India’s Lightest Active Wheelchair Under 10 kg Custom Fit Launched by IIT Madras

IIT Madras launches India’s Lightest Active Wheelchair Under 10 kg fit, offering ultra-light mobility, posture support, and innovative design for users nationwide.

In a groundbreaking achievement that redefines assistive mobility solutions in India, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled the YD-One, a cutting-edge innovation hailed as India’s lightest active wheelchair under 10 kg custom fit. Developed by a team of researchers from the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), this revolutionary device is set to transform the lives of individuals requiring mobility assistance—without compromising independence, style, or comfort.

This marks a significant step toward indigenous technology-led solutions that address real-world needs of persons with disabilities, with a focus on ultra-lightweight design, ergonomic efficiency, and long-term functionality.

Engineering the Future of Independent Mobility

The YD-One has been crafted with carbon fibre and aluminium, making it a precision rigid‑frame wheelchair that weighs just 8.5 kg, tailored to fit the specific posture and dimensions of each user. Unlike traditional wheelchairs that are heavy, bulky, and generic in design, this portable ultra-light active wheelchair for travel and transport is built to international standards of form and function.

Key Features:

• Custom Fit: Designed per user’s body profile for enhanced posture and comfort
• Materials Used: Aerospace-grade aluminium and carbon fibre
• Weight: Just 8.5 kg—among the lightest active chairs in the world
• Design: Minimal, travel-friendly, and optimized for daily use
• Postural Support: Engineered by a team of clinicians and biomechanical experts
• Made in India: Fully indigenized design and production

Why India Needed This: The Problem With Generic Mobility Devices

India has nearly 2.7 crore persons with disabilities, as per the latest Census. However, access to customised lightweight wheelchair options has been sparse due to high import costs and lack of indigenous production. Most wheelchairs available today are either too heavy, lack ergonomic design, or are prohibitively expensive. This leaves users dependent on uncomfortable, non-personalized devices that hinder mobility rather than enhance it.

YD-One directly addresses this gap with indigenously made active wheelchair customised posture support, at a more accessible price point, setting a new standard in Indian assistive device design.

Purchase Today

Global Standards, Local Innovation

The IIT Madras team led by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head of the R2D2 Lab, emphasized that designing a precision product like this in India not only advances self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) but also offers a scalable solution for export and domestic demand. The product has already gone through rigorous user trials, and early adopters have praised the ergonomic comfort and independence it offers.

“Lightweight mobility is not a luxury—it’s a basic right. YD-One aims to empower users to reclaim their independence,” says Prof. Srinivasan, highlighting the impact of tailored assistive solutions in improving quality of life.

Where Innovation Meets Impact

In addition to enhancing mobility, this launch also supports broader public health goals. A lightweight carbon‑fibre aluminium wheelchair for daily mobility is critical in reducing strain on shoulders, minimizing secondary complications, and improving long-term health outcomes for wheelchair users.

This product is not just a technical feat—it represents a human-centric vision of accessibility, where users’ feedback has guided every phase of development, from frame structure to upholstery.

Collaboration With Startups and Industry

YD-One is being commercialized by the IIT Madras-incubated startup NeoMotion, which has played a pivotal role in taking the technology from lab to market. This startup is known for launching India’s first motorized wheelchair and continues to support affordable mobility innovations.

For users, caretakers, and hospitals looking to adopt smart mobility solutions, this also opens up possibilities for custom-designed hospital chairs, carbon fibre mobility devices, and lightweight wheelchairs for air travel.

Potential Beneficiaries and Use Cases

This custom active wheelchair can be especially beneficial for:

• Young adults and professionals seeking mobility in urban settings
• Students in colleges/universities requiring portable transport
• Paralympic athletes needing performance-level postural support
• Elderly users requiring comfort, independence, and light lifting
• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers aiming for ergonomic design upgrades

The design’s adaptability makes it suitable across age groups, disability types, and lifestyle preferences.

Government & CSR Opportunities

Given the national priority of inclusivity and accessibility under schemes like the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, this innovation offers immense potential for government partnerships, public hospitals, and CSR initiatives. Corporates can integrate such devices into their outreach or internal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts.

Where to Learn More or Access Resources

For those looking to dive deeper into accessibility solutions, you can explore:

• NCERT Courses for Disability Studies & Inclusive Education
• Current Affairs on Technology & Disability Inclusion
• NCERT Mind Maps and Notes for Education Experts
• MCQs on Assistive Tech & IIT Innovations
• Watch Educational Videos
• Explore Syllabus Guides
• Download Free PDFs for Accessibility Content

Need a website for schools, NGOs, or rehab centers to showcase such innovations? Contact Mart India Infotech

Expert Insights from the Field

Dr. Sudha Kaul, Vice Chairperson of Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, praised the development, stating:

“Ultra-light mobility solutions like YD-One hold the key to dignified living for millions with disabilities. This is a step forward in enabling agency, not just access.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is India’s lightest active wheelchair under 10 kg custom fit?
It is the YD-One developed by IIT Madras, weighing only 8.5 kg with customized posture support.

2. Who developed the YD-One active wheelchair?
The device was created by the R2D2 Lab at IIT Madras in collaboration with NeoMotion.

3. What makes YD-One unique among Indian wheelchairs?
It offers a precision rigid-frame design, made from carbon fibre and aluminium, custom-fit for each user.

4. Is YD-One suitable for air travel or long-distance mobility?
Yes, it is a portable ultra-light active wheelchair for travel and transport.

5. Does this active wheelchair support posture correction?
Absolutely. The product is designed to provide indigenously made active wheelchair customised posture support.

6. Where can I buy this lightweight wheelchair in India?
YD-One is commercialized via NeoMotion, an IIT Madras-incubated startup.

7. Are there options for a customized lightweight wheelchair under government schemes?
Government and CSR partnerships are being explored to distribute YD-One affordably.

8. Can elderly users benefit from this wheelchair?
Yes, it is ideal for the elderly due to its low weight and ergonomic design.

9. What materials are used in the construction of this device?
The wheelchair is made from aerospace-grade aluminium and carbon fibre.

10. Is this wheelchair available for hospital use?
Yes, its build supports hospital and rehabilitation center requirements for modern equipment.