Para Athletics GRAND PRIX and Para World Games IWAS in the Emirates in Dubai 2018
We have successfully managed four generations of prototypes. The fourth generation of Benched prototypes was presented by Eva Kacanu, the Czech representative of Para-Athletes, during the Para Athletics Grand Prix and Para World Games in March 2018 in the Emirates in Dubai. We recorded the moments in the photos and in the video.
What they said about the project
“When I saw this power unit, my first word was: “Wow bike!” The ride is very agile, but more importantly addictive and liberating. I completely forgot I was in a wheelchair. It helps me a lot at work – especially when moving around. With the drive, I forget about everyday worries and pains. I enjoy every metre I travel.”
Michal KissFast driving enthusiast and first tester
“Suddenly you forget everything and enjoy the ride to the fullest. I tried the drive unit in bad weather, but it was still worth it. I really enjoyed it with the wind in my hair and the feeling of freedom. The ride is absolutely amazing, I really like it control on the handlebars and you will not mind at all that you are riding in your wheelchair, you will suddenly forget and enjoy the ride to the fullest.”
Marta PantůčkováArtist and adrenaline enthusiast
“With the powertrain, I felt like someone else. So free. I really liked it. It was easy to drive. The controls were clear. I felt like I was riding a motorcycle. And I really liked the roll-over protection. I had a lot of fun. I also liked the fact that the bike was attachable to the cart and could be detached from the cart.”
Matěj HejdukA brave boy with the soul of a racer
“For me, the power unit is an opportunity to take the whole family and the kids out into the great outdoors. To pack everything in the trunk of the car and go somewhere further afield, on trips to uncharted and trekking environments. I personally enjoyed the power unit ride! I especially appreciate the quality workmanship and good-looking design.”
Karel SobolAction father and leading team member of the Teiresias Centre at Masaryk University
“The power unit for an amazing idea that can help people in wheelchairs to be according to their own needs and desires – without relying on urban means of transport out of someone else’s help In a short time I have seen the transformation of a boy with fears of new things into a boy with drives and temptations, to try things that loving mothers SHOULD NOT as it gives them a heart attack. I wish that in the future, it wasn’t just us who could help our son to independence, the ability to move freely and enjoy life with as few obstacles as possible.”
Dagmar HejdukováMatějs mother
„I’m a paraplegic and I use a mechanical wheelchair. I don’t own a car and I get everywhere on my own, using public transport etc. I have had the opportunity to try Benchedu and in the city, in the countryside in the summer, but also in the snow and also, during my stay in Dubai. It was an incredible experience and most importantly a feeling of freedom, I had no problem getting where I wanted and needed to go. There was no problem when driving on wet surfaces on cobbles in the snow and also in the sand. At the same time, it served as an aid for other wheelchair users who could catch on to me and I could carry them behind me without any problems. The Benchedu is really a helper that gives us another option to move freely, even in places where we don’t normally have the opportunity to go.“
Eva Kacanu
International sportswoman and tester
