The Cadillac on wheels
Land grabbing and climate change, the 2019 IPCC report
14 August 2019
RReuse, the European network is located in Pamplona, 6-8.11.19
18 August 2019
Neologism of the day, the 'Cadillac on wheels'. From the words 'Cadillac' - the car brand made famous by a century of Hollywood cinema - and 'wheelchair'. It's not a joke.
FedEx arrived yesterday, punctual as always, with exquisite personal assistance in the management of customs procedures at Malpensa. The transport was easier than expected, only one employee was able to deliver the vehicle at home.
Brand New Cadillac is the chosen soundtrack for the event. In punk covers of The Clash, the favorite version, from the album London Calling (1979). With good memory of Vince Taylor and his Playboys, who released the song in 1959.
The US market of the cars is truly amazing. For US $ 7.250 you can buy a 2004 Cadillac Escalade in very good condition, 4-wheel drive, 8cc 6.000-cylinder engine, 119 miles. 3,266 tons of mechanics and accessories Made in USA, leather interior, unstoppable!
The international market wheelchair users are even more phenomenal. For just $ 300 more than the aforementioned Cadillac you can buy a Colors manual wheelchair, model Shockblade. 4 free wheels, motor with own arms or of the care giver (not included), multi-accessorized. Pure polished aluminum Made in USA, 9,5 kg declared. But she certainly weighs more, she also has two 24-inch wheels, and above all she is new!
The Cadillac on wheels it is therefore the wheelchair that costs like a Cadillac. But who buys it is stupid, with all the respect and love for the category of intellectual disadvantages? No, the buyer is usually simply a person who needs a wheelchair, or someone for him. And so why? Because these are the average prices of top-of-the-range wheelchairs. That is to say those that weigh very little or, as in this case, have the rear wheels with suspension. What if it's a price sign? Really!
Our É-GT project aims to build an ultra-light wheelchair, equipped with suspension, on an industrial scale, to be offered at prices consistent with those of a good bicycle. Since that is the mechanics to refer to, to create a reliable and robust vehicle. A high quality 'wheeled bike' but not a wheeled 'Cadillac'. A GT wheel bike, like Gran Turismo. Because it has to be comfortable, if not like a Cadillac. Especially for those - more workaholic than a taxi driver - who have to spend the whole day there. Virtue of necessity.
Do you want to contribute to this project with a donation, even a symbolic one, fully deductible? Follow then this link and also express Your generosity. For the good of the many, indeed many, who everywhere need a good 'wheeled bike'.
Thank you!
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
