Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs offer a new perspective on mobility design. French designer and engineer Paul de Livron created the project to reshape how people perceive wheelchairs—not just as medical devices, but as objects of dignity, comfort, and beauty. By building wheelchairs out of wood, the project introduces a biobased, recyclable alternative to traditional metal frames. The approach merges sustainability with craftsmanship and emotional impact.
Conventional wheelchairs prioritise function and industrial efficiency. As a result, they often lack visual appeal or emotional resonance. Apollo changes this by offering custom-built models that match the user’s physical needs and personal identity. Each chair is made to measure. Key specifications—such as seat depth, backrest height, and footrest position—are tailored to the user.
Wood, particularly okoumé and birch plywood, plays a central role in the design. These materials are strong yet lightweight and can be shaped into smooth, organic forms. The wooden structure gives the wheelchair a timeless, warm aesthetic that stands apart from clinical metal designs. Apollo I, the first model, was crafted to fit de Livron himself. Later designs include Apollo II, as well as Apollo III, which was created for Pope Francis and incorporates reclaimed oak from the fire-damaged Notre-Dame cathedral.
Wooden wheelchairs were common before the mid-20th century, but they fell out of use as metal frames became standard in mass production. Today, however, wood is making a comeback—thanks to advances in digital manufacturing and a renewed focus on sustainable materials.
The Apollo project embraces both new timber and recycled wood, including fencing salvaged from construction sites. This not only reduces the environmental footprint but also opens the door to low-tech, local production. The tools and skills required are accessible, making it possible to train people in vocational rehabilitation or employment programmes to produce the chairs. This could be particularly valuable in developing regions where local wood sources are available.
Pope Francis’ Apollo wheelchair highlights the symbolic potential of the project. Its armrests were carved from 12th-century oak beams. Other details include a dove-shaped footrest and a ribbon with traditional Argentine patterns. These elements turn the chair into a storytelling object, bridging cultural, spiritual, and ecological themes.
Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs prove that inclusive design, sustainability, and personal expression can go hand in hand. For product designers, furniture makers, and mobility innovators, this project offers a compelling case study in merging craft with purpose.
Source & Photos: Apollo Wooden Wheelchairs / EUIPO DesignEuropa Awards