Making wheelchair selection accessible with Virtual Reality

You wouldn't buy a car without test-driving it first, so why should a wheelchair be any different? 

When an accident left John (JJ) Hitchens quadriplegic, he turned to YouTube reviews to find the right power chair to suit his lifestyle.   

"The average motorised wheelchair user keeps the same chair for 5 to 7 years, and so getting your wheelchair right has a huge impact on independence, mobility, and quality of life," JJ said.   

“The options can be overwhelming; Do I need front, mid, or rear wheel drive? What's the turning circle like? Will it fit on a bus? Can I take it on grass at the park or go into my backyard?" 

Despite the hours spent researching online, JJ's first choice wasn't the right fit.  

“Most people take the first, and often only wheelchair they test drive, simply because there are limited models available to trial and limited opportunities to compare different power chairs,” JJ said. 

“Physically trialling a motorised wheelchair is time-consuming and resource intensive, especially in a hospital environment.  

"You need technicians to get everything set up just right, and clinicians to support you transferring  in and out of bed and learning to operate controls.” 

JJ's experiences and a chance Virtual Reality (VR) demonstration by the UQ RECOVER Injury Research Centre sparked the idea of using VR to trial different types of power wheelchairs before committing to a purchase.   

JJ envisioned a tool that could allow users to test-drive different wheelchair models in immersive, simulated environments.  

"Test driving a wheelchair in a highly accessible hospital ward doesn’t really give you a feel for how it will handle in the real world,” JJ said. 

“From personal experience, I felt there was real potential for VR to help people find the option best suited to them.”  

This idea quickly evolved into the Virtual Reality Wheelchair project.  

Funded by the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ), the project is a testament to the power of consumer-led innovation. 

The groundbreaking collaborative project is led by JJ, as a Chief Investigator, and Dr Robert Cuthbert, a virtual reality game design expert from The University of Queensland’s RECOVER Injury Research Centre.  

“We aim to co-design a VR simulator that can transform how wheelchairs are selected,” Dr Cuthbert said.  

“It’s been important to incorporate consumer and community perspectives into every stage of this project.” 

“We interviewed consumers (power wheelchair users) from around Australia to set priorities for the project, and then had health professionals, consumers and members from Spinal Life Australia act as co-design partners of the application.” 

“The technical challenge has been to ensure the simulation conveys the nuance of driving a power chair – not just lifting, tilting, and speed settings – but also how the different models handle corners, going from concrete to grass, and bumping over an uneven footpath.  

To that end, JJ led the VR development team on an experiential learning day.  

Wheelchair suppliers, Move Mobility, gave the team access to their showrooms and trial chairs, and JJ led the team through a series of exercises, including learning to navigate the crowded floor, take on ramps, and navigate around footpaths and car parks.  

“It was an eye-opening experience that translated into more realistic gameplay for our users”, Dr Cuthbert said.  

“I’m also more aware of the accessibility issues around me, and I’ve turned into a strong advocate for footpath maintenance.” 

The strength of this collaborative approach has now been nationally recognised with the project team taking out the Judge’s Choice Runner-Up at the 2025 Australian Consumer Partnerships in Research Awards.  

Members of the community with experience using power or power assist wheelchairs are invited to test drive the prototype at the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) at Herston.  

Participants must be over 18 and able to use a joystick-style controller. You will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you. Parking can be arranged and bookings are essential. 

For more information, or to book a convenient time, please contact Dr Robert Cuthbert at robert.cuthbert@uq.edu.au