NM LIVE with Teal Sherer
February’s Guest: Inventor Andrew Slorance

In this month’s NM Live, I had the pleasure of chatting with United Kingdom-based innovator Andrew Slorance. He is developing the Phoenix i ultralightweight “smart wheelchair,” which recently won the $1 million Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge.

In our interview, Slorance shares details about the Phoenix i and next steps to get it ready for market. He also tells us what inspired him to become an inventor. Slorance’s other products include the Carbon Black Wheelchair and Phoenix Instinct wheelchair-compatible travel bags.

Meanwhile, six quick Qs for Andrew Slorance:

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
The entrepreneur in me wants to say Steve Jobs, but I would love to have dinner with my Mum, who passed nine years ago. She would have been so thrilled to see my business win the Mobility Unlimited Challenge.

What advice do you have for inventors who are starting out?
Innovating a new product is properly hard, and you are going to lose your shirt quite a few times before you can make it work.

Have you noticed any differences between the U.K. and U.S. regarding disability and technology?
I think Americans are faster adopters for new technology. They have more of a “let’s do this attitude” versus the Brits, who are more reserved. Health insurance in America also seems to cover more for wheelchair users than the National Health Service does here.

Do you have any hobbies?
I like to paint. It’s my weekend therapy to get away from the stress of entrepreneur life.

What are you most looking forward to doing post-pandemic?
Just to be able to go out and feel safe would great, but I can’t wait to travel again.

Favorite place you’ve visited in the United States?
I really love the atmosphere of Los Angeles, and the wheelchair accessibility of California is awesome.

Read more about the Phoenix i in this month’s News Analysis. See NM Live here.
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