Ability to go Backwards

The goal of this test was to ensure that the wheelchair would be able to go backwards when the motors were in use. This test was conducted by putting the system into all assistance mode and having the motors run at full speed. Once the motors were running, we pulled down on the joystick, which would be towards the user. When we did this and pushed the wheelchair slightly to overcome static friction, the wheels propelled the chair backwards. Both wheels were at the same speed and same direction. When not attached to the wheelchair, there was no push required to overcome static friction. When the test dummy was in the wheelchair and the same test was run attached to the wheelchair, the only way that the wheelchair was able to go backwards was if there was slight assistance. Someone had to push the wheelchair in order to overcome static friction. Once the wheelchair started to move via assistance, the joystick was able to control the motors and have the wheelchair go backwards when the joystick was pulled towards the user. We believe that if the wheelchair had less weight, this would work that same as having a push-start.