Mainstream product offerings are sure to increasingly cater to those with disabilities.

As a result of the rapidly aging population, the market for various assistive technologies used by those with disabilities will expand dramatically by the year 2020, not only in the United States, but also in the U.K., Europe, Italy and China. And mainstream manufacturers of consumer goods are taking note, designing innovative products to serve those with disabilities.

Honda Motor Company - known for its automobiles, motorcycles and recreational vehicles - has entered the mobility market, launching its Monpal mobility scooter. As a mobility device, the Monpal is a bold move for Honda, reaching out to a consumer demographic that other mainstream transportation manufacturers haven't yet addressed: those of us with disabilities.

What's intriguing about the Monpal is that Honda approached the mobility market from an automotive perspective rather than a clinical one, integrating aspects like automotive-style lighting and bold body design that obviously take cues from the motorcycle market. The Monpal features a brushless motor - not typically seen on mobility scooters - and a floating axle rear suspension. Honda also applied automotive-type safety features to the Monpal, including a red LED marker light on the back of the seat that is similar to a high-mount brake light on an automobile, and a drive-lock-out system to prevent the scooter from operating when the swiveling seat is turned sideward. The Monpal is currently only being sold in Japan, but that market may be expanded globally to include the United States.

Also in the realm of mobility products, Porsche Design Studio recently showed its concept wheelchair, P'Gasus. Similar to the iBOT, Porsche's P'Gasus uses gyroscopic, balancing technology on a two-wheel platform. However, where the iBOT lifts the user into the air on two wheels, Porsche's P'Gasus stands the user, allowing mobility at full stature, not only for reaching high places, but for traveling in a standing position. Additionally, Porsche's P'Gasus features a minimalist design, serving as a "silhouette" mobility device that conforms to the standing user rather than fully encompassing the user as does a conventional wheelchair. Porsche's P'Gasus is only a design concept; however, many of Porsche Design Studio's products - from watches to yachts - have made it to market, so it will be interesting to see if P'Gasus evolves toward the global mobility market.

To address the growing needs of transportation for those with disabilities, Global Electric Motorcars, a DaimlerChrysler division located in Fargo, N.D., has produced the GEM electric car since 1998, and in conjunction with Mobility Products and Designs, now offers the AMKAR, a wheelchair-accessible version. "As we strive to address the concerns of global warming, low-speed, zero-emission vehicles are gaining popularity in cities ... and resorts throughout the world. Unfortunately, most of these vehicles do not take into account the needs of a wheelchair user or user with limited physical driving abilities. We now have AMKAR to fill that void," says Tom Bonnell, general manager, in a press release.

With a top speed of 25 mph, the AMKAR  is federally regulated as a street-legal "neighborhood electric vehicle." Like many compact electric cars, the AMKAR has a futuristic bubble look, one that fits in as super-economic, around-town transportation. However, what makes the AMKAR especially unique is the ramp that folds from the passenger side, allowing a wheelchair user to roll behind the steering wheel, buckle in, and drive away using standard hand controls. Possibly best of all, the AMKAR is priced well-equipped at $16,000, less than half the cost of an accessible minivan. With a range of 30 miles and limited cold weather capabilities (it's designed without enclosed doors for warmer climates), the AMKAR isn't for everyone. Yet, for short errands, in fair-weather states, the AMKAR proves great, go-green accessible transportation.   

With the changing health needs of the population, mainstream product offerings are sure to increasingly cater to those with disabilities, and companies like Honda, Porsche Design Studio, and Global Electric Motorcars are leading the way, serving all consumers.

Resources ♦ AMKAR, www.mobilityproductsdesign.com ♦ Honda Monpal, www.world.honda.com ♦ Porsche P'Gasus, www.porsche-design.com

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