean forward to move the vehicle, and lean back to slow down or to stop it.

The police declined to reveal how many machines they have bought. They said that they will be exploring how the Segways can be used for patrols."

Maybe, public feedback such as the one below, killed the appearance of Segways at our Airports?

"A motorised pogo stick with a big price tag.
By Christopher Tan.
769 words
5 July 2003
Straits Times
English
(c) 2003 Singapore Press Holdings Limited

THE Segway Human Transporter is one of those things that seem like a brilliant idea at the time, but is actually rather silly when you sit down to think about it.

And here's the thing, isn't it? You can't sit down on the Segway. You have to stand upright at all times while trying not to look like a squirrel sniffing the air - or poor grandma balancing on her stainless steel walking frame.

Imagine being in that frozen pose for 10 minutes. Besides appearing dorky, think of the aching thigh and calf muscles at the end of the journey.

Where are we going on this thing, whose price ranges from US$5,000 (S$8,800) to US$8,000 - depending on the model? No one is really sure. Many city authorities are not allowing it on roads or sidewalks. And as motorised scooters are also not allowed in parks in many cities - including Singapore - the only place to use it is in a private compound. Or at the airport.

But even if it is allowed on roads and pavements, why use the Segway? Besides being expensive, it is cumbersome (it weighs 30kg to 40kg), has little room for anything else besides your two feet, and has limited speed and range.

Its manufacturer says it has a speed of between 8kmh and 27kmh, and claims it won't hurt anyone in a collision. At 27kmh, that's somehow doubtful. It also says its battery has a range of about 27km. Within these parameters, won't walking, cycling or taking the train be just as efficacious?

In fact, a bicycle is a much more superior mode of transport. It allows you to sit down, move your limbs, carry quite a lot of stuff (including junior in the child seat), and work out a little. On a bicycle, if your legs ache, there is at least an upside: burnt calories and a firmer bottom.

On the Segway, you're merely telling the world you have the means to own an expensive toy that can embarrass you the way it embarrassed United States President George W. Bush. The contraption is clearly the emperor's new clothes. No one wants to admit they don't see the logic of it, perhaps for fear of being branded an ignoramus or a technophobic.

And now the Singapore Police Force has become the latest agency to try out the gyroscopic wonder. Rumour has it that they want to order 100 units. It is tragic. Our men in blue need to look dignified when doing their rounds. Perched lazily on a Segway, they not only do not look dignified, but they also do not inspire confidence.

Fine if the gadget flies or floats. But we're not even sure how waterproof it is.

Years ago, when the Traffic Police ordered a fleet of BMW motorcycles, word had it that it raised eyebrows in very high places. The purchase was deemed extravagant (a Beemer bike costs easily twice a Japanese equivalent).

Now, the Segway? For the price, one could get a nifty scooter - either petrol-or electric-driven. Or four or five mid-range bicycles. Bicycles are practically maintenance-free. They don't have to be recharged either.

With its intricate mechanisms and sophisticated batteries, the Segway is unlikely to be as hassle-free.

Segway-maker Dean Kamen, an American billionaire, would have done humanity a lot more good if he had devised the self-balancing two-wheeler as a way for old or infirm people to get around. Or if he had wanted to make something really just for fun, perhaps he should have improved on the pogo stick.

As for his hope of it replacing the car, fat chance. The thing doesn't come with air-conditioning or off-road tyres. And where do you hang the furry dice from?

Mr Kamen was in town recently to do a personal show-and-tell for the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Here's a question: Would he have come if the Segway was selling well in America? Nevertheless, the engineers within the LTA must have been impressed, as they are mostly impressed with all things new and 'techie' (like driverless trains). But it is reassuring to know that this time, they have not given the Segway the green light to ply our streets.

Then again, perhaps they should have. Then, at least residents living near the Buangkok MRT station can ride to a train station on the North-East Line that is open."

Finally, the local decision by the Police not to adopt the Segways afterall.

"Prime News
Easy riders in Holland V
David Boey
393 words
28 May 2005
Straits Times
English
(c) 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Limited

TWO-WHEELED contraptions that look like pogo sticks on wheels have become new head-turners in the Holland Village area, after people there were invited to try the gadgets last week.

The devices, which cost between US$5,000 (S$8,335) and US$8,000, are called Segway Human Transporters. These are battery-powered platforms with motorised wheels and handle bars to change direction.

They have no brakes and no accelerator, and can hit speeds of up to 20kmh. A rider leans forward to move it, and leans back to slow down or stop it.

Five of the vehicles are available at Holland Village as part of a trial by industrial landlord JTC Corporation, and SiS Technologies, the Segway's local distributor, to introduce people to the devices.

They are parked in front of Holland Village Shopping Centre from Monday to Thursday between 3pm and 7pm, and between noon and 7pm from Friday to Sunday. They will be there till the end of next month.

Anyone can have a go on one, for free. Guides will teach them how to use the vehicles.

Holland Village was chosen as it is within easy reach of the 200ha research and innovation hub in Buona Vista, called one-north, said JTC Corp, the hub's master developer, on Thursday.

The trial is part of efforts to 'introduce new technologies in one-north' as the area is a 'test-bedding hub for new innovations and technologies'.

It sees the Segway, which is recharged by being plugged into the mains, as a possible 'alternative mode of transport' that is 'both environmentally friendly and could potentially reduce the need for cars for travelling short distances'.

When it was unveiled by its American inventor in December 2001, it was hailed as a way to ease inner-city congestion by giving motorists an alternative to cars.

In October 2003, about 6,000 of the machines were recalled by their maker because they could tip over when riders continued to use them despite being alerted that the battery was low.

The problem was fixed by upgrading the software that controls the machine's balance.

Segways, which are used at Heathrow Airport by British police, were tested by the police here at Changi Airport in 2003, but they decided not to have them."

Will there be a re-think on the Segway since the largest Changi Terminal Three Airport just opened this year?

I must clarify here that I have no business or percuniary interests in Segway products nor related to any of the people at Segway company.



The latest Segway Centaur.

Impressive all terrain and Extreme rockclimbing power wheelchairs!

This power wheelchair gives a confident meaning to travelling on all terrains (well almost, how about on snow?). Notice the front wheels are broader than normal ones and they have wheels guards. It moves easily on cobbled stones in an uphill grassy patch.



This is a rock climbing extreme power wheelchair!

Shopping in a wheelchair

This guy is independent for his grocery needs. I like the way he maximised and planned ahead in putting things into a small basket which was balanced delicately on his laps. Great!

Wheelchair travelling in San Francisco - An eye opener

Watch the video for activities a wheelchair traveller can do there. I am impressed with a specially constructed park for wheelchair people to try their hands on obstacle paths, like a dirt track for motorcross bikers. Cool!

Pitfall at the Commonwealth MRT station

A nice path ahead?
Nearer and nearer to a pitfall.
It looks flat and innocuous enough. or is it?
The shot of the terrain from the other side. Notice there is an abrupt step merging with a slope.
The overall shot shows the pitfall where a wheelchair cannot move in a straight or slant angle due to its undulating surface.
Onward to the journey to the Commonwealth MRT station.
Reaching the destination at last - the Commonwealth MRT Station. A pleasant ride except for the dangerous pitfall.

A pitfall is an euphemism for dangers lurking for the wheelchair traveller. It can mean a sudden slope, blind spots, steps, holes, cracks or any impediments that can pose danger for wheelchair travellers.

A dream wish for any wheelchair warrior - the IBOT 4000

Let the video do its demo on the iBOT.

Outside Fu Lu Shou

Buy a lottery ticket from him and you can be rich!
Ice cream is a welcome treat on a tropical hot weather.
The hot season sees the bountiful harvest of durians which are available almost in every part of Singapore. Together with rambutans and mangoes, they are available for about a month during mid-May to June period.
A mountain of juicy rambutans.

Aims of this blog

It aims to be a photoblog about my country as seen through my wheels and eyes. I call my motorised wheelchair 'the ferrari' as I can feel the rush of the wind when I zoom around on a windy day! What to expect in this blog?

1. The best food places accessible to wheelchairs.
2. Personal ranking of the most wheelchair-friendly toilets.
3. A glimpse of the less threaded parts of Singapore.

I travel incognito. At least in this blog, my nickname is kruba. Kruba is a term used in northern Thailand for a monk. Like kruba or a mendicant monk who travels alone in his search for reality, my travels as seen through my wheels hope to share some facets of the uniqueness of ordinary life in Singapore. My trusty wheelchair and I have shared many a journey and we seem to communicate telepathically. On a few occasions, it warned me of the lurking dangers on time such as the pitfalls I mentioned below.

If you do have photos or feedback on the above, do share them here. Thanks!

Two thumbs up! for Bugis Junction Handicap Room

Ma, I don't need two hands for this!

Toilet Verdict: 4 Wheels This handicap room (rather than 'toilet') as named by the owners' building is a refreshing welcome to any wheelchair warrior after a hard day's journey. I mean you are looking forward to relieve yourself and for most handicap toilets, you are faced with a formidable obstacle first before you can get inside - the huge door which requires some strength to open with two hands in addition to taking care of your wheelchair. So a 4-wheels award for this toilet which has an automated door and a huge space for maneuverability inside - just the boost you need as you about to refresh yourself. Kudos to the building management - you made our lives different :)

Legend:
4 wheels: Hotel standard. Clean, good space maneuverability, smells nice and has extra features like automated door, clean towels, toiletries, ambience lighting etc.

3 wheels: Hospital standard. Clean,good space maneuverability, smells nice.

2 wheels: Home standard. Clean and basic.

1 wheel: Hell Hole! Go only during emergency and get out fast!

Tango in Bugis

This lovely facade of windows at Bugis Junction had a long history. The verandah on the second floor was the place for the infamous "girlie" bars and saucy parades in the 1960s which were popular with locals as well as British sailors then.
Natural light streams into this airconditioned section which makes it a cool and comfortable place to enjoy your favourite drink and watch the world passes by.
This is a super fresh pure mango puree with chunks of sweet fragrant mangoes. I must have it whenever I am at Bugis Junction. This heavenly concoction "Mango Tango" is from an eatery called Rockery. A decent-sized cup for $3.50. Shiok!

*shiok is a local Singapore slang which means "delicious"!

Danger lurks for the wheelchair traveller at Bugis MRT street exit

This path looks apparently barrier-free and safe. This path is the exit point from the MRT wheelchair lift.
On nearer inspection, there is danger here!
There is a huge sudden step at the adjacent path.

A pitfall is an euphemism for dangers lurking for the wheelchair traveller. It can mean a sudden slope, blind spots, steps, holes, cracks or any impediments that can pose danger for wheelchair travellers.

A tribute to late Ah Meng, icon of Singapore Zoological Gardens

In the shade.
The beautiful orange flowers with my safety flag matched nicely.
His Highness looking contented.
Signing the Condolences Book.

This is my new blog on my photojournal of places in Singapore, travelling in my ferrari. Here is my ferrari aka my motorised wheelchair.

These photos are dedicated to Ah Meng, the orangutan who was the icon of Singapore Zoological Gardens. Her burial took place on 10 February 2008 on a nice hilly top which saw thousands of people, who had fond memories of her, came to pay their last respect.

Thanks for visiting!