Suzuki MIO: Fuel-Cell powered wheel chair!

Surprise, surprise! When it comes to fuel cell powered vehicles, everyone's mind goes straight to the automobile sector, but that's not the case here. Suzuki, who as we learned, is one of the largest manufacturers in the powered wheelchair market, is applying this promising technology to a prototype wheelchair that goes by the name MIO.

The MIO features a fuel cell that uses methanol as a fuel source to generate hydrogen and therefore electricity. Its tank holds 4 litres of methanol, enough to provide MIO with a range of approximately 40km / 25 miles. A large capacity Li-ion secondary battery acts as a store for the electricity generated and a back up source of power.

Other features of the compact sized MIO (1.200 mm long, 650 mm wide and 1.000 mm tall) include armrests that double up as safety barriers, ergonomic handlebars and a seat that has mesh-type fabric for good aeration and improved springing. While at this stage, the MIO remains just a prototype, we're still going to give Suzuki a big bravo.

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