Auto Shift

Auto Shift - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Berkeley community

About this project

This automatic gear shifter allows the user to shift up or down bike gears of the Top End Force RX Bike by activating a button with their elbow. The intended user is any user of the bike who finds the Flat Bar gear shifter challenging to use. The Flat Bar gear shifter requires a large wrist movement to activate the gear shifting, which can be uncomfortable or strenuous.

The challenge

His challenge is that he has limited arm and wrist movement, he wants to shift gears on a Top End Force RX bike.

Who it helps

Alvaro is an MBA student at the Haas School of Business, he is quadriplegic with limited motion in his shoulders. He enjoys hand cycling, but current gear shifting mechanisms rely heavily on wrist and grip strength.

How it works

Originally designed for Alvaro Silverstein, a UC Berkeley student with limited wrist mobility who bikes regularly and found the Flat Bar gear shifter difficult to use. The solution also applies to any cyclist using the Top End Force RX Bike who experiences discomfort or difficulty with traditional gear shifting.

The Flat Bar gear shifter requires a large wrist movement to shift gears, which can be uncomfortable or strenuous. A more accessible solution was needed to reduce strain and enable independent gear shifting.

The system allows the user to shift up or down by pressing a button with their elbow instead of relying on wrist movement. This provides a more ergonomic and easier method for controlling the bike’s gears.

An automatic gear shifting mechanism mounted on the bike that connects to a button activated by the user’s elbow. The system currently uses a servo to change gears and is adjustable for comfort and reliability. Future iterations may include voice control and stronger mounting solutions.

Project details

The build files for Auto Shift are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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