Implementation of Electric Wheelchair with Microcontroller

Abstract

This paper presents the design of electric wheelchair. We build machine that is capable to attach with any traditional wheelchair, and to control its movement semi-automatically. This helps handicapped person who has difficult body-movement to be able to travel simply. The machine comprises of power-driven system including a metal tube frame, wheels, motor, brake and accelerator, and electronic control department based H-bridge circuit and programmable microcontroller with the ATmega168. Software was developed in C++ language for programming microcontroller. Technical test was done on H-bridge circuit to confirm an accurate functioning in controlling direct current motor. Running test was on flat straight and slope courses. Result showed that it achieved a maximum load is 100 kilograms with a top speed of 8.42 kilometres per hour, and the average of battery lifetime is up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Thus, we build a cost effective machine to provide an opportunity to translate conventional wheelchair to be an electric wheelchair.