Mobility Carts regularly ship out in 40′ ocean-going containers

By technologists

Maker of the Mobility Cart since 1994.
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Mobility Worldwide MO-Columbia Update: 1,496 built since 1-1-17

Mobility Worldwide MO – Columbia ships out most of its three-wheeled, hand-cranked and sturdily built wheelchairs in 40′ ocean-going containers. Carts go to reliable NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) who then distribute them to leg-handicapped and very poor persons who receive them at no cost. Last Friday we sent Kenya Relief 201 carts (129 large crank, 72 small crank). Recipients come to receive their Mobility Carts crawling upon the ground, being carried, or stumbling along with crude crutches. Many of the recipients have been beggars or have stayed at home with no income at all.

Their lack of personal mobility is caused by polio, landmines, birth defects, club feet, diabetes, war or work injuries, leprosy, snake bite and other such causes. Many have suffered disgrace, shame, and marginalization. Upon receiving a Mobility Cart, they immediately arise to a new life of dignity, hope, pride, comfort and often, productivity.

A 40′ container holds about 212 of the carts, and at $300 each that is $63,600. $300 includes some for shipping expense. It costs about $5,000 to $15,000 to ship each container from here to the recipient agency, depending on the distance to the destination port and inland transport distance after the container leaves the ship. The cost is covered or shared in different ways with our distribution partners; different each time.

I saw an ad last week selling a luxury pickup truck, the kind one would use to pull a big boat or work trailer. The ad said that it is the kind of truck that, when you drive up in it, “makes a statement about who you are”. It has all the tech gadgets that can be loaded onto a vehicle: the cameras (special for backing trailers), heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, etc.

The price was $81,300; it could go as high as $90,000. This suggests that our Mobility Carts are a bargain at $300. And I wonder who gets the most joy?
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“The status seekers are people who are continually straining to surround themselves with visible evidence of the superior rank they are claiming.” by Vance Packard
Mel West, Director Emeritus
DBA Mobility Worldwide MO – Columbia