Hubang Smart Shared Wheelchair System

The Hubang Smart Shared Wheelchair System is an Internet of Things-enabled wheelchair sharing platform designed for healthcare facilities. Developed by Hubang Laobaobei (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary established in March 2017, this service combines Hubang’s wheelchair manufacturing expertise with software-based fleet management to provide on-demand wheelchair access in hospitals, nursing homes, and community healthcare settings.

Product Overview

Unlike traditional wheelchair purchase models, the shared wheelchair system operates as a service platform where healthcare facilities deploy Hubang-manufactured wheelchairs integrated with IoT modules. Patients and visitors access wheelchairs through mobile app scanning, with automatic billing and tracking throughout the usage period. The platform has been deployed in over 300 major hospitals across China, with primary concentration in Beijing and Shanghai.

This system addresses the common challenge of wheelchair availability in large healthcare facilities, where purchased wheelchairs often become unavailable due to loss, damage, or inefficient distribution. The sharing model provides continuous availability monitoring and automated maintenance scheduling.

Key Features

IoT Integration: Each wheelchair is equipped with sensors and connectivity modules enabling real-time location tracking, usage monitoring, and remote diagnostics. The system identifies wheelchairs that have been moved outside designated areas or require maintenance attention.

Mobile App Access: Users scan QR codes on wheelchairs to unlock and begin rental sessions. The app handles payment processing, displays wheelchair availability by location, and provides navigation to nearest available units within the facility.

Fleet Management Dashboard: Healthcare facility administrators access web-based dashboards showing wheelchair distribution, utilization rates, maintenance status, and financial reporting. The system generates alerts for low-battery units, overdue returns, and equipment requiring servicing.

Automated Maintenance Scheduling: Usage data triggers preventive maintenance workflows when wheelchairs reach specified hour thresholds. This approach reduces unplanned downtime compared to reactive maintenance models.

Multi-Scenario Deployment: The platform supports deployment across hospital wards, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, nursing homes, community centers, and Disabled Persons’ Federation facilities.

Technical Specifications

Hubang’s shared wheelchair platform runs 4G LTE and GPS positioning with AES-256 encryption, supporting Alipay, WeChat Pay, and HIS account billing across 300+ deployed hospitals.

System Architecture

The shared wheelchair system comprises three layers:

Hardware Layer: Hubang-manufactured wheelchairs with integrated IoT modules including GPS/indoor positioning, electronic locks, battery monitors, and tamper sensors. Wheelchairs maintain Hubang’s standard quality construction while adding connectivity capabilities.

Platform Layer: Cloud-based management system handling user authentication, rental transactions, fleet tracking, and analytics processing. The platform supports multi-tenant deployment for facility-specific configurations.

Application Layer: End-user mobile applications for rental access and administrator dashboards for fleet management. Integration APIs enable connection with hospital information systems for patient identification and billing.

Clinical Applications

The shared wheelchair system serves multiple use cases within healthcare environments:

• Patient transport between departments during outpatient visits
• Temporary mobility support for patients awaiting discharge
• Visitor use for accompanying patients with mobility limitations
• Emergency department intake and triage movement
• Post-procedure recovery area transport

Market Presence

As of 2024, the platform operates in over 300 hospitals across China, with the majority of deployments in tier-one cities. Beijing and Shanghai represent primary markets, with dense hospital concentration and higher smartphone payment adoption rates.

The system’s hospital deployment model involves Hubang providing wheelchairs and IoT infrastructure while facilities provide designated parking areas and operational support. Revenue sharing arrangements vary by facility scale and usage volume.

Operational Model

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the shared wheelchair system work?

Users scan a QR code on available wheelchairs using their smartphone to unlock. Usage time and fees are automatically tracked. When finished, users return wheelchairs to designated parking areas and end the session through the app.

Which hospitals have Hubang shared wheelchairs?

The system is deployed in over 300 hospitals across China, primarily in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities. Specific facility availability can be checked through the Hubang Laobaobei mobile app or facility directories.

How much does shared wheelchair rental cost?

Pricing varies by facility and ranges from 1-5 RMB per 30-minute period. Some facilities offer free short-term use with extended rental fees. Hospital account integration may enable insurance or deposit-based billing.

Is the shared wheelchair system available outside China?

Currently, the platform operates exclusively in mainland China. International expansion has not been announced, though the underlying technology could support deployment in other markets.