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Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
Wheelchair Uses Lasers To Automatically Dock In Van

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Dr. H. F. Danger
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future

Better M1
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Racin_G73 - dirt track legend (some day ... maybe)
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
Having lived in Japan for a semester, I feel I can contribute a little bit to this post. I never really thought about it until I was in Japan. But being wheelchair-bound in a 'public transportation' society must be pretty tough. The sidewalks are swarming during certain hours of the day, and I could easily imagine a traditional fold-up wheelchair owner being fallen on repeatedly.

One time I saw a younger guy (maybe somewhere between 16 and 22) in a 'wheelchair' of sorts, cruising down the sidewalk. The whole contraption looked to be a rather shakey 'cart', electric powered, with the guy sitting about 3' off the ground. I imagine it was pretty easy to tip... but he was looking the other 'pedestrians' in the eye, which I imagine helped his sidewalk travel greatly.

So I guess the point is - this wheelchair design thing isn't just about building a better mousetrap. There's a real need in societies where people do a lot of walking in crowded population centers.
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mr_dude
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
Could this be the jalop ride for the next high profile autoshow? Sirens and webcams please.

If you keep it pegged, the M-1's 'ring time is just over seven (hours).
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skaycog was here
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future

The only problem I can see with the above Japaneeeese wheelchair is that it can't handle mountainous terrain.
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FTGDWolverineEdition'09
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
Overall, very disappointing. Just like Jalopnik posts have been here today. I can't place my finger on it but something has been definitely missing today. I don't know. Maybe I am not hopped up enough, but I can't even be bothered to open most threads.

Weird. I need a beer after work.
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Flathead Smith
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
Looks kind of big for a wheel chair. I don't really see it fitting in those tiny Japanese apartments either.
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TimTim
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
They put it in our cars and we thought "oh, how cute and novel", we've come to accept it. It's an obstacle to overcome when searching for the right lawnmower. The big-wheel brought it to the pedal powered market. Wheelchairs were the only safe harbor remaining, but now they've infiltrated that too. We can't let this continue to happen, front wheel drive is taking over! It's time we stood up for ourselves and fought for what's right. If we sit idly by it will take over completely 'till we can't even remember what the alternatives were. We must find a way to counteract its spread. What say you?
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Brimful of Ash on the 78
09/02/09

@TimTim: Send $4.95 to Boys Life magazine to receive plans on how to build your very own HOVERCRAFT using only a vacuum cleaner motor!!

"Mom, can I have $5? And can I borrow the vacuum?"

(I know I'm not the only one who remembers this ad)
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mr_dude
09/02/09

@Ash78: Nope. I wanted one so bad.
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TimTim
09/02/09

@Ash78: My FSAE team was incredibly underfunded, we had to scrape up sponsorships any way we could. So I enlisted the help of my sister, studying graphic design, to put together a brochure to help relay our message. In return she requested I someday design and build her a hovercraft... I've lost track of how many times she's refused delivery of the shopvac & plywood hovercraft.
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tempesjo
09/02/09

@mr_dude: I did, too. Although unfortunately my parents had a house rule against buying anything out of the back of a magazine or comic book. No Sea Monkeys for me, either.
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Brimful of Ash on the 78
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
I'm feelin' a little bit of Lambo in that front end. Lambo plus old-school standup JetSki.
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Syrax
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
But Xavier's can fly.
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.357
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
5-7 Gs? For that much I could get a motorcycle. I know you're saying "You're gonna be old and unable to ride that shit." To you, I say Hell no. I will only pilot chariots of excitement till the day I die, preferably above 150 mph.
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Syrax
09/02/09

@.357: Live like we live, die young and happy!
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.357
09/02/09

@Syrax: That is why I will never buy a Camry.
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skaycog was here
09/02/09

@.357:
You're a smart man!
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.357
09/02/09

@skaycog - Just Say Yes!: Thank you very much.
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skaycog was here
09/02/09

@.357:
The pleasure is all mine.
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lilwillie
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future

Never cut it in this country.
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OldeEnglishD
09/02/09

@lilwillie hides autos in the attic: Holy hell, my eyes!!!!
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tempesjo
09/02/09

@OldeEnglishD: No kidding. But I can't stop looking. The human body can store fat in some pretty awesome ways. That guy probably hasn't seen his thighs in 15 years.
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Syrax
09/02/09

@tempesjo: And by thighs, I'm sure you meant... no, you meant thighs, I can't have the visual.
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tempesjo
09/02/09

@Syrax: Yes, I definitely meant thighs. Because thinking about something else inspires a series of questions that start with "How does he..." and lead to some terrible visuals.
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Elhigh
09/02/09

In reply to Rodem M-1: Japanese Wheelchair Of The Future
When you said it had a cleaner front end I started looking for the vacuum hose.

Well, where the hell is it? Let's put those old farts to work.
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