Annie’s Hiking Chair

Designed & built by Autumn Newson, Kellan Bagley, Mike Bateman, & Dallin Hubbard

Annie is a seven year old girl with a degenerative neuromuscular disorder. Annie’s father usually carries her when the family hikes and spends time outdoors; however, Annie is a growing little girl and it is difficult for her dad to carry her now.

A team of students took on the challenge to create a light-weight wheeled assistive device that Annie’s parents can either pull or push along a narrow hiking trail.

“Our team met with engineering professors, an occupational therapist, and assistive technology professionals who used their expertise to brainstorm with our own individual ideas to examine the individual parts of the hiking chair,” said Autumn.

• The frame is constructed from a combination of aluminum and steel.
• The wheel base and axle are made up of BMX wheels and a tilted axle that resemble basketball wheelchairs. This allows better control along with a narrow base, which offers more ease on narrow trails.
• A racing seat was chosen to provide the option of adding side supports and extra padding, as needed.
• A neoprene soft-chest harness is attached to the seat to provide support for Annie.
• The handle shape, angle, and grips, along with a breaking system are built ergonomically.
• A shock system was added to provide a smooth ride for Annie.
• Finishing touches include foot rests, a wheel cover, and a basket.

Autumn painting parts of the hiking chair.

The completed hiking chair.

Annie and her mom, trying out the hiking chair.