Virtual Reality Used in Wheelchair Selection Trials
A virtual reality project in Queensland is being developed to support power wheelchair selection by permitting users to trial different models in simulated environments before purchase.
The approach is intended to support more informed decision-making while reducing time and resource demands for both users and healthcare providers.
The project followed the experience of John Hitchens, known as JJ, who became quadriplegic after an accident. In searching for a suitable power chair, he relied on online reviews but found that his initial choice did not meet his requirements. Motorised wheelchair users typically use the same chair for 5 to 7 years, making the selection process significant for mobility and independence.
The process of choosing a wheelchair involves multiple considerations, including drive type, turning capability, access to public transport, and appropriateness for various terrains such as grass and uneven outdoor surfaces. However, access to trial options is limited, and many users test only one model before making a decision.
Physical trials of motorised wheelchairs are time-consuming and require clinical support. The VR approach minimises these problems, offering efficient comparisons and broader access to trial experiences, ultimately making the selection process more accessible.
The idea of using virtual reality started after a demonstration by the University of Queensland’s RECOVER Injury Research Centre. The team tried showing how wheelchairs move differently in different places, causing it to feel more like the real world.
This led to the development of the Virtual Reality Wheelchair project, funded by the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland. The project is led by JJ as Chief Investigator and Dr Robert Cuthbert, a virtual reality game design specialist at the RECOVER Injury Research Centre.
The project includes input from power wheelchair users, healthcare professionals and community organisations, including Spinal Life Australia. Participants from across Australia were consulted to identify priorities, and these groups contributed to the co-design of the application.
A central focus of development is replicating the handling characteristics of power chairs. The simulation includes control features such as speed and tilt, as well as movement over various surfaces, including transitions between concrete and grass and travel over uneven footpaths.
To support this work, the development team undertook practical sessions with wheelchair supplier Move Mobility. Access to showrooms and trial equipment enabled the team to observe and experience navigation activities, including manoeuvring in confined indoor spaces, using ramps, and moving through outdoor areas such as footpaths and car parks.
The project has received national recognition, receiving the Judge’s Choice Runner-Up award at the 2025 Australian Consumer Partnerships in Research Awards.
If you are interested in influencing the future of wheelchair selection, you are invited to book a session to test the prototype at the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service in Herston. Eligible participants are adults with experience using power or power-assist wheelchairs and are able to use a joystick-style controller. Advance bookings are required, parking can be arranged, and each participant receives a $50 gift card. Join the project and add to meaningful improvements in wheelchair accessibility.
