GOAT Space
GOAT Space
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Manual Wheelchair Repair & Customization
Grassroots Open Assistive Tech is a hands-on community workshop space in Oakland focused on assistive technology, repair, and creative problem-solving. The space brings people together to build, fix, and adapt equipment in ways that can directly improve accessibility and mobility.
My first time theres, I spent two days at GOAT in Oakland repairing three manual wheelchairs, even though I had never worked on a manual wheelchair before. I quickly learned that I really enjoy this kind of hands-on work: figuring out simple mechanical systems, modifying parts, finding hardware that works, and getting things functional again.
This place quickly became my new favorite place, and I will be continuing to work on manual chairs as well as start learnging about fixing wheelhubs, wheeldrives, and power chairs.
Moana
Moana
Custom Part Fabrication & Axle Adjustment
For this wheelchair, I recreated a plastic part by tracing the original shape, cutting it out with a Dremel, and refining it with a hand file. I also searched for matching hardware and used washers and spacers to make the bolt fit work. Finally, I helped replace a longer axle with a shorter one and added a washer to reduce wheel wiggle.
Original component and replacement pieces during fabrication. I traced the geometry of the original part, rough-cut the new pieces with a Dremel, and refined their shape using a hand file.
Inspecting the fit between the wheelchair frame and mounting hardware while troubleshooting spacing and alignment.
Searching through the GOAT hardware inventory for bolts, nuts, washers, and spacers that could be adapted to the wheelchair.
Comparing wheelchair caster and wheel components to understand the different sizes and configurations available.
Custom Caster Spacer Redesign & Prototyping
Custom Caster Spacer Redesign & Prototyping
After testing the replacement spacer I had previously fabricated using a Dremel, I noticed that it began slipping because it lacked the grooves found on the original metal component. These grooves are important for locking the two parts together and preventing unwanted rotation.
To address this, I used Fusion 360 to reverse-engineer the original spacer geometry and began experimenting with 3D-printed replacements. I tested multiple iterations using Bambu Lab PLA and Stratasys ABS, adjusting the groove dimensions and geometry to better match the existing metal component.
However, after several iterations, I was still unable to achieve a precise fit. Rather than continuing to match the original grooves, I decided to redesign both mating components together so their geometry could be controlled from the start. I am now pursuing CNC machining for the redesigned components to achieve a more precise and secure connection.
Fusion 360 model of the replacement spacer, with grooves designed to match the original metal component.
Fit testing a 3D-printed spacer against the original metal component to evaluate groove alignment and engagement.
Multiple spacer prototypes 3D printed using Bambu Lab PLA and Stratasys ABS, with adjustments to the groove geometry and fit.
Fusion 360 assembly of the redesigned spacer and caster mounting component, featuring matching grooves for future CNC machining.
Elsa
Elsa
Wheel Reassembly & Quick-Release Axle Troubleshooting
This wheelchair needed wheel repair and axle troubleshooting. I repaired the rim tape, reinstalled the inner tube and tire, and then diagnosed why the quick-release axle would not engage. After measuring the axle, I found that it was too short, so I searched for a better replacement and adjusted it until it worked.
Moana
Moana
Removed the tire and inner tube to inspect the condition of the wheel and rim tape.
My first repair approach did not hold, so I changed methods and secured the damaged rim tape directly to the rim before reinstalling the tube.
Compared quick-release axles after discovering that the original axle was too short to properly engage with the wheelchair frame.
Lilo
Lilo
Tire and Inner Tube Replacement
This wheelchair mostly needed replacement of old, worn wheel components. I removed the deteriorated tire and inner tube, found replacements, and reinstalled them. This repair also taught me to protect the rim finish by working over cardboard instead of directly on the floor.
Sorting through replacement tires, tubes, and wheelchair wheels to find compatible parts.
Lilo during repair — working with the rear wheels removed made it easier to inspect the frame and wheel mounting hardware.
What I Learned
What I Learned
Hands-on repair is one of my favorite ways to learn.
I enjoy simple mechanical systems because I can directly see how each part affects function.
I like troubleshooting and finding creative solutions when the exact hardware is unavailable.
This project made me more interested in wheelchair customization and user-specific fit.
I want to continue doing engineering work that is hands-on, practical, and directly useful to people.
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