Japanese startup invents wheelchair that climbs stairs on its own

LIFEHUB has introduced an innovative electric wheelchair AVEST, which can climb and descend stairs and escalators, opening up a new level of mobility for people with disabilities. Sales start in 2026.

AVEST is a development of the Tokyo company LIFEHUB, which has already attracted the interest of investors, including Incubate Fund and a representative of CyberAgent. The device, equipped with caterpillar tracks, is able to overcome slopes of up to 40° and travel up to 40 km on a single charge. It not only adapts to irregularities, but also uses a gravity control system and obstacle recognition for safe movement. It is expected that AVEST will become a breakthrough in the electric wheelchair market, which will reach $ 90 billion by 2030.

The idea came to the company’s CEO, Nakano Hiroshi, after his personal experience of limited mobility due to a back injury. The development of AVEST is a response to many challenges that users of conventional wheelchairs face every day: stairs, transportation, lack of assistance at night or during evacuation. The project also includes expanding the model range, exporting to China and the USA, as well as developing autonomous versions of the device.

• AVEST is not just a technical novelty, but an attempt to change the very idea of ​​mobility. It combines engineering innovations, inclusivity and human dignity in one solution. The market is ready. Now the main thing is to implement an ambitious plan for the IPO in 2027.