Our Journey as a Manufacturer of Electric Wheelchairs
Here we introduce Yamaha’s history with lightweight electric wheelchairs and electric power units for manual wheelchairs.
The JW Series of power units for electrifying manual wheelchairs opened up new worlds for people with disabilities. An overview of Yamaha Motor’s work in this field is provided here—from our 30+ years of history and development concepts to the core technologies behind the products.
- Development History
- Yamaha’s story with wheelchairs started with a development project that began in 1989, leading to limited test sales of the JW-I in 1995. Since then, they have continued to reach new stages of evolution and refinement.
- Development Concept
- The development concept behind the JW Series was to offer a new wheelchair unlike anything before it. This section explains that background as well as where the JW Series falls within the general wheelchair market.
- Technologies
- The JW Series incorporated several Yamaha technologies, from the electronic control technology from its robots and electric scooters to the Power Assist System created for the Yamaha PAS—the world’s first eBike.
