Enabling people with disabilities to work as delivery drivers by adapting their wheelchairs

NeoMotion in India launched Livelihood on Wheels in 2022, enabling 300+ delivery partners with disabilities with specialized mobility tools. By 2024, 5,000 users accessed its products.

NeoMotion Assistive Solutions, a social enterprise that came out of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, was founded in 2020 to develop products for people with mobility disabilities. Its Livelihood on Wheels project, launched in 2022, enables individuals to deliver e-commerce orders using a personalized wheelchair converted into a roadworthy vehicle. By 2024 more than 5,000 people across India were using NeoMotion products, with more than 300 working as delivery partners in over 15 cities.

Problems Targeted

Technical and other barriers make it difficult for wheelchair users to pursue independent professional employment.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

NeoMotion Assistive Solutions, originating from IIT Madras’ TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development, designs specialized vehicles for people with physical disabilities. Its NeoFly wheelchair allows users to travel 3 to 5 times farther per push, thanks to a rigid frame, adapted posture, and ergonomic push-rim. NeoBolt, a low-cost, clip-on engine, transforms NeoFly into a road-ready vehicle, reaching speeds of up to 25 km/hour and a 25 km range per charge, eliminating the need for vehicle transfers. In 2022, NeoMotion introduced Livelihood on Wheels, enabling NeoFly and NeoBolt users to earn income by delivering e-commerce orders, such as food and shopping items. Through a partnership with Zomato India, users of NeoFly and NeoBolt are onboarded and trained as delivery partners, with support for accessible delivery logistics. Alerts and notifications are sent to restaurants and customers when a wheelchair user is delivering, preparing them to assist if needed. Other major delivery services such as Amazon have joined Livelihood on Wheels. By 2024 over 5,000 NeoMotion users were active across India, with 300 working as delivery partners in 15+ cities. Among them, 13 female partners who each earned over €1,000 contributed to a total income of €228,000 generated by all partners since the start of the programme.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The NeoBolt wheelchair costs INR 110,000 (ca. €1,160). NeoMotion collaborates with banks and financial institutions to offer affordable monthly instalments, and some users may qualify for government subsidies. Livelihood on Wheels can also help fund motorized vehicles, making them more accessible. The next few years will focus on developing technology, impact models, and job opportunities. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

Livelihood on Wheels enables people with disabilities to work as delivery drivers.

Livelihood on Wheels enables people with disabilities to work as delivery drivers.

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