Date:16/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/16/stories/2005061601660200.htm

Back Callidai Motor launches 4 new products

Our Bureau

Chennai , June 15

CALLIDAI Motor Works, the manufacturers of powered and custom-made wheelchairs and mobility equipment for the physically challenged, has launched four more products including an imported stair lift.

The new products are: a battery powered, joystick operated wheelchair, the Ganda 2K4; a hydraulic patient hoist, Sling Aaroha, with an optional motorised version; an aluminium foldable ramp; and the stairlift, Acorn Superglide 120.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, the Callidai Motor Chief Executive, Mr Bhargav Sundaram, said battery-operated wheelchair now has imported electronic controls that match the best international brands.

The design of the wheelchair itself is Callidai Motor's, which can make variants to suit individual requirements. The basic powered version costs Rs 53,000.

The company is now the distributor for Acornlift, UK, for their battery powered staircase lift. At Rs 1.65 lakh it costs just a fraction of a conventional lift, which would also call for major masonry work. But a stairlift can be fixed to an existing staircase with minimal or no alteration.

The patient hoist makes it easy to shift the physically challenged from a wheelchair to bed or back. The powered version costs Rs 48,000 and the hydraulic operated Rs 38,000. The foldable aluminium ramp helps the physically challenged get over the steps, kerbs and platforms. A standard 7-foot foldable version costs Rs 12,000.