A UBC Innovation Snapshot: Be inspired by and connect with innovators at UBC
The Alinker Inventions Ltd. | Innovation Stories https://shar.es/1Uew0jWho are you?
We are The Alinker Inventions Ltd., a company committed to building an inclusive community, led by Dutch-born designer, architect, reconstruction & restoration project manager, mentor, humanist, writer and inventor of the Alinker, Barbara Alink. We are devoted to designing, building and marketing durable walking-bikes for people with mobility challenges who want to maintain an active life. We also challenge assumptions about people with disabilities. Our feature product is the Alinker, a lightweight, foldable, three-wheeled non-motorized pedal-free walking assist device designed to help people stay active, do what they love and live life to the fullest. Traditional mobility aids are a technical solution for a body with a problem, the focus is on the problem, they are not designed to how you want to live your life, regardless of possible physical challenges. But the Alinker is designed to be so cool that it overcomes the discomfort that people in general feel about disabilities.
What problem are you solving?
The Alinker is a vehicle for social change as we challenge assumptions about disabilities. On the Alinker, users sit upright and are at eye level with standing companions, the weight is supported by the seat with no stress on the lower body, the handlebars provide additional support, while the feet remain on the ground keeping users stable and safe. Each Alinker user is independent and can travel longer distances with less fatigue, being provided with a low-impact way to increase strength and stamina. This improves the user’s self-image, instilling hope and building confidence. Early examples of the Alinker can be found in its 14 prototypes before reaching the final design, as well as the current development (and soon to be released): the Alinker-specific saddle and bags. Our objective is to start the design process of an Alinker for children in 2017 as we get requests for this on a regular basis.
How does your idea contribute to society?
The Alinker effectively changes lives directly and communities indirectly! People with disabilities often feel dismissed and end up being socially excluded. Alinker users consistently report that it has changed their lives. They are engaged again, people talk to them, they feel proud, are healthier, and more active. When one focuses on the problem, the people around see the problem. But when one focuses on the solution (which also comes in a very cool form) then contact is attracted in the most positive way. We build an inclusive community in which the dismissed people of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
What do you need now?
Our current needs are: working capital, sales and sales channels, and a complete team of full-time employed professionals. The Alinker is so new that people need to get exposed to it often and in different places, at events, in the media and so on. The working capital is to minimize the gap between orders and delivery. The duration between ordering and delivery is four months and when ordering in advance, anticipating the sales, working capital is required. We need to expand our full-time team with experts such as a media and social media wizard, and more sales people so we can sell more Alinker bikes and get conversion after exposure. This will also free inventor Barbara Alink up to focus on the work that she should be doing more of: building relations, developing the product with the accessories people have asked for, expanding our reach and strengthening the brand in such a way that we can continue to build the inclusive community we envision.
Where can we find out more information?
Published on: February 15, 2017
- See more at: http://stories.innovation.ubc.ca/the-alinker-inventions-ltd/#sm.000dgax7s1934fr3vfc2pkyf829f9
