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NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
HAND POWERED VEHICLE ASSISTED BY AN ELECTRIC DRIVE
TORQWAY hybrid version
* KINETIC DRIVING
* NORDIC DRIVING
* FITNESS DRIVING
DESCRIPTION OF THE SOLUTION
At Torqway Ltd we have innovated and piloted Torqway - a new kind of a
vehicle powered by manual drive for riding in a standing position.
The uniqueness of Torqway derives from the fact that each move of the
lever, regardless of it being forward or backward, propels the mechanism
and moves the vehicle. Upon proving the concept we have patented
Torqway in Poland (P. 396764), Europe (EP 2771232) and also filled PCT
patent application to obtain patents in the USA or China. We have also
protected trademark “TORQWAY”. Excellence and high potential of
Torqway has been confirmed by numerous awards during international
innovation fairs in Geneva, Taipei, Warsaw and Pittsburgh where Torqway
NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
was additionally awarded with “BEST INVENTION OF EUROPE 2014” – first
time in history won by polish company.
Mechanical version of Torqway is now distributed and presented in such a
countries like: Sweden, Spain, Great Brittan and USA. Having in mind that
using such kind of manually powered vehicle is aimed for flat, paved
surfaces and also needs constant physical effort - (thus limiting circle of
potential users), we have developed new, HYBRID version of our vehicle,
where manual movements of levers will be assisted by an electric drive
aimed to help users in more difficult terrain. An
electronic control system applied, is capable of
supplying the power according to user’s needs –
i.e. after selecting the mode of operation -
moving the levers propels the vehicle on the
principle that “the faster we move the levers,
the faster we drive”, and as we cease or slow the lever movement, the
vehicle brakes. The user decides how much effort to exert, regulating from
100 % electric drive to 100% manual drive, or through the selection of the
operating mode of the transmission:
- Kinetic – high level of electric power support focused on the transport
functions and isometric exercises
- Nordic - medium level of electric power support aimed at overcoming
greater distances while exercising (like in Nordic walking) - primarily
addressed to elderly population.
- Fitness – minimum level of electric power support (increases or reduces
to the changing terrain – e.g. up or down hill)
NOVELTY OF THE INNOVATION
Commercialization of the Torqway hybrid version is a key element of the
company’s strategy based on systematic extension of the TORQWAY vehicle
family. The innovation and unique selling points derive from:
- the combination of manual and electric propulsion offering great active
transportation functionality;
- unlimited range – the vehicle can always be propelled manually, as
opposed to fully electric ones;
NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
- fully green and self-sustainable vehicle – additionally proposing high
degree of physical activity.
To achieve our goal of bringing this version of a vehicle to the market we
will integrate specially adapted electric motors with (preferably) two large
wheels. Movement of the levers will power the vehicle by mechanical
transmission, while the motors will add additional power to help the user
when it’s needed. The battery placed inside the platform will provide
enough energy to assist the drive up-hill and will recharge while going
downhill, offering additional braking function which constitutes an added
value for the user. A hybrid version of Torqway does not lose its mobility
even in the case of battery discharge, always leaving the option of working
in manual mode. This unique and novel approach will result in increased
driving range not limited by battery capacity. A hybrid Torqway offers
second to none a brand new way of active transportation using muscles in
the arms which are often infra-utilized in the context of “civilization
diseases”.
The functionality of the vehicle will also extend to:
- Intelligent speed control to increase the range of the vehicle;
- Recording trip parameters;
- Visual monitor of battery usage and range available;
- Electric brake (electronically controlled) and mechanical brake (safety);
- Control of the desired human body parameters during moderate effort;
- Smartphone and smartwatch applications to control all of above and to
gather all data needed.
BENEFITS OF APPLICATIONS
Hybrid version of Torqway, a vehicle that combines
the functions of sports and leisure, can be used as an
active transportation device, as a mini-gym (air-bike,
dumbbells, balance board, etc. joined in one), and also
as a tool supporting light rehabilitation. The vehicle’s
drive method enforces a certain kind of physical
activity (users have to move their arms to drive) that
allows to obtain and maintain an efficient and
NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
coordinated silhouette. Due to micro-movements (isometric contractions)
of all muscles it may be of huge help to persons with motor and obesity
problems. It is a new, safe outdoor activity consistent with current trends
of active leisure, healthy lifestyle and environmental protection.
TARGET USERS
Our target users are individuals eager to use any devices for their own
activity purposes under various circumstances: daily commuting, recreation
or sightseeing -
also looking for
relaxation and
desired degree of
fitness activity.
One popular form
of exercise in the
Active Ageing
framework is
Nordic Walking,
in which poles are
used to work the upper body while walking. Regular activity on TORQWAY
has a similar beneficial effect and is also good for older people who want to
maintain physical fitness for as long as it is possible, additionally impacting
muscle strength endurance, coordination, body
balance, respiratory system, circulatory system,
the brain hemispheres and the general mood of
the user. There are numerous conditions which
can affect a person’s ability to walk unassisted and
severely limit their independence and quality of
life. Patients in rehabilitation and the elderly are
the two groups with a specific need for innovative
solutions to join mobility and exercise in a way
which is practical, safe, and fun, additionally
improving their sense of well-being.
NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
Hybrid TORQWAY offers
elderly users a healthy
mobility option for active
lifestyles, reinforcing key
muscles in the arms, hips and
legs to promote balance and
coordination, and through
deep impact on pelvic floor
muscles (due to isometric
contractions) can prevent
specific conditions such as
urinary incontinence.
COMPARISON WITH COMPETING SOLUTIONS
Vehicles supported with electricity like: e-bikes, e-scooters, e-boards are
growing in sales globally and in particular in countries like China, USA,
Germany, France and the Netherlands. Hybrid version of Torqway fits in this
growing tendency very well and
moreover, it can compete with
products offered by companies
who sell fitness and rehabilitation
or physiotherapy equipment
designed to be used in a standing
position. Among all of electric-
powered vehicles on the market
only an e-bike can utilize manual/electric combination of drive. All the
others have their range limited to a battery capacity and after passing a
relatively small distance (15 -30 km) are inoperative. Hybrid version of
Torqway possesses a unique chance to become next to the e-bike – a vehicle
capable of using a manual/electric drive combination, with similar driving
range, yet offering another way of physical activity compared to an e-bike.
NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
We are currently commercializing the basic version of TORQWAY – a vehicle
powered only by the movement of the user’s arms. This innovative solution
meets all the criteria of a healthy and environmentally friendly vehicle.
At present the hybrid version of Torqway is prepared and pre-tested as a
working prototype. It demonstrates technical feasibility of this project.
SAME SOLUTION – DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS
The next stage will include the construction and marketing of the City and
Activ versions of Torqway for the activation of seniors and people with
various physical disabilities. These models will be also equipped with
HYBRID drive.
Sport City Active
MEDICAL STUDIES CONFIRM NUMEROUS THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS
“Regular activity on TORQWAY has a beneficial effect on muscle strength and endurance, on
coordination, body balance, respiratory system, circulatory system, cooperation between the brain
hemispheres and the mood of the user. It can be used by patients with orthopedic, neurological,
cardiac or pulmonary disorders for rehabilitation, recreation and to improved mobility. For older
people who want to maintain physical fitness for as long as it is possible, TORQWAY trains balance
and coordination and provides regular moderate exercise to prevent heart and musculoskeletal
system diseases” – excerpt from the report “Use of the TORQWAY device in rehabilitation and for
health-related purposes. Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Medical University of
Warsaw, June 2015”
NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
Based on one year of observation and testing from 2015 to 2016 in
Barczewo (Poland) by qualified physiotherapist Beata Kurdynowska on 20
people with varying needs (recovery from injuries, elderly, poor motor
coordination, reduced muscle strength, joint diseases / injuries, vertebral
column, obesity), TORQWAY’s impact on rehabilitation and physiotherapy
was confirmed.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Hybrid version of Torqway targets the global growth markets of personal
mobility devices, fitness equipment, home rehabilitation and physiotherapy
equipment. These targets have a demand for mobility solutions like
Torqway, which involve a degree of physical exercise. Paying customers and
clients are elderly or disabled individuals in purchase or rental mode,
physiotherapy centers and fitness centers. Following we are presenting few
markets where, we think, Torqway can be kind of option when someone will
look for such an innovative solution:
Fitness equipment market
Analysts predict the global fitness equipment market to grow steadily at a CAGR of around 4% during the forecast period. The growing health awareness worldwide is a key driver for the growth of this market. The rising health conditions like diabetes, cholesterol and obesity have increased, leading to heart-related ailments.
Personal mobility device market
Personal mobility devices assist the patients who have lost their mobility owing to severe leg trauma, paralysis or any other medical ailment impairing leg movement. Some of the personal mobility devices are wheelchairs, scooters, power vehicles and walking aids. The World Market for Mobility Devices is expected to grow 3.8% CAGR to nearly $6 billion by 2020 with walking aids (canes, crutches, walkers, rollators, prostheses and orthoses) as the fastest growing segment.
NEW SOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING AN ACTIVE LIFE
TORQWAY Ltd, Roslinna 19, 87-100 Torun, Poland. www.torqway.com. tel.+48 608283684
Physiotherapy equipment market
The global physiotherapy equipment market was valued at USD 14.3 billion in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period. Key driving factors of this market include growing geriatric population base, unhealthy lifestyle habits and the presence of favorable government regulations.
Home rehabilitation products and services market
According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research “Home Rehabilitation Products and Services Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2015 - 2023” the global home rehabilitation products and services market was valued at USD 84 billion in 2014 and is estimated to reach a market worth USD 176 billion in 2023 increasing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2015 to 2023.
TORQWAY COMPANY LTD.
Torqway Company Ltd. was established in February 2014 by founders Mrs.
Beata Paszke-Sobolewska
and Mr. Andrzej Sobolewski
together with specialized
seed capital fund JCI
Venture Ltd. The key
mission of the company is a
further development of the project and an effective growth into global
markets.The TORQWAY company involves a value chain of partners that
goes from basic research to component supply, parts production, vehicle
assembly and sales.
Currently the company is looking for a significant capital investment to
bring this interesting project on the global market.