Kenguru Wheelchair-Accessible EV | Translogic

Summary

Translogic explores Kenguru, an electric car designed for wheelchair users, offering greater mobility and independence. Stacy Zorn, who has a disability, founded the company after discovering the vehicle online. Kenguru has a top speed of 25 mph, a 60-mile range, and takes eight hours to charge. The car has received a positive reception worldwide, with a long waiting list and financial incentives to help with the purchase. Future plans include a joystick-driven model for easier operation and accommodating larger wheelchairs.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The video introduces a company called Kenguru, which aims to provide more freedom for wheelchair users by offering a specialized vehicle.
• 🦘 The name 'Kangaroo' is derived from the company's focus on providing a 'leap' in mobility for wheelchair users.
• 💡 The idea for Kenguru came from Stacy Zorn's personal experience with disability and the limitations of existing transportation options.
• 🚐 Stacy's initial encounter with a modified van that was expensive and ultimately totaled led to the concept of Kenguru.
• 💻 After researching online, Stacy found the Kangaroo vehicle and decided to help the company that was struggling financially.
• 💰 With Stacy's involvement, they successfully raised the necessary funds to keep the company afloat and develop the vehicle.
• 🔧 The Kenguru vehicle has a top speed of 25 miles per hour, a range of 60 miles, and takes eight hours to fully charge.
• 🛠️ The vehicle features a spacious interior, simple controls, and a handlebar steering setup, making it accessible for wheelchair users.
• 🌍 Reception to the Kenguru has been positive, with the vehicle being showcased at trade shows worldwide and a growing waitlist.
• 💼 Financial incentives at both federal and state levels, as well as vocational rehabilitation programs, help reduce the cost of the vehicle for potential buyers.
• 🔮 Future plans for Kenguru include developing a joystick-driven model to accommodate larger wheelchairs and make operation easier for those with less upper body strength.
• 📈 Despite the high demand and interest, Kenguru is currently facing a funding challenge that is preventing them from meeting the market demand for their vehicles.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Translogic show?

The Translogic show typically covers transportation that is related to convenience and efficiencies.

Why did Stacy Zorn start the Kinguru project?

Stacy Zorn, who has been in a wheelchair her entire life, started the Kinguru project to provide more freedom and mobility options for wheelchair users.

What was the initial challenge Stacy faced when she tried to drive a modified van?

Stacy faced a significant financial challenge when her modified van, which cost $80,000, was totaled after only a few months of ownership.

How did Stacy come across the Kangaroo technology?

Stacy discovered the Kangaroo technology online after searching for advancements in technology that could improve transportation options for wheelchair users.

What was the state of the Kangaroo company when Stacy first learned about it?

The Kangaroo company was in a precarious financial situation, having lost their bank loan due to the economic crash and was in the process of fundraising.

How long did it take for Kinguru to go from an idea to a fully operational car company?

It took a little over two years for Kinguru to transition from an idea to a car company with 10 employees and a functioning fleet of vehicles.

What are the basic specifications of the Kinguru vehicle?

The Kinguru vehicle has a top speed of 25 miles per hour, can travel for 60 miles on a single charge, and takes eight hours to fully charge. It features two 2-kilowatt motors and a rear-wheel drive setup.

How does the interior of the Kinguru vehicle accommodate wheelchair users?

The interior of the Kinguru vehicle is spacious, providing plenty of room for the driver's elbows and a dashboard with an LED readout for various measurements.

What is the reception like for the Kinguru vehicle in the market?

The reception for the Kinguru vehicle has been fantastic, with positive responses from trade shows around the world and a growing waitlist of interested buyers.

What incentives are available for people to purchase the Kinguru vehicle?

There are green incentives at both federal and state levels because the vehicle is electric, as well as vocational rehabilitation incentives, which can significantly reduce the cost of the vehicle for eligible buyers.

What are the future plans for the Kinguru vehicle?

The company plans to develop a joystick-driven model that will be larger to accommodate bigger wheelchairs and easier to drive for people with less upper body strength.

What is the current challenge for Kinguru in terms of expansion?

The current challenge for Kinguru is funding; they have a high demand for their vehicles but do not have enough capital to purchase the inventory needed to build more cars.

How does the Kinguru vehicle enhance the mobility of wheelchair users?

The Kinguru vehicle offers great mobility with easy entry and exit, a cool and functional design, and an affordable price, making it an attractive option for wheelchair users.