Israeli Inventor’s Stand-Up ‘Wheelchair’ Opens Up World of Possibilities

Inventor Dr. Amit Goffer spent almost 20 years sitting in a wheelchair, but his ingenuity led to a new stand-up mobility device that is opening up new horizons for millions of people across the globe.

By United with Israel Staff

Israeli Dr. Amit Goffer is an entrepreneur and inventor who has been making headlines for a device he created that will liberate people throughout the world currently confined to a wheelchair.

Goffer himself spent almost 20 years sitting in a wheelchair after breaking his neck in an ATV accident in 1997, which left him unable to use his legs and with limited movement in his arms.

His UpnRide mobility device “gives users the freedom to sit, stand and travel in an upright position,” reported Israeli tech site NoCamels.

He says his wife cried when she first saw him using the device. He broke his neck driving an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) in 1997, losing the use of both legs and some movement in his arms.

“UpnRide is like a super-stable version of the Segway,” reported NoCamels, “but with many added benefits, including the fact that it raises the user from sitting to a standing position, and back again, with no outside help.”

The UpnRide is not Goffer’s first incredible invention.

The 63-year-old, who has a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering, also invented a device called the ReWalk, with which paraplegics can walk again.

The UpnRide is about to go on sale to the public and marketed worldwide.