Mark E. Smith’s great blog Wheelchairjunkie.com, has a great article about powerchairs — a topic which combines two issues I am passionate about: disabilities and technology.

I have seen some amazing powerchairs, from a super speedy model with an Herman Miller Aeron chair, running circles around people at Sam’s club, to a Dean Kamen Segway filled with a small bench (!) at Whole Foods letting the rider sit much higher that in a traditional chair, aiding in shopping and interacting with people at a common height. It is exciting seeing the developments in this area. These advances create an expectation of more than just simple mobility but also freedom.

So, do powerchairs chairs really cost as much as a car.

Not long ago, I saw a television news story about an amazing young woman who happened to use a power wheelchair. … However, just as I was enjoying the story, watching the young woman walk her dog through the grass at a park, the reporter uttered the very words that make me want to rip my flat-screen cable television from the wall every time I hear such statements: “Her power wheelchair cost $30,000, as much as a car,” the reporter said.Like a football fan whose quarterback just dropped the ball, I wanted to jump into the television and choke the reporter. “Power wheelchairs dont cost as much as cars – thats a $5,000 wheelchair configuration, not a $30,000 one!” I screamed, rolling close to the TV, trying to get in the reporters face.

via Cars VS. Chairs – WheelchairJunkie.com.  Also check out Mark’s other blog, PowerchairDairies.

The IBOT is Dean Kamen’s on-road, off road, all terrain, stair climbing, power chair (“wheelchair”) which can also go into two wheel mode to raise the rider into a higher, more eye-level position.

It isn’t exactly new, but it is actually out in the real world; instead of being just some super cool prototype in a lab.

Here’s a nice clear, although in-lab, video showing the features:

BlazerCast for April 1: The IBot Mobility System – The best video clips are right here

Here is a real world video (poorer quality video but showing off road use):

Theresa Test Drives An IBot – Funny blooper videos are here

How stable is it in two wheel mode? Oh, stable enough to go to the gun range! Seriously!

The commercial even shows it on the beach! Sorry, video removed at YouTube: 

How much? Oh, about $26,000 according to the videos. Ouch! For more information, see www.ibotnow.com.