Ryan Tilley and Huy Nguyen are taking Australia by storm with Gecko Traxx – a portable polyurethane tyre that makes off-road accessible for manual wheelchairs.
With roadmaps being announced and restrictions looking to ease in most states, is it too soon to be thinking about their summer plans? We say, never!
Australia is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, but it can be difficult for manual wheelchair users to make the most of the great outdoors, as many of you will know. If you’re looking to head to the beach or other off-road terrains, then Gecko Traxx is a must. At a basic level, Gecko Traxx is a portable and affordable manual wheelchair accessory that fits most wheelchairs, enabling access to some of the most challenging terrains, including sand.
Gecko Traxx simply wraps around the on-road tyre of the wheelchair, allowing it to go across sand and other soft, off-road terrains. The profile of the Gecko Traxx tyre expands only when in contact with the ground, therefore just being wide where needed. While not in contact with the ground, the tyre returns to its thin profile to not impede the use of the hand rim or interfere with the chair’s frame.
Tyres can be fitted independently, even while still seated in the chair. Tyres can be fitted independently, even while still seated in the chair.
The idea came about after Ryan attended a Singapore study tour as part of his Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering degree. While in Singapore, Ryan was encouraged to explore challenges faced by people living with a disability. Huy Nguyen, a wheelchair user himself, was running the study tour. The two formed a strong friendship that led to the creation of the Gecko Traxx.
The combination of Ryan’s industrial design and mechanical engineering background with Huy’s social entrepreneurship and engineering experience formed a solid base for the business.
The problem to be solved: How to develop a wheelchair accessory that was portable and could adapt to different surfaces?
Their solution: The Gecko Traxx
Can you use your NDIS funding for Gecko Traxx?
You most certainly can! You have two options:
- Consumables
Gecko Traxx is classified as a consumable like that of a wheelchair tyre. If you are self-managed, simply purchase the item online and claim back the purchase in your MyGov portal. If you’re plan managed, request an invoice from us to be sent off to your plan manager. - Assistive technology
Gecko Traxx also falls under low-cost, low-risk assistive technology. If you are self-managed, simply purchase the item online and claim back the purchase in your NDIS MyGov portal. If you’re plan managed, request an invoice from us to be sent off to your plan manager.
They are working towards being an NDIS registered provider; in the meantime, if you have any questions, you can always contact their team of experts!
Check out more about this incredible brand on their website.