Las Vegas – A latest category of personal mobility device emerged at CES 2026, promising enhanced safety and independence for users. Singapore-based startup Strutt unveiled the EV1, a powered vehicle designed to assist with navigation both indoors and outdoors, utilizing a sophisticated array of sensors and onboard computing to avoid collisions. This isn’t simply an upgrade to the traditional powered wheelchair; Strutt positions the EV1 as an “everyday vehicle” aimed at addressing a broader range of mobility needs, from those with disabilities to individuals experiencing age-related stamina limitations.
The EV1 distinguishes itself through a “shared control” system. Users set their desired direction and speed, while the device actively intervenes to prevent unsafe movements. This approach, according to Strutt cofounder and CEO Tony Hong, recognizes that mobility challenges aren’t always tied to disability. “Sometimes people are just tired. They have limited energy, and mobility shouldn’t consume it,” Hong explained. The company’s vision extends beyond addressing existing limitations, anticipating a growing need for assistive technology as global populations age.
Hong’s path to developing the EV1 wasn’t direct. With a background in optics and sensor systems, he previously led lidar development for drones at DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, from 2016 to 2019. according to a press release, he then transitioned to an assistant professor role at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, focusing on robotics and rehabilitation engineering. Though, demographic shifts prompted a change in focus.
The EV1’s core technology centers around a comprehensive sensor suite. The device integrates two lidar units, two cameras, ten time-of-flight depth sensors, and six ultrasonic sensors. This data feeds into onboard computing that performs object detection and path planning, requiring “accuracy at a few centimeters” to avoid collisions, Hong stated. Users can input destinations via a touchscreen interface, and the EV1 calculates a safe route, traveling at a reduced speed of approximately 3 miles per hour. The system allows for instant override via joystick control and even responds to voice commands, guiding users to pre-saved locations like “the fridge.”
Strutt emphasizes user control and privacy. The EV1 offers three modes: manual, “copilot” (collision stopping), and “copilot plus” (obstacle steering). “We don’t call it autonomous driving,” Hong clarified. “The user is always responsible and can take control instantly.” All data processing occurs onboard the device, with sensor data not transmitted unless the user opts to upload logs for diagnostics. Camera and microphone activity are visibly indicated, and wireless communications are encrypted, prioritizing user data security.
To ensure durability, the EV1 underwent two million roller cycles of mechanical simulation testing, assessing the longevity of its motors, bearings, suspension, and frame. The vehicle is powered by a 600-watt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery, providing a range of 32 kilometers (approximately 20 miles). A smaller, 300-watt-hour version, compliant with airline lithium-battery regulations, offers a 16-kilometer (10-mile) range. Charging from zero to 80 percent takes approximately two hours.
The EV1 is currently priced at $7,500, a cost that raises concerns about accessibility. Erick Rocha, communications and development coordinator at Disability Voices United, highlighted the equity implications, stating, “A retail price of $7,500 raises serious equity concerns.” Many potential users rely on Medicaid, and coverage for advanced mobility devices varies significantly by state, often involving lengthy approval processes and strict medical necessity criteria.
Navigating Medicaid coverage can be complex. States often require prior approval, detailed prescriptions, and comprehensive evaluations to determine eligibility. Coverage may be denied if a device doesn’t align with existing Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System billing codes. Rocha emphasized that while sensor-assisted systems enhance safety, their true value lies in meeting the “lived, day-to-day realities of people with limited mobility.”
Strutt, founded in 2023, is banking on decreasing sensor costs and advancements in embedded processing to build the EV1 commercially viable. The company believes its technology represents a shift in thinking about personal mobility, moving beyond the traditional wheelchair paradigm towards a more versatile and integrated “everyday vehicle.”
The long-term success of the EV1 will depend not only on technological advancements but also on navigating the complexities of insurance reimbursement and ensuring equitable access for all who could benefit from this innovative assistive technology. As the population ages and the demand for mobility solutions grows, the EV1 represents a promising step towards a more inclusive and independent future.
What are your thoughts on the future of assistive technology and its potential to improve quality of life? Share your comments below.
