The main changes I was thinking of (component-wise) are changing the controller from an R-net to a VR2, switching to a lead acid battery, and probably switching the overall material to steel.

What actual chair are you comparing with/referring to? The specifics you mention are all features of a low-end chair already - eg the NHS's basic Spectra as was or whatever it's called these days. Awful chair. Most chairs use lead-acid today, AFAIK no manufacturer offers a purpose designed LiFePO4 pack though 1 offers the off-the-shelf 'lithium' replacements as an over-priced option.

 

Rebel. Do you have a helmet too?

Nah, that would be naff!

 

What actual chair are you comparing with/referring to?

I was referring to high end electric standing wheelchairs (20k+) like Permobil F5, Quickie Q-700-UP, Levo c3 etc. You are right, they already use GEL lead acidic batteries, maybe using AGM battery could be a cheaper alternative.

 

AGM is marginally cheaper but GEL performs better... but Lithium is the way to go. Maybe not cheaper initially but significantly better performance and lower cost of ownership over 10y period...

 

AGM is marginally cheaper but GEL performs better... but Lithium is the way to go. Maybe not cheaper initially but significantly better performance and lower cost of ownership over 10y period...

I see, thank you.
Im focusing mainly on initial cost of the standing wheelchair. Ive seen some cheap electric standing wheelchair designs from suppliers in China for under $1k but they seem pretty uncomfortable and probably wont last that long. Luckily, I have more leeway for cost since im just trying to make it more affordable. I guess the final design really just depends on the relative importance of cost vs comfort and longevity.