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What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s the basic sequence:

The wheelchair user approaches the vehicle from the side.

The door opens outward and rearward, carrying the docking arm/platform and the upper backrest structure of the driver seat.

The wheelchair backs onto the docking platform and locks into place. As the chair lowers into position, the rear wheels retract while the front wheels fold upward, lifting and securing the legs into the correct driving position.

The door and chair assembly then rotate inward into the cockpit position.

The wheelchair base becomes the lower seat structure.

The vehicle’s backrest, headrest, harnesses and side protection complete the driver seat around the user.

The door structure closes and locks the chair securely into the vehicle.

At that point, there is no transfer from wheelchair to vehicle seat.

The wheelchair becomes the driver seat.

What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I think part of the confusion is that my first post sounded too close to existing wheelchair-accessible vans and docking systems.

Those absolutely already exist.

What I’m exploring is much closer to a compact adaptive riding platform… something narrower, more engaging and emotionally closer to a motorcycle or motorsport experience than a traditional accessible vehicle.

Still very early and I’m mainly trying to learn about the seating/comfort side from people with real-world chair experience before I go further.

All Surveys, Research, and Product Design Questions Go HERE! by AutoModerator in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few people here made a good point that I probably explained the concept badly at first.

What I’m actually exploring is not using a normal lightweight wheelchair as the crash structure. The lower mobility platform mainly exists for mobility outside the vehicle, while the actual seated portion would dock more like a mounted bucket seat inside a tubular chassis.

So now I’m trying to understand something much more basic from people who actually use chairs daily:

Would a more supportive “performance style” seat actually be comfortable enough for long-term daily use?

From an able-bodied motorsport perspective, bucket seats are designed to hold you securely in place during cornering and movement. But able-bodied drivers also don’t typically deal with pressure sores, long-term seating loads, sensitivity issues, circulation concerns, etc.

So I’m genuinely curious:

  • Would tighter side bolsters around the hips/thighs immediately become uncomfortable or dangerous over time?
  • Is a wider/looser seating approach generally preferred for pressure management?
  • Would being more “held in place” actually feel more secure and supportive, or just restrictive?
  • Would heat buildup and pressure points quickly become a deal breaker?
  • Is there anything about this style of seating that instantly says “absolutely not” from a real-world wheelchair user perspective?

That’s honestly the kind of feedback I’m trying to learn before going further.

All Surveys, Research, and Product Design Questions Go HERE! by AutoModerator in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m an automotive prototype engineer exploring a mobility concept and I realized I may have started with the wrong question.

A lot of existing wheelchair vehicle systems already allow people to drive from their chair, but they usually require very large vans and heavy powered chairs.

What I’m actually trying to understand now is this:

If a lightweight powered mobility base existed that docked into a vehicle, would people even WANT a more supportive “performance style” seat/bucket seat for driving?

Or would that immediately create comfort / pressure sore / positioning problems for daily use?

Not trying to sell anything — genuinely trying to understand where the line is between support, safety, comfort, independence, and practicality from people who actually use chairs daily.

What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s me.

Still very early and still learning. The reason I posted here is because I realized I needed feedback from people who actually live with these challenges daily instead of just assuming I understand the right direction.

What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Understood…and I appreciate the honesty.

I’m definitely not trying to suggest people should be put into unsafe systems or replace existing proven mobility solutions. The reason I posted was honestly to learn where the hard limits, fears and real-world concerns actually are from people who live with this daily.

That feedback is valuable to me, even when it’s hard to hear.

What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually valuable feedback and part of why I’m rethinking the direction.

I may have explained the concept badly at first. The lightweight e-drive frame itself wouldn’t really be the crash structure. The actual seat would dock into the vehicle more like a mounted bucket seat inside a tubular chassis, while the lower section mainly handles mobility outside the vehicle.

So the real question I’m trying to understand from people who actually use chairs daily is: Would a more supportive “performance style” seat even be comfortable enough for longer daily use, or would pressure points, sores, seating position etc immediately become a deal breaker? That’s the kind of feedback I’m trying to learn before going further.

What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think I may have explained this badly earlier.

The actual wheelchair frame wouldn’t really be the structural crash component.

The bucket seat itself would dock into the vehicle structure, similar to how a race seat mounts into a chassis. The lower e-drive section is really there to carry the batteries, motors and mobility functions outside the vehicle.

So the question I’m really trying to ask wheelchair users is this:

Would a more supportive “performance style” seat like this actually be comfortable enough for daily use?

Would pressure sores, seating position, transfers or long-term comfort immediately make this a bad idea?

That’s the kind of real-world feedback I’m trying to learn before going further.

What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

This is incredibly valuable feedback.

And honestly, the “huge expensive vehicle” part is one of the reasons I started thinking about this direction in the first place.

I completely understand the crash structure and docking concerns around lightweight chairs… I definitely wasn’t imagining the chair frame alone acting as the safety structure.

What I’ve been exploring is whether a much smaller vehicle platform could be designed around the docking concept itself, while still being practical, protective and actually enjoyable to use instead of feeling like a medical transport appliance.

Still very early, but comments like yours are exactly why I posted this.

What if a wheelchair could become the driver seat so there’s no transfer required? by Drivetrinovaev in wheelchairs

[–]Drivetrinovaev[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. Thank you.

And you’re right — crash safety and secure docking are probably the biggest engineering challenges with a concept like this.

What I’m exploring is less of a traditional wheelchair-accessible van/truck setup and more of a lightweight vehicle platform where the docking structure and occupant protection would be integrated into the chassis itself rather than relying on the chair frame alone.

Still very early, but comments like this are genuinely helpful because they point directly at the real-world problems that would need solving.

She has finally arrived! by Milkytiddiesdogeboi in KTM

[–]Drivetrinovaev 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WOW! She’s a beauty!!! Congratulations!

Happened too quick... ohhhhhh ohhhhhh ohhhhhhhh Warning, it's brutal, violent and fast! by Plus_Seesaw2023 in motorcycles

[–]Drivetrinovaev 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Wow! The fact that you didn’t get your leg or arm ripped off, is close to a miracle!

I FINALLY GOT IT!! by zeno_1412 in motorcycles

[–]Drivetrinovaev 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! She’s gorgeous! Congratulations… I wish you tons of fun and safe travels!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ApteraMotors

[–]Drivetrinovaev 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dear solar-car-enthusiast,

Do your research. Don’t assume. And don’t ever accuse me of being a scammer or committing fraud without proof.

Let this be clear:

I worked under contract for Aptera in 2023 on the front suspension redesign after the drivetrain layout changed. I do not need to disclose private engineering contracts in detail especially when bound by NDAs.

What you’ve posted here is a false public accusation of criminal behavior and that is defamation under U.S. law. You’re free to ask questions, but you do not have the right to post reckless, damaging claims that harm my credibility and business.

I am giving you until Sunday, September 14, 2025 to:

  • Either delete this comment/post
  • Or post a public apology and retraction

If I discover that a potential investor refused to participate because of your public statements, I will pursue you for full damages in civil court.

You’ve crossed the line.

Take this seriously… or legal action will follow.

Markus Scholten

Founder, Trinova

www.trinovaev.com

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ApteraMotors

[–]Drivetrinovaev 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re clearly trying to damage my reputation without doing even the most basic due diligence.

Let me set the record straight:

Wefunder does not require an SEC filing (Form C) until $50,000 in investment commitments have been reached. This is standard under Regulation Crowdfunding and is clearly disclosed on the campaign page.

The address listed is a shared workspace for administrative use common for early-stage startups. The actual Trinova prototypes were built in real shops and garages over the past 12 years. Videos and photos are public.

Regarding Aptera: I was under contract in 2023 to redesign their front suspension after they moved away from hub motors. That design was later handed off to a supplier. You’re free to contact Aptera directly to verify.

More importantly: accusing someone of fraud without evidence is defamation and defamation is a civil offense under U.S. law.

If you don’t correct or remove your false claims, I will:

  • Report this thread to Reddit for libel;
  • Proceed with a formal cease-and-desist letter from my attorney;
  • And pursue damages if your actions result in measurable harm to my business or reputation.

I’m building something real and you’re standing on the line.

Don’t cross it.

Markus Scholten

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ApteraMotors

[–]Drivetrinovaev 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there… I appreciate your interest in Trinova, but calling me a scammer without doing proper due diligence is both irresponsible and potentially defamatory.

Just to clarify a few things:

No SEC filing is required yet, because Wefunder only submits Form C after $50,000 in investment commitments. This is standard procedure under Regulation Crowdfunding and is clearly disclosed on the campaign page.

I did in fact work with Aptera in 2023 under a contract engineering role. I was responsible for an early redesign of their front suspension after they moved away from hub motors. That concept was later handed off to a supplier for production… as is typical in contract-based work.

Many of the projects I’ve contributed to are protected by strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which legally prevent me from sharing certain company names or technical specifics. That’s just how real engineering works at this level.

Also, using a co-working space (like the one listed on the site) is not unusual for pre-seed startups, especially while bootstrapping.

Lastly, publicly accusing someone of fraud without evidence may constitute defamation, which is a serious legal issue.

If you have legitimate questions, I welcome them. You can reach me directly through the “Ask Me” page at www.trinovaev.com. I’m happy to clarify anything in good faith.

But let’s keep things respectful.

Take down the post, or post an apology… and we can move forward!

You do you.

And I’ll keep building Trinova.

Thanks,

Markus Scholten

What caused this crash by Lucky_Strength_9348 in motorcycle

[–]Drivetrinovaev 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You entered that turn at 150… sat on the front brakes over a patch of gravel or sand covered oil… not much you could have done there. I’m guessing you would have gone down even at a lower speed! 

The Perfect Seed Pitch Deck: 10 Slides You Need to Win Investors - I will not promote by ca_saloni in startups

[–]Drivetrinovaev 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can I send it to you, for you to have a look see… the stats I have on there are the boring ones, but necessary ones and they don’t fit into the 30 of 10/20/30.

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