After years of experimentation, Brad Soden eventually crafted a wheelchair that brought pride to his wife, Liz. The turning point was three months before their wedding when Liz suffered a severe paralysis in a vehicle accident, leaving her yearning for the family outings and camping escapades she could no longer partake in.
With the arrival of her new wheelchair, the tide changed. Engaging in activities with her children became a reality, and the elation on her face was truly invaluable.
Brad Soden’s determination stemmed from witnessing his wife’s tears of frustration while grappling with a conventional wheelchair. His commitment to crafting a more user-friendly and comfortable wheelchair for Liz became his mission. After years of trial and error, he triumphed in devising a wheelchair that perfectly catered to her needs.
Driven by an unwavering motivation to make things right for Liz, Brad went above and beyond, devising a solution that would enable her to be a part of the family’s outdoor adventures. He secured a camper van equipped with a wheelchair lift, ensuring she could immerse herself in the joy of these excursions.
Brad’s ultimate goal was to evoke tears of happiness from Liz, and he found his purpose in accomplishing just that.
With no formal education in engineering and armed only with his plumbing background, Brad hurdled numerous challenges to engineer a wheelchair resembling a tank, built to handle rough terrains and steep slopes. While a few minor setbacks occurred, Brad’s quick action and proximity ensured prompt solutions.
The resulting Tankchair, tailored for individuals with mobility impairments yearning for outdoor exploration, was not street-legal but provided the independence Liz had longed for. Brad’s creation transitioned from a personal endeavor to a full-time commitment, aimed at bestowing Liz the freedom she sought.
In Liz’s words, the Tankchair opened doors to hiking and camping experiences that were once beyond her reach. No longer confined to the car during snowy drives, she could now easily join her children in their pursuits.
While not covered by insurance due to its recreational classification, Brad’s aspiration is to gift Tankchairs to injured veterans. With a growing demand evidenced by a three-month waiting list, these high-speed chairs, capable of reaching 30 miles per hour, have become a sought-after option for disabled soldiers. Many veterans attest that the chair has reinstated their sense of independence.
