Ep. 16
This episode dives into the revolutionary work of Not a Wheelchair, a company founded by Zach Nelson, the creator of the YouTube channel “JerryRigEverything,” and his wife Cambry, who uses a wheelchair herself. The company is challenging the traditional wheelchair industry by offering affordable, customizable wheelchairs starting at under $1,000, ordered online with ease, similar to ordering takeout. Their approach cuts out middlemen like insurance companies, durable medical equipment suppliers, and doctors, which typically make the process slow and expensive.
Zach and Cambry’s unique mix of tech expertise and firsthand experience with the limitations of the wheelchair market motivated them to disrupt the industry. They use Zach’s YouTube income to fund their venture and have invested in an efficient 26,000-square-foot facility equipped with advanced technology to manufacture custom wheelchairs in a matter of hours. The company aims to make wheelchairs more accessible and affordable while maintaining quality, but they also recognize the challenges, such as long-term repairs and the lack of professional fittings.
The early reviews have been positive, especially from mobility-focused outlets like New Mobility, which praise the build quality and functionality. Despite this, the company still has room to grow and improve. Ultimately, Not a Wheelchair is doing more than just offering a cheaper product—it’s challenging the way the entire industry operates and sparking broader conversations about accessibility and affordability.
This case also poses larger questions about what other industries could benefit from similar disruptions, and how fresh perspectives can lead to meaningful change.