Wheelchair designed for emergency

Simon Kingston with his revolutionary wheelchair

A student on Tyneside has invented a wheelchair which is able to go downstairs without someone pushing it and could save lives in an emergency.

The chair has been designed by Simon Kingston, 23, from Hull, who recently graduated from Northumbria University with a first-class degree in design.

The wheelchair has a tracked roller system at the front to control the chair's descent.

Mr Kingston is hoping to get financial backing to mass produce the chair.

'Revolutionary idea'

Health and Safety legislation recommends that people do not use lifts to exit buildings during emergencies.

But the issue is of concern to people with mobility problems as they can become dependent on others to assist in their escape.

Mr Kingston's chair is designed to go down each step individually without assistance.

The wheel system at the front of the chair controls the speed and descent down stairs while gears attached to the arm lever and the tri-wheel underneath allow the chair to descend, move along flat ground and turn on the spot.

Mr Kingston said: "I definitely think this could be adapted to a normal wheelchair. I also think it could be made to go upstairs by using either hydraulics or a small motor."

Carrie Withers, an occupational therapy lecturer at Northumbria University, said: "I think the wheelchair is a really revolutionary idea.

"It could fill a much-needed gap in the health service industry to enable escape for disabled people while minimising the risk to others."