mobility design creates M+D crutches that use elbows, not armpits

mobility design creates M+D crutches that use elbows, not armpits
all images courtesy of mobility design

whether it’s a temporary need or a long-term condition, dealing with restricted mobility should be pain free. mobility design has focused their energy on revolutionizing crutches because they believe that they should improve the user’s quality of life, functionally and emotionally. the design took into consideration what they saw as the greatest problems with under arm crutches and forearm crutches, creating a product around a simple premise: elbows, not armpits.

M+D crutch shows hinged arm support

each ‘m+d crutch’ has two flexible armbands that hold them to the user’s arm without strapping them down or locking them in. their curved design and material allows the user to pull out their forearms easily while holding them in place when using the ‘m+d crutches’ in hands-free mode. the flexible arm straps can be placed together on either side of the arm cradle, or on opposite sides, and can be easily moved along the length of the cradle to fit the user’s personal preference. moving the flexible arm straps is an easy process that requires no tools.

video courtesy of anecdotally yours (jeff short)

the ‘m+d crutch’ comes with a standard foot designed to absorb some of the shock of each step. the tread and material flexibility allow the crutch’s foot to conform to the ground and grip it to prevent slipping. the standard foot can be easily removed and replaced with other feet designed for various terrains and activities. alternative feet will be available in the future. a button on the hand-grip unlocks the handle and allows the user to adjust its length and rotate it away from their hands and start using the ‘m+d crutches’ in hands-free mode. a sliding button under the arm cradle unlocks the cradle allowing it to click in and out of the main body to allow users to lift their arms while still wearing the crutches. the cradle can also be locked to remain in place while using it hands free. 

read more about the project, and support it on kickstarter, here.

flexible arm straps on M+D crutch 

the M+D crutch has easily interchangeable feet 

tread pattern on M+D crutch foot 

M+D crutch in use

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom