The ability to 3D print more or less anything we can imagine is one of the biggest paradigm shifts in our generation!.. In a way it allows things to be transported through time and space and transform from a concept to a tangible object in a relatively short period of time. Here are some cool wheelchair accessories that can be 3D printed that might make your life as a wheelchair user a bit easier. Here are some cool things I found on Thingiverse, a global network of non-,monetized devices and prototypes. You can download the files free of charge and print them yourself, or get a local 3D printing business to do it for you. Some libraries, universities, or community centers may also have 3D printing facilities available for you to use. Keep in mind while the files are free to use, you still have to pay for the material (filament/plastic/resin) that is used to design the products. In some cases it may just be more economical to buy pre-made items rather than print it yourself.
Ramps
Curbs and steps are the bane of my existence. In a perfect world everywhere would have ramp access, however that is not the reality we live in. Having a lightweight, compact portable ramp is a game changer. There are several styles available that can be printed. From one step curb ramps, to multi-height ramps, to customizable width ramps, to modular ramps for your home, and door frame ramps.
Push Assist
Printed hand-levers can make it easier to propel a manual wheelchair by switching up the muscle groups you use. If you are mechanically inclined there is also instructions how to build your own electric push assist unit! (Or you can just order one from a manufacturer like I did).
Everyday Tools
There are several styles of grabbing tools that can be printed, including one that can pick up small items like pills, and another for delicate items like paper. There is also a design that can be printed to attach a shopping cart to your wheelchair so make shopping easier than trying to balance a basket on your lap. If you live somewhere with a lot of snow, you can 3D print your own mini skis for your caster wheels. If you have a dog, there is a design for a printed wheelchair mounted dog treat dispenser.
Accessory Holders
There are lots of neat 3D printing designs to help organize and secure your belongings to your wheelchair. From various cup holders: gyro stabilized cup holders, coffee mug holders, water bottle holders and even wine/martini glass holders, there is something that is perfect for everyone. There are also various styles of cell phone holders, cell phone caddies, and ipad holders as well. If you live in a rainy locale, there is also a design for an umbrella holder. If you are a fan of fishing, there is also a fishing rod holder design available to print. If you are an avid traveler or need an attachment to help attach rolling suitcases or bags to either a straight bar or curved bar. If you are an ambulatory wheelchair user and use crutches, there is a design for crutch holders that attach to the back of your chair.
Pimp Your Ride
Deck out your chair with defense spikes if you are worried about people grabbing and pushing your chair without your consent. If you are a power wheelchair user, there are also lots of fun joystick designs you can choose from, including: skulls, monogrammed, or cats, to name a few. There are also LED lighting set ups available to print to keep yourself safe at night and to light up any room you’re in. If you need some extended handles for your brakes, there are cool dinosaur versions.
Inclusive Toys for Kiddos and Kids at Heart
These toys can be a fun way to introduce kids to the idea of disability and wheelchairs in a fun way. From duplo wheelchairs, to doll wheelchairs. There are also designs to 3D print some cool wheelchair using action figures like Professor X from X-Men or Dr. Finkelstein from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Or even 3D printed wheelchair using DnD characters, like the wheelchair adventurer, the gnome artificer or the post-apocalyptic wheelchair mechanic.
Décor and Homewares
From a snazzy business card holder, or a cell phone stand. Even a wheelchair shaped cookie cutter! These are super cute ways to show some disability pride.
Fixing Broken Parts
One of the most useful benefits of 3D printing is the ability to print your own replacement parts quickly and economically. You can also print your own airless tires so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a flat.
For your Four Legged Friends
There are also designs to 3D print wheelchairs for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and even for birds! Amazing!
In the Future
Innovations in 3D printing will only get more and more advanced. Especially as material costs for production decrease and become more economical.
What will the future hold?
Fully customized, individualized, lightweight 3-D printed wheelchairs, exoskeletons and even full scale accessible housing in the future! The endless possibilities are exciting!
I hope you enjoyed this post and may have found a thing or two that could be helpful to you or a loved one!
