CR1
Wheelchair for Permobil
The CR1 is a carbon fiber wheelchair that is fully customizable to the user's individual specifications and preferences. The unique, dual-angle front end was designed to follow the lines of the user's body, allowing them to get closer to objects for improved accessibility and maneuverability in tight spaces. The aerodynamic tube profile and its orientation were designed to improve strength, user comfort in areas contacting the body and aesthetically to promote a sense of speed. The dual-purpose sideguards provide protection to the user while acting as a structural member for support.
Download Press Kit № 156779
Download Press Kit № 156779 Wheelchair for Permobil by Doug Garven to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
Available Now for Your Next Story
At design|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.
Please Note:
- Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
- Mention design|newsroom as your source.
- Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.
Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. design|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.
Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.
CR1 by Doug Garven
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Wheelchair by Doug Garven
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Doug Garven CR1
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Doug Garven Wheelchair
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Permobil Design Team Photo
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
PermobilBrand Logo
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Permobil Corporate Logo
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Doug Garven Interview
Interview Opportunity: Access an exclusive interview with Doug Garven, spanning approximately 959 words, free for journalistic use. Download available now. Access Doug Garven Interview Now.
CR1 Wheelchair Press Releases
For CR1, we offer press releases in multiple languages, including: English.
CR1 Wheelchair Translations
Delighted to offer translations for CR1 projects in a variety of languages: Rolstoel AF, Karrige me rrota SQ, መንኮራኩር ወንበር AM, كرسي متحرك AR, Սայլակ HY, হুইলচেয়াৰ AS, Əlil Arabası AZ, Gurpil-aulkia EU, Інвалідная каляска BE, হুইলচেয়ার BN, Invalidska kolica BS, Инвалидна количка BG, ဘီးတပ်ကုလားထိုင် MY, Cadira de rodes CA, Silya de Ruedas CEB, Wheelchaya NY, Sedia à Rotelle CO, Invalidska kolica HR, Invalidní vozík CS, Kørestol DA, Rolstoel NL, Rulseĝo EO, Ratastool ET, Pyörätuoli FI, Fauteuil roulant FR, Cathair-Chuibhle GD, Cadeira de Rodas GL, ინვალიდის ეტლი KA, Rollstuhl DE, Αμαξίδιο EL, Ka'arupa GN, વ્હીલચેર GU, Chèz Woulan HT, Keken Guragu HA, Noho Huila HAW, כסא גלגלים HE, व्हीलचेयर HI, Lub Rooj Zaum Muaj Log HMN, Kerekesszék HU, Hjólastóll IS, Oche Nkwagharị IG, Kursi Roda ID, Cathaoir Rothaí GA, Carrozzina IT, 車椅子 JA, Kursi Roda JV, ಗಾಲಿಕುರ್ಚಿ KN, Дөңгелекті арба KK, រទេះរុញ KM, Intebe y'abarwayi RW, 휠체어 KO, کورسیی سەچەرخە KU, Майып арабасы KY, ລົດເຂັນ LO, Sella Rotatilis LA, Ratiņkrēsls LV, Ratų kėdė LT, Rullistull LB, Инвалидска количка MK, Fanilanjalana MG, Kerusi Roda MS, വീൽചെയർ ML, Siġġu tar-Roti MT, Tūru Wīra MI, व्हीलचेअर MR, Тэргэнцэр MN, व्हीलचेयर NE, Rullestol NO, Rullestol NB, Cadira de Rodes OC, ହ୍ୱିଲଚେୟାର OR, چرخدار څوکۍ PS, ویلچر FA, Wózek inwalidzki PL, Cadeira de Rodas PT, ਵ੍ਹੀਲਚੇਅਰ PA, Muyuq Tiyarina QU, Scaun cu rotile RO, Кресло-коляска RU, Nofoa Ta'avale SM, चक्रकुर्सी SA, Invalidska kolica SR, Chigaro Chemawhiri SN, ويل چيئر SD, රෝද පුටුව SI, Invalidný vozík SK, Rolstol SL, Kursi Curyaan SO, Setulo sa Mabelo ST, Silla de Ruedas ES, Korsi Roda SU, Kiti cha Magurudumu SW, Rullstol SV, Wheelchair TL, Курсии чархдор TG, சக்கர நாற்காலி TA, Каляска TT, వీల్చైర్ TE, รถเข็น TH, འཁོར་རྐུབ་ BO, መንኪስካና TI, Tekerlekli Sandalye TR, Maýyp arabagy TK, Крісло-коляска UK, وہیل چیئر UR, مايكاشلار ئارىۋىسى UG, Nogironlar aravachasi UZ, Xe Lăn VI, Cadair Olwyn CY, Rydstoel FY, Isitulo Esinamavili XH, ראָלשטול YI, Àga-Kẹ̀kẹ́ YO, Isihlalo Samawili ZU, Wheelchair EN.
CR1 Wheelchair Media Articles
Utilize our prepared articles to feature CR1, available in the languages: Hindi, Indonesian, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, French, Russian, Turkish, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean and Arabic (Standard).
Unique Properties
The CR1 is a custom fabricated carbon fiber wheelchair. Each one is unique and built around the user's individual body specifications and their desired preferences. Carbon fiber was selected not only for its performance benefits of strength and light weight, but also for the freedom to optimize the tube shape. The ovalized tubing is orientated at different angles along the frame to maximize strength and comfort for the user. The unique front-end design allows improved environmental access by allowing the user to get closer to objects.
Tags
everyday performance, ultralight, custom, made-to-order
Production Technology
Production is through a vendor that specializes in the creation of carbon fiber products and their use of a proprietary foam core fabrication process that adds additional strength and helps to absorb vibrations. Their team was able to optimize the specific material layups and the fabrication methodology. Every frame consists of two mirrored sideframes that each have 3 bonded together sections of different angles and lengths, joined with a bonded crossbar. These modular components combine with others to make each chair unique and match the user's specifications. The design was refined through FEA analysis, user evaluation and finally, through mandated functionality and durability testing ANSI/RESNA, ISO 7176.
Design Challenge
The key challenges were improving accessibility and maneuverability while reducing the overall weight in a fully customizable product. We partnered with outside vendors to develop special components, like an entirely new style of caster fork bearing. Its creation allowed for smaller parts, lighter weight and a smaller footprint to the chair's design and overall proportions for improved maneuverability. Another key component was the ability to customize the frame designs in as economical and manufacturable method as possible that also minimized waste. The final realization of that was the modular, 3-section design to the sideframe. Different materials are utilized on different parts of the chair to maximize durability like titanium trim rings on the footrest for wear and SMC carbon reinforced parts for impact protection when the rear wheels are removed. The foam core of the carbon fiber parts improves strength and the perception of being too delicate and fragile a material for this application.
Project Duration
This project started in Nashville, TN in early 2018 and was officially completed and for sale on the market in October of 2023.
Operation Flow
The CR1 is operated like any other manual wheelchair through the propulsion of the two drive wheels. What is improved over other devices in the market is how lightweight it is, the complete chair is only 6.8 kg and the increased maneuverability and accessibility through the kinked front-end design. The customized frame dimensions ensure a secure and comfortable fit for the user, much like a wheeled prosthetic.
Research
The background research for this project was inherent in over 30 years of being a professional wheelchair designer and user. This product was intended for advanced users who know how they want to sit and how they want their chair to feel and respond. The needs and requirements for this product are something that I live and experience every day. We also presented early prototypes to other users and industry experts for their opinions and feedback.
Inspiration
The CR1 was inspired by over 30 years as a product designer in the medical industry and as a chair user personally. I was given the task of creating the ultimate, daily-use chair and in doing so drew upon previous designs and what I would have liked to have done but wasn't able to either from a materials perspective or project parameters. The form is functionally driven but inspired by Formula 1 race cars and elements of the F-22 Raptor.
Project Overview
CR1 Wheelchair has been a Golden winner in the Product Engineering and Technical Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.
Image Credits
For design images and photos please credit Doug Garven.
Golden Recognition
Doug Garven was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work CR1 Wheelchair.
Doug Garven Press Releases
Discover Doug Garven's journey through our press releases, available for all press members and journalists to use without restrictions. For immediate journalistic use: 1 press releases are available right now.
Introducing the CR1: A Custom Carbon Fiber Wheelchair Designed for Ultimate Daily Use
Doug Garven unveils the CR1, a custom carbon fiber wheelchair designed for everyday performance and made-to-order comfort, now available after a five-year development journey.
Doug Garven Newsroom
Discover outstanding design and award-winning initiatives in the Doug Garven Newsroom.
