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Democratizing Powered Mobility: The Story of ABBY by GOGOTECH

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According to the World Health Organization, over 200 million adults worldwide require powered mobility products due to reduced mobility caused by aging, injury, or disability. However, the current market for powered mobility products is lacking. In 2020, only 2 million scooters and power chairs were manufactured for the global market, leaving most of those in need without access to safe and affordable mobility products. This is where GOGOTECH comes in with its innovative product, ABBY.

In 1985, John DeBenedette, the founder and CEO of ABBY by GOGOTECH, was involved in a  motorcycle accident that seriously injured his left leg. Although he was fortunate not to lose his leg, he had to spend six months in a manual wheelchair. During this time, he learned firsthand how difficult it can be to use a wheelchair and how much one’s world can shrink.

Fast forward to 2018, when a friend of DeBenedette’s became paralyzed and asked for advice on shopping for a wheelchair. DeBenedette was shocked to discover that the industry had not significantly evolved in the 35 years since his accident and that individuals were still facing exorbitant prices and limited options. Drawing on his experience in the tech industry, DeBenedette saw an opportunity to disrupt the status quo and bring about real change.

After his accident, DeBenedette faced the challenges of using a manual wheelchair, which required significant physical strength to self-propel. Meanwhile, the powered options available were outdated and expensive. Despite his successful career, he never forgot the limitations of the mobility market and remained aware of the need for better solutions.

Unfortunately, even today, the market for powered mobility products is scarce and limited. The existing motorized options are expensive, have a limited range, and are often not maneuverable indoors. As a result, most individuals with reduced mobility have no choice but to rely on manual wheelchairs.

To address these challenges, John created ABBY, a personal electric vehicle that is loaded with advanced features. ABBY updates the traditional rear-wheel-drive format with machine vision and IoT to unlock its full potential. The modular batteries mean that users can carry a spare and recharge anywhere for a virtually unlimited range. 

The cameras and sensors increase safety and enable remote control and hands-free driving in certain situations. The smart push-rim technology allows users to self-propel with power-assist or use the joystick. Additionally, ABBY is light enough to be used as a manual chair, making it like having three chairs in one. 

Thanks to quick-release components, ABBY disassembles and assembles without tools in seconds. The folding X frame is portable, so customers can rely on DIY assembly and simple parts swapping shipments for service. Connectivity means GOGOTECH can deliver a future of product innovations to customers by subscription from the cloud.

The mission of GOGOTECH is to democratize powered mobility by making ABBY accessible to everyone in need, regardless of income or insurance. John and his team understand that electric wheelchairs should not be a privilege reserved only for the wealthy and well-insured. Everyone with reduced mobility should have access to safe, advanced, and affordable powered mobility products.

GOGOTECH has identified a gap in the market and is using technology to bridge the divide between the current lack of options for those in need of powered mobility products and the growing demand for such products. The democratization of powered mobility is long overdue, and GOGOTECH is at the forefront of this movement.

The team at GOGOTECH continues to refine and improve the ABBY design, with plans to incorporate even more advanced features and connectivity options. They are also exploring partnerships with disability organizations and advocates to help spread the word about ABBY and ensure that those who need it most have access to this life-changing technology.

ABBY will be showcased at the Abilities Expo NY on May 5-7, 2023. It will be the first time the product is presented at an industry event, providing an excellent opportunity for the public to see first-hand the technology and meet the people behind its development.

The Abilities Expo is a perfect venue to connect with those in the community with reduced mobility, showcase the latest products, and provide opportunities for networking and education. The expo provides companies, advocates, and service providers with a platform to raise awareness and promote disability-related products and services.

In addition to their participation in the Expo, ABBY has just announced the successful delivery of their first pilot customer vehicle. Dr. Brent Staton, an investor in the company, received the pre-production ABBY in Tennessee on February 5th.

This is a significant milestone for GOGOTECH as they continue to work towards democratizing powered mobility. Dr. Staton’s feedback and usage data will be invaluable in helping the company refine and improve its product as they move toward full production and release to the wider market.

In a world where access to mobility products is often limited by cost, insurance coverage, or availability, ABBY represents a new frontier in personal mobility. It is a product designed for the people who need it most and one that is accessible and affordable for all. With its advanced features, easy-to-use design, and commitment to inclusivity, ABBY is changing how we think about powered mobility and helping to create a more connected and inclusive society. To find out more, visit www.gogotech.co

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