Strutt ev¹
The Strutt ev¹ takes autonomous driving tech and packs it into an off-road capable wheelchair. In my testing, the 360-degree LiDAR mapping and AI collision avoidance were genuinely next-level.
- 360-degree LiDAR perfectly mapped both my yard and the inside of my house for autonomous routing.
- Co-Pilot Plus mode actively steered me around obstacle courses and moving people while I just held the joystick straight.
- Climbed steep, soft, muddy hills with my 180-pound frame without rolling backward when I let off the controls.
- Independent suspension and motors on each wheel handled gravel, grass, and off-road terrain easily.
- Voice-activated indoor navigation successfully drove me from the fridge to my office hands-free.
- High price tag, with the regular price sitting at $7,499.
- Sport mode hits 8 mph, which feels almost too fast and requires holding on for dear life.
- The haptic feedback in manual mode vibrates as a warning but won't actively stop you from hitting things like the Co-Pilot modes do.
- Top Speed
- 8 mph
- Range
- 9 miles
- Charge Time
- 2 hours
- Water Rating
- IPX5
- Hill Climbing
- 30% grade
- Obstacle Clearance (Ledge)
- 2-inch
- Obstacle Clearance (Gap)
- 4.7-inch
Overview
Technology that you normally find in autonomous cars has finally made it to wheelchairs. I spent time testing the Strutt ev¹, and it is easily one of the most advanced mobility devices I have ever driven. It utilizes 360-degree real-time LiDAR mapping to constantly scan its environment and avoid crashes. Everything that is stationary shows up as black or gray on the screen, while moving objects show up as blue or purple.
This isn't just a basic mobility aid; it is a highly capable machine packed with AI tech. The regular price is $7,499, though I noted a pre-order special of $5,299. If you are looking for an all-purpose device that bridges the gap between an off-road vehicle and a smart robot, this is it.
Real-World Performance
I took the ev¹ off-road to see where no wheelchair has gone before. I drove it on a soft, north-facing hill covered in mud and snow. They claim it can go sideways on a 30% grade, and in my testing with my 180-pound frame, it powered right up. If you let go of the controls while climbing, it locks the wheels so you won't roll backward.
On flat ground, I put it into sport mode, which tops out at 8 mph. That is incredibly fast for a wheelchair, and I honestly had to hold on for dear life. When I let go of the joystick at top speed, the regenerative brakes kicked on hard and stopped me completely. It can also turn on a dime, making it feel like a zero-turn machine when maneuvering tight spaces.
Design & Build Quality
The build on this chair is robust, featuring a hub motor and individual suspension in each of the four wheels. Each wheel articulates, allowing me to glide over gravel parking lots and grass with ease. It can even climb a 2-inch ledge and span a 4.7-inch gap.
If you get caught in a storm, the IPX5 rating means it handles rain without an issue. You also get two headlights and a large taillight for night riding. The brand allows for a lot of customization, letting you swap out cushions or move the control panel to the left side if you are left-handed. If you ever need to manually push it, releasing the brake levers on the back allows it to roll freely.
Key Features
The AI navigation is where the ev¹ truly shines. In Manual mode, you get haptic feedback if you are about to hit something, plus a reverse camera. When I switched to Co-Pilot mode, the chair automatically slowed down and stopped just inches before hitting a wall or my wife walking toward me. Co-Pilot Plus takes it further; I just held the joystick straight, and the AI steered me completely around a wooden obstacle course I built.
My personal favorite feature is the indoor mapping. By pushing it around my house, the LiDAR built a complete map of the interior. I set locations like the fridge and office, and all I had to do was press a button and say, 'Take me to the office.' The chair navigated my hallways, avoided walls, and drove me there completely hands-free.
Who It's For
I'd recommend the Strutt ev¹ to tech-forward users who need both off-road capability and serious safety features. If you want a chair that can handle gravel at a football game but also autonomously navigate your living room without crashing, this is a perfect fit.
Who Should Skip It
If you are on a tight budget or just need a simple, lightweight chair for flat indoor surfaces, skip it. The high price tag and advanced AI features are overkill for someone who doesn't need all-terrain power or autonomous routing.
How It Stacks Up
Because I haven't tested anything quite like this on the channel, I can't compare it to a specific rival. However, compared to standard motorized wheelchairs, the inclusion of LiDAR and autonomous driving tech puts the ev¹ in a league of its own. Most traditional mobility chairs lack any sort of collision avoidance, let alone voice-activated room-to-room navigation or the ability to actively steer around moving people.
Final Verdict
The Strutt ev¹ is an incredibly smart, all-terrain mobility device that legitimately borrows the best tech from autonomous cars. Between the LiDAR mapping, independent suspension, and the Co-Pilot safety features, I was blown away by its performance. At $7,499 retail, it is an investment, but for the right user looking for ultimate independence and safety, it is fantastic.
How fast does the Strutt ev1 go?
It features five speed modes, and the sport mode tops it out at 8 mph.
Can the Strutt ev1 go off-road?
Yes, each wheel has its own motor and independent suspension, allowing it to handle grass, gravel parking lots, and muddy hills.
Does the Strutt ev1 have collision avoidance?
Yes, it uses 360-degree LiDAR to map the environment. The Co-Pilot modes will automatically slow down, stop, or even steer around obstacles to prevent crashes.
What is the battery range of the Strutt ev1?
You can choose between two removable battery options, one that takes you 9 miles and another that takes you 20 miles.
Does the Strutt ev1 work in the rain?
Yes, it has an IPX5 rating, so you do not have to worry if it starts raining while you are outside.