Dezeen Magazine

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby

Chairs used in the wheelchair rugby event at the London 2012 Paralympics are designed to withstand heavy impacts and be easily manoeuvrable.

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby

Above and top images by Channel 4

Also known as 'murderball', the full-contact sport requires equipment that is incredibly durable and can endure constant bombardment, as well as being light, fast and agile.

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby

Above image by Channel 4

A bumper designed to help strike and hold opponents is attached to the front of the chairs.

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby

Above image by Channel 4

Wings are positioned in front of the main wheels to make the wheelchair more difficult to stop and hold.

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby

The wheels are covered by spoke protectors to prevent damage during collisions, and all chairs include an anti-tip device at the back.

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby

Wheelchair rugby takes place on Wednesday 5 September in the Basketball Arena at the Olympic Park.

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby

See all our stories about design for Paralympic athletes »

Paralympic design: wheelchair rugby