Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs is revolutionizing mobility aids by offering customizable, aesthetically pleasing wooden wheelchairs that enhance users’ physical and emotional well-being.
Designer Paul de Livron initiated the Apollo Wooden Wheelchair project in 2022. Through the idea of fusing design, functionality, and empathy, he created prototypes in 2023. He has since made a beautiful model for the Pope, whose support reinforces the chair as a potential pioneering force in the mobility aids sector. He unveiled different models at the prestigious Maison&Objet Paris show as one of the winners of the Future On Stage competition. With his startup, Paul de Livron is set to transform the perception and experience of wheelchair use for millions worldwide.
De Livron named Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs after Apollo, the Greek god of healing and beauty. The company aims to eliminate the clinical stigma often associated with wheelchairs by introducing aesthetically pleasing, customizable, and high-performance models crafted primarily from wood.
“For too long, wheelchairs have been purely functional, lacking in personal expression and comfort,” Paul, the visionary behind Apollo, stated on the brand’s website. “We believe that mobility aids should not only serve a purpose but also contribute positively to the user’s self-esteem and well-being.”
READ an article on how Paul de Livron crafted a model for Pope Francis in 2023, using wood from the burnt-down medieval frame of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Addressing Psychological Well-being Through Design
In France alone, approximately 1.8 million people rely on wheelchairs daily. Statistics show that one in three individuals will need one at some point in their lives. Despite their prevalence, many users struggle with feelings of inadequacy, shame, and reluctance to engage socially due to the conspicuous and impersonal nature of traditional wheelchairs.
Apollo seeks to address these psychological challenges by offering wheelchairs that users can take pride in. It’s why the chairs feature warm, natural aesthetics that provide a sense of dignity and normalcy. Each wheelchair can be crafted to match the user’s anatomical requirements, including precise adjustments to seat depth, backrest height, and footrest positioning.
Paul de Livron believes this design philosophy can also have a significant impact on patients in retirement homes. He envisions developing models tailored specifically for these environments, enhancing not only the physical comfort but also the emotional well-being of elderly residents.
Personal Stories Solidify the Importance of Apollo
He shared a personal story about his great aunt, who, after multiple falls and injuries, was advised to start using a wheelchair. However, the clinical, impersonal look of the chair made her feel more vulnerable and diminished her self-esteem.
“She saw the wheelchair as a symbol of weakness,” Paul explained in an interview with our sister publication ArchiExpo e-Magazine. “I believe that had she been offered a more aesthetically pleasing chair, one that resembled something familiar and comforting from her home, she might have felt a little more at ease with her new reality.”
Paul’s personal experience with his great aunt further solidifies his belief in the importance of creating mobility aids that go beyond function. With aesthetically driven wheelchair designs in retirement homes, patients should regain a sense of normalcy and well-being, ultimately improving their quality of life.
This design philosophy has the potential to transform the emotional and psychological experiences of wheelchair users, especially those in vulnerable stages of life.
Advanced Woodworking Methods
Manufacturers stopped using wood in wheelchair construction by the mid-20th century. Projects such as the Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs provide a reimagined approach to using wood through modern fabrication techniques.
Advanced woodworking methods allow for a diverse range of wheelchair models tailored to individual needs, ensuring structural integrity and durability. Carefully selected and expertly treated wood offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It ensures ease of use without compromising stability and support.
The manufacturing process requires relatively simple tooling compared to traditional metal-based wheelchairs. This approach opens opportunities for local production. It can include potential workshops staffed by individuals undergoing professional reintegration or those with disabilities, fostering inclusive employment practices.
While wood may seem unconventional in the modern wheelchair industry, Livron is confident in its durability. Apollo’s wooden wheelchairs undergo rigorous testing, including crash tests, to ensure they meet safety standards.
“I’ve spent two years testing these materials, and so far, the wheelchairs have held up perfectly. Of course, wood isn’t as strong as titanium or carbon fiber, but it’s durable enough for everyday use,” Livron shared.
Beyond durability, wood also offers sustainability advantages. Apollo sources wood from sustainable forestry practices in France, and the company is exploring ways to incorporate recycled wood into future designs. This commitment to sustainability aligns with Apollo’s broader mission of making high-quality, affordable mobility solutions accessible to everyone, including those in developing countries.
Enhancing Accessibility and Affordability
The cost spectrum for wheelchairs varies widely, with manual models ranging from €300 to €10,000 and electric versions between €1,000 and €30,000. Despite available public and private funding, users often bear substantial out-of-pocket expenses, particularly when opting for models that best suit their specific needs.
Apollo aims to disrupt this economic barrier by offering competitively priced wheelchairs without sacrificing performance or comfort. The efficiency and scalability of their production process hold promise for reducing costs further, making high-quality, customized mobility solutions more accessible to a broader population.
However, Apollo faces several challenges as it seeks to expand. One major hurdle is finding industrial partners capable of mass-producing wooden wheelchairs while meeting stringent regulatory standards. Another obstacle is gaining government approval for reimbursement, a critical factor in many countries where mobility aids are partially or fully covered by public health systems. However, Livron sees these challenges as opportunities to innovate further.
“The challenge is to find a partner who can invest in the technology and meet the standards required to make our wheelchairs widely available. We also need to navigate the reimbursement processes in different countries,” he noted.
Apollo is not just focused on Europe. Livron’s experience traveling through developing countries inspired him to design low-tech models of the wheelchair that could be easily produced using local materials. This initiative aims to provide affordable, reliable mobility aids to underserved communities around the world.
Livron’s commitment to this cause was solidified when he collaborated with Pope Francis, who became the project’s patron.
“I’ve always believed that wood could be the solution for making wheelchairs accessible in developing countries. That’s why I asked Pope Francis to support this initiative, and he graciously agreed,” Livron revealed.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs’ innovative approach has garnered significant attention, culminating in their selection as a winner at the Maison&Objet Future On Stage competition. This recognition provides a platform for increased visibility and collaboration opportunities within the design and medical industries.
“The Future On Stage award affirms our mission and propels us toward realizing our vision on a larger scale,” Paul said. “We are excited to continue refining our designs and expanding our reach to improve the lives of wheelchair users everywhere.”
As Apollo prepares to enter the market, anticipation builds among medical professionals and potential users alike for a new era where mobility aids seamlessly blend function, comfort, and style. The company’s holistic approach promises not only to enhance physical mobility but also to uplift the emotional and social well-being of individuals navigating life with mobility challenges.
“We’re excited to refine our designs and expand our reach to improve the lives of wheelchair users everywhere,” Livron concluded optimistically.
