About the Swiss-Trac trials

CPSN Linking People

About the Cerebral Palsy Support Network (CPSN)

Swiss-Trac trials began in Melbourne Australia in December 2006

Are you interested in participating in the Swiss-Trac evaluation trials?

The CPSN is looking for people who have Cerebral Palsy or other disabilities to help test and evaluate a Swiss-Trac. If you would like to be added onto a waiting list, please complete the following questions and send them in an e-mail to:
swisstrac@yahoo.com.au

Your name
Your age
Do you currently use an electric mobility aid? (Scooter or electric wheelchair).
What brand or model is your current manual wheelchair? (This is very important as a bracket must be fitted to your wheelchair)
Tells us why you are interested in participating in the evaluation trials
Your telephone contact details
Your E-mail address

What is a Swiss-Trac?

Swiss-Trac is a small efficient power unit on wheels, which can be quickly attached to and from a manually propelled wheelchair. The Swiss-Trac pulls a wheelchair along behind it and it could be described as a towing tractor. The Swiss-Trac is a high quality product; it is manufactured in Switzerland and has been operating in many countries in Europe successfully for over 10 years.

Who can use a Swiss-Trac?

A Swiss-Trac is suitable for all wheelchairs users who can manually propel a wheelchair and handle the Swiss-Trac steering. Quadriplegics up to lesion level C5/6 as well as children from 7 years upwards can also easily handle the Swiss-Trac.

How is the Swiss-Trac operated and attached to the wheelchair?

A Swiss-Trac is suitable for all wheelchairs users who can manually propel a wheelchair and handle steering or driving. It is operated by the use of only one stick/handle control. The maximum speed is 6 kms per hour. Wheelchair brackets are available for almost every type of manually propelled wheelchair, for foldable as well as non-foldable (rigid frame) wheelchairs. The shorter the wheelchair, the more suitable it is for SWISS-TRAC. On wheelchairs with rigid frames, the bracket is usually attached permanently. The bracket can be removed from foldable wheelchairs without having to use tools.

Are there any Swiss-Trac machines currently in Australia?

Yes. The first Swiss-Trac in Australia arrived on 27th July 2006, and belongs to a 10 year old girl called Amy. The Cerebral Palsy Support Network now owns three Swiss-Trac machines. These Swiss-Trac machines are now available for the public to test & trial .

Amy using her new Swiss-Trac on a bush track in Australia

Details of Swiss-Trac Trials in Melbourne.

The Swiss-Trac trial participants/volunteers are to keep a diary on their usage of the Swiss-Trac and complete a survey and attach photos in their diary. Each participant will use the Swiss-Trac for a period of approximately 4-5 weeks before handing it onto the next person on the trials at an agreed central location.

Anyone can participate in the trials, providing they agree to the CPSN's terms and conditions of the trials and obtain a letter from a GP/ Physio/Occupational Therapist stating that the volunteer has the ability to "control" an electric mobility device. The volunteers must also join the CPSN as a member. (Membership costs AUD$10.00 ). If you would like more information, please e-mail swisstrac@yahoo.com.au

Advantages of a Swiss-Trac.

A Swiss-Trac offers wheelchair users and their families a greater choice of electric mobility machines which promotes greater independence and encourages participation in the outdoor environment for wheelchair users.

Some of the benefits of the Swiss-Trac are as follows:

The Swiss-Trac user continues to use his/her existing manual wheelchair.

Its ability to pull the chair over obstacles and up curbs.

Can operate in all environments - made and unmade roads.

It's compact and portable.

It's transferable to almost any manual wheelchair.

Its design and style will have a positive and uplifting influence.

It's strong, durable, and quiet and cannot tilt.

Promotes independence and encourages participation in outdoor activities.

Little maintenance and servicing is required.

Comes with full user manual in English

A new car does not have to be purchased and converted.

More Swiss-Trac Photos

More Information on the Swiss-Trac can be located at the Swiss-Trac Website

Updated: December 1, 2006