FOURTH year mechanical engineering student Darren Lomman, from the University of Western Australia, has taken first place in Atlas Copco Compressors’ inaugural Air Quest for Ingenuity award.
Lomman’s entry, a motorcycle for disabled riders, uses compressed air to power gear changes and stabilise the bike at low speeds - normally performed by the legs of an able-bodied rider.
To make the motorcycle safe, comfortable and easy for paraplegics or those with other disabilities to operate, modifications address stability, braking, gear changing and rider support.
Lomman came up with the idea after meeting Shane Thompson, a former motorcross competitor who became paralysed in a motorcross accident in July 2002. Lomman said he first thought of the idea on his second visit to the hospital.
“Shane didn’t know I rode a motorbike until he saw me arrive on that second visit,” he said.
“After that we began talking about bikes and didn’t stop until I left to go home. But as I was leaving, Shane said to me with such conviction, ‘I would do anything to ride again’. That inspired me and was really the beginning of my project.”
The prototype is due for completion at the end of 2004, and will cost around $10,000 in parts alone. Lomman is adapting his own bike, a Honda CBR250RR, which he will donate to Thompson on completion.
To support the project contact Lomman at lomman@iinet.net.au.