News / Engineering
‘How my sister’s MS diagnosis helped me design a user-friendly mobility scooter’
It is said that necessity is the mother of all inventions. This aphorism could not be truer for Tom Morgan.
The multiple sclerosis diagnosis of his sister came in 25 years ago. And the daily struggles she endured made him more determined to come up with a solution for people with similar conditions.
He was left frustrated with the scooters that were on offer which he found bulky, cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre. So he decided to design one himself.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Tom Morgan said: “Well, my sister was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, probably about 25 years ago, and for at least 15 years, she has used mobility scooters to enable her to get out of her house and to enjoy her life.
Tom Morgan was left frustrated with the scooters that were on offer which he found bulky, cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre
“I’ve seen first hand benefits for so many people to be able to be sociable and engage in the world, but also how inconvenient, and frankly, how dangerous they are.
“So my sister particularly had an experience of falling off her scooter into the road. She was with my mum at the time, and my mum wasn’t able to help her get back up. And fortunately, there was a kind person walking past and that was one experience that kind of really undermines confidence.”
The plans for the new scooter were drawn in 2018 by Tom in a hired space where he subsequently built the first prototype from scratch. And soon the one-man army turned into a dynamic trio when he was joined by his wife Emily and her cousin Fred which led to the creation of the tech firm, Supersmith.
Supersmith was born and bred in Bristol with the support and guidance of Bristol Robotics Lab and the tech incubator SETsquared.
Tom, who is an engineer by trade, had been thinking of designs for a while but he said the joining of Emily and Fred accelerated the process. Fred Russell-Pavier who has a PhD in physics from the University of Bristol brought scores of theoretical acumen to the project which prompted him to assume the role of chief technology officer for the firm.
But why another scooter when there are dozens of models available? Tom broke down the physics behind the three wheel scooter which they christened 3Scooter.
Due to the patented inbuilt stabilisation system, the scooter maximises stability and comfort by adjusting to terrain and riding conditions. Unlike passive suspension, the active suspension system continuously adapts, adjusting its rear legs and speed to ensure balance and maintain eye-level at all times.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the scooter has demonstrated its ability to navigate narrow paths, tight turns, and doorways, handling uneven ground with ease.
“The advanced technology provides a more stable, intuitive ride, meaning less time focused on obstacles ahead and more time enjoying the ride,” said Tom.
Supersmiths was co-founded by Tom and Emily Morgan and Fred Russell-Pavier
Tom said that the mobility solutions for people with walking disabilities are a priority as the statistics paint an alarming picture. According to the figures released by Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, over a third of mobility scooter users have tipped over once or more. Furthermore, traditional mobility scooters have five times more fatalities per distance travelled than motorbikes.
Tom said: “This journey is incredibly personal for all of us. Together with my wife Emily and her cousin Fred, we founded Supersmith to make life easier for anyone who finds walking difficult. We’re hoping to empower our community and, through innovation, make the world of micro-mobility accessible for all.”
Dr Fred Russell-Pavier brought his expertise in mechanics to the firm and assumed the role of chief technology officer
Tom reiterated the importance of “identifying the customers” and “small steps” when trying to convert an idea into a business model. For budding entrepreneurs he advised: “Engage with your customers as soon as you possibly can. And really understand the problem that you’re trying to solve. So, we continued it by putting in an hour or two a day for three of us. And it’s amazing how small steps can create big leaps over time. Therefore just keep going and put those small steps in every day.
The Supersmith team is excited to launch the 3Scooter model in 2025. To sign up to the waitlist
For more information about Supermith, visit their website https://supersmith.co/
All photos: Supersmiths
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