With 16.1 million people in the UK living with a disability, the need for inclusive, independence-boosting products has never been greater. Enter the MotionMATE!
Designed for powerchair users who struggle to reach their everyday bags, this innovative bag and rail system restores independence, eliminating the need for assistance. Unlike many bags made for active wheelchair users, the MotionMATE puts accessibility first—created by and for powerchair users.
Adaptable to individual needs, the MotionMATE is the go-to companion for everything from shopping trips, to long weekends away!
My project began with a daily challenge I face as a powerchair user—accessing bags on the back of my wheelchair with ease, whilst still maintaining independence. Determined to find a solution, I immersed myself in the process, forging invaluable partnerships in the process.
With the support of my talented friend, Hannah Amondsen, I learned to make a bag from scratch. The team at Cinque Ports Mobility helped me explore wheelchair features and their impact, while engineers Malcolm Reddecliffe and Ron Banks from REMAP guided me through rail system design and their engineering principles.
I have developed two distinct bag prototypes, each designed with functionality and sustainability in mind.
The first is a versatile, all-purpose bag ideal for larger shopping trips and weekend getaways. This design is crafted entirely from recycled backpacks; repurposing everything from the fabric to the D-rings, demonstrating a commitment to circular design principles.
The second prototype is a tote bag that creatively incorporates components often overlooked in recycling processes, such as zips and plastic strap adjusters. This approach not only enhances the bag’s sustainability but also ensures accessibility and thoughtful reuse of materials that typically go to waste.
The rail is still evolving—over the coming few months, I will work with the REMAP engineers to refine and install this. I then plan to develop a version 2.0, for both the travel and shopping bag, and my tote bag design, adding more colour and fine-tuning details.
BA (Hons) Product & Furniture Design 
Edward Lewis | Product Design
