Abstract

This paper presents the design of electric wheelchair. We build machine that is capable to attach with any traditional wheelchair, and to control its movement semi-automatically. This helps handicapped person who has difficult body-movement to be able to travel simply. The machine comprises of power-driven system including a metal tube frame, wheels, motor, brake and accelerator, and electronic control department based H-bridge circuit and programmable microcontroller with the ATmega168. Software was developed in C++ language for programming microcontroller. Technical test was done on H-bridge circuit to confirm an accurate functioning in controlling direct current motor. Running test was on flat straight and slope courses. Result showed that it achieved a maximum load is 100 kilograms with a top speed of 8.42 kilometres per hour, and the average of battery lifetime is up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Thus, we build a cost effective machine to provide an opportunity to translate conventional wheelchair to be an electric wheelchair.