Ralf Hotchkiss, an engineer with paraplegia and a frequent traveler to developing countries, saw the need for a high quality and rugged chair that could withstand conditions in rough terrain.
He began a thirty-year process of collaborative design using locally available parts with a cost low enough to be affordable to disabled persons in developing regions.
[5] For many years, Ralf and a team would travel to small machine shops in developing countries to teach the technical skills necessary for local production of the RoughRider model.
The design includes a long wheelbase with extra-wide front caster wheels that fit under the footrests and prevents tipping forward and is easier to push than standard wheelchair models.
Due to the 7/8" steel tubing used for the sideframes, chosen for low cost and universal availability, the RoughRider weighs about 40 lbs which may be too heavy for some newly injured riders to navigate up steep hills.