DIY PVC Wheelchair

BYU Students Build DIY PVC Wheelchair with FORMUFIT

Brigham Young University’s Engineering Team 33 designed and built one of the world’s lightest and most affordable motorized wheelchairs — using FORMUFIT Colored PVC Pipe and fittings. The team combined these with standard motors and control components to create a safe, low-cost, and easy-to-assemble mobility solution.

The project was inspired by Justin and Esther Jensen and their two toddlers, both of whom live with spinal muscular atrophy, a condition that restricts movement and requires a wheelchair for mobility. Commercial powered wheelchairs often weigh over 300 pounds and can cost upwards of $10,000 — far beyond reach for many families.

“There are powered chairs out there,” said Esther Jensen, “but they’re just really big and heavy.” Her husband added, “And expensive.”

Over the course of a year, five BYU engineering students developed a chair that is not only lightweight and compact but also DIY-friendly and budget-conscious. The finished product represents a remarkable blend of compassion and engineering creativity — a wheelchair that costs a fraction of a traditional model and can be built by anyone with basic tools.

Lightweight. Affordable. Empowering.

Mark Colton, Team 33’s faculty advisor, explained the project’s mission: “Our goal was a lightweight, super-affordable, do-it-yourself wheelchair that anyone can put together. It’s one of those rare projects that’s both technically challenging and socially meaningful.”

Instead of aluminum or steel, the team used 1/2" FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC pipe in a bright blue color, giving the wheelchair a clean, finished appearance. The seat, motors, and controls were built from off-the-shelf components sourced from local hardware stores and online suppliers.

Following the successful build, Team 33 launched the Open Wheelchair Project — a non-profit initiative that provides open-source plans, parts lists, and tutorials so anyone worldwide can build their own version. Their goal is to make personal mobility affordable, customizable, and globally accessible.

To learn more, you can read the full story on Deseret News.