Development of an electronics-controlled wheelchair using hybrid source with a USB charging unit

The growing demand for affordable, energy-efficient assistive mobility systems has spurred interest in intelligent electric wheelchairs that enhance the independence and quality of life of individuals with mobility impairments. However, many commercially available wheelchairs are expensive and dependent on conventional charging infrastructure. This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a low-cost hybrid solar-powered electric wheelchair integrated with a PIC16F877A-based embedded control system. The developed system combines a rechargeable 12 V/40 Ah battery with a 50 W monocrystalline solar panel through a solar charge controller. Two 12 V, 150 W DC motors were controlled using a PIC16F877A microcontroller programmed in C language for directional control, motion regulation, and system monitoring. A capacitive touch interface and LCD feedback system were incorporated to improve usability. The wheelchair frame was fabricated from locally sourced steel selected for its strength and load-bearing capacity. Experimental validation was conducted under load conditions ranging from 10 kg to 120 kg. Results showed stable operation across the tested range, with voltage decreasing from 12.97 V to 11.47 V as the load increased, while current increased from 1.6 A to 3.8 A. Helioscope simulation revealed monthly solar energy generation between 12.31 kWh and 14.81 kWh under varying environmental and irradiance conditions throughout the year. The developed system also demonstrated reliable directional control and improved accessibility in low-resource environments. The study demonstrates that integrating embedded control systems, renewable energy harvesting, and local fabrication can provide a practical, low-cost, reliable, and sustainable mobility solution for resource-constrained environments.