Design and Proof-of-Concept of a Low-Cost Non-Invasive Modular Brushless Motorization Kit with Regenerative Braking for Developing Countries

This paper describes the design and proof of concept of a low-cost, non-invasive, modular brush-less motorization kit with regenerative braking for manual wheelchairs, aimed at providing affordable, adaptable mobility solutions for low-income areas where powered wheelchairs are largely inaccessible. The design combined user-centered methodologies including Design Thinking, VDI 2221 and Holistic Design to achieve technical feasibility' economic viability, and social/environmental sustainability. The kit features lightweight aluminum components, ergonomic design, and simple installation in fifteen minutes without permanent wheelchair modifications. Its regenerative braking recovers energy during deceleration, improving efficiency, sustainability, and autonomy. A prototype tested in real conditions showed satisfactory performance on flat and inclined surfaces at speeds up to 1.4 m/s, validating technical feasibility, modularity, and user comfort. Overall, The proposed kit provides an accessible practical solution which enables sustainable mobility improvements for users of manual wheelchairs.