ROTA RochairROTAMobility has launched what it claims is a revolution in wheelchairs with the Rochair. Rather than using the traditional pushrims on the wheels to self-propel, the Rochair employs a rowing action to drive the wheelchair forward. In this way, it taps into a much more natural push-pull action and thanks to an eight-geared drive, like a bike, you've the selectable gearing to tackle an incline as well as the flat.
The bike similarity doesn’t end with the gearing; the centrally-mounted lever looks like handlebars too, with engageable disc brakes, and it steers like a bike, allowing the Rochair to turn on its own footprint.
Of course, the rowing action is also delivering a good, ergonomic workout for arms and shoulders and ROTA says you only need to be able to apply a free weight bicep curl of about 2kg (5lbs) to get the Rochair rocking.
Cost$4,980 (€3,580), from rotamobility.com.
Ron Arad WOW BikeFor well over 20 years, industrial designer, Ron Arad has been wowing the world with his furniture and architecture. He's returned to the unexpectedly fluid use of steel that marked his iconic Well Tempered Chair to produce a bike that really has got "wheels of steel".
No conventional spokes and rim here, but a series of 18 strips of tempered steel, clipped together like industrial petals to allow each wheel a soft, giving ride. The bent-back curve of the strips create a disc of springs that runs better the quicker you cycle apparently, as speed smooths off each petal’s bump.
However, it’s unlikely ever to reach a mainstream market as it’s been designed for a charity auction in the UK – though you can take it for a spin if you happen to be staying in the W Hotel in London. Of course, if you really fancy getting your hands on an original Ron Arad, you can always join the bidding.
CostSee ronarad.com or facebook.com/wlondonhotel
SnowMiner Head Torch & LanternGood product design also sets the SnowMiner apart. This is a high-output headtorch that converts to a hanging lantern at the gentlest flick of your finger.
The SnowMiner’s trick is a soft dome with a lens set into the top of it, like an eyeball. Pulled out, the globe works as a perfect lantern, with a diffused light all around; push in the dome and the lens focuses on the bulb inside to deliver a strong beam. A handy hook at the back of the head strap makes an easy hang.
Dual use apart, the SnowMiner is a bright bit of work with high, low, emergency strobe and dimmer settings and will run for 140 hours at the lower power. There’s even a low battery warning light. Takes 3xAAA.
Cost$49.95 (€35.90), from snowpeak.com
Traveller Pet CarrierFor a nation of pet owners, we're curiously intolerable about them in many ways compared to other countries. You'll regularly see dogs in shops and cafes all across Europe, not to mention peeking out of the occasional handbag.
The Traveller is just one of a range of purpose-built pet carriers from Celltei. With built-in mesh panels, washable floor and backpack straps, it makes travelling with your pooch a cinch. And the bottom part is a separate detachable luggage section all for you.
You can get versions in all styles from chic-looking handbags to totes and rucksacks, with designs to suit every pet from 50lb slobberers to models for parrots, hamsters, rats, even ferrets. Well, beats keeping them in your trousers.
CostFrom about $100 (€72), from celltei.com