Wheelchairs with Knobz on

How can an electric wheelchair say something about your personality? Power-chair user Martyn Sibley checks out one possible solution

How often do you hear a powered wheelchair user say “I’ve lost my knob”? For clarification, the knob is the bit of wood or plastic that goes at the end of the wheelchair’s joystick and I’ve been losing mine ever since I was at school.

Until now, I’ve never seen a knob as a fashion statement but I’ve just been trying and testing eight new designs by mMeru, a charity that makes what it calls “life-changing products for young disabled people”, and I’m changing my mind, although as a 27-year-old man, I may be sliding out of the target market for this product.

The new designs, called “Knobz” with a z, allow a wheelchair user to drive a chair with style and panache. Aesthetically, I found the skull and the grenade the coolest, and the heart and glittery ones a bit girly. I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable using any of them manoeuvring around the office, but who knows on a night out?

I did encounter a problem attaching them to the joystick but once my PA had helped me, I was able to roam around with each of the Knobz to see how they fared. In practical terms, the skull and the handle style were the easiest to grip.

The key is feeling comfortable when bumping over rough terrain or driving for a long time. A knob has to be the right shape in the hand. I’m sure the style and usability will vary person to person, but I think the idea is a winner.

I even suggested Tim Westwood do something like this, years ago on MTV.

The only issue, for me as an older man, is the styling. Ten years ago, I’d definitely have used a couple of the Knobz.

Today, I’d want something designed for a more adult audience.

I might feel happier, for example, with a simple design, branded with my favourite band or football team. I could even have an office knob, a football knob, a music knob and a glow-in-the-dark knob.

Should my knob fall off in a dark corner, I could find it easily and put it back on.

There could even be a knob that opens bottles. The options are endless.

Who wouldn’t want to pimp their ride?