In a world where mobility is key to independence, accessibility for individuals with disabilities
remains a significant challenge. Yali Mobility, founded by Sakthivel Thayappan, Anil
Prabhakar, Pradeep Thangappan are on a mission to make them live their lives without the
help of family members and peer groups. With a deep passion for vehicle design and a
dedication to enhancing the lives of wheelchair users, Yali Mobility is leading the way in
providing affordable, innovative assistive vehicles. Their flagship product, Yali 3, is
revolutionising accessibility, particularly in educational institutions, and is set to make a
profound social impact across India.
The Vision Behind Yali Mobility
“Just because a man can’t walk doesn’t mean he can’t reach his destination; mindset and ef orts matter; yali mobility aims to enhance his life.”
Sakthivel Thayappan, the visionary founder of Yali Mobility, is registered with the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs (MCA). He has always been passionate about vehicle building. With a
Mechanical Engineering degree from Anna University and experience working as a
Mechanical Supporter in the Centre for Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Lab,
Sakthivel’s journey into assistive technology began with a simple yet profound mission: to
improve transportation for disabled individuals. He spent time interacting with wheelchair
users, asking them about their struggles, and understanding the challenges they faced in
their daily mobility.
Driven by a desire to create solutions that could alleviate these challenges, Sakthivel
embarked on his first project, Dosth—an electric attachment for manual wheelchairs. The
goal was to transform any standard wheelchair into an electrically powered one, enabling
smoother movement for users. However, after receiving feedback from users, it became
clear that Dosth had limitations, particularly on uneven roads, due to the lack of suspension
and brakes. Sakthivel took this feedback to heart, realising that comfort, safety, and ease of
use must be the top priorities and worked to overcome those issues.
Enter Yali Mobility: A Symbol of Strength and Innovation
Named after Yali, a mythical creature found in many Indian temples, often sculpted on pillars, Yali Mobility embodies the strength, power, and agility of both an elephant and a lion. In Sanskrit, Yali means “strength to do and power.” The name is symbolic of the immense potential Sakthivel saw in his mission to empower wheelchair users through innovative and safe vehicles and to convey to them that they are having enough strength to push their lives toward achieving their goals.
Yali Mobility’s primary focus is on designing and delivering assistive vehicles that not only
provide mobility but also enhance the overall experience of wheelchair users. Sakthivel’s
core goal has always been to offer these vehicles at an affordable cost, ensuring that accessibility is not a privilege but a right for everyone.
Yali 3: A Game-Changer for Wheelchair Users
Yali Mobility’s flagship product, Yali 3, is truly a first-of-its-kind wheelchair docking system,
not only in India but also globally.
What makes Yali 3 stand out is its patent-backed technology and design, which allows wheelchair users to dock and undock from the vehicle within 10 seconds—without needing assistance from others. This innovation drastically reduces dependence on external help and enhances the sense of freedom and independence for users.
Some of the standout features of Yali 3 include:
- A modular vehicle platform tailored for wheelchair users.
- Fully automated ingress/egress system, ensuring ease of entry and exit without assistance.
- User-friendly design, focused on safety, comfort, and smooth handling, with features like an adjustable handlebar and a reliable locking mechanism.
- Speed control, with a limit of 60 km/charge to prioritise the user’s safety on roads.
Success stories
Yali Mobility, driven by its commitment to addressing the hardships faced by individuals with mobility challenges, has made a profound impact through its innovative solutions. Their approach has brought light and hope to many lives.One noteworthy example is a student with a disability at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), who benefited from an electric wheelchair car supplied by Yali Mobility. Similarly, Mr. Harris, a wheelchair user from
Scotland, was able to achieve his aspirations thanks to the support of Yali’s technology.
In a significant collaboration, IIT Madras has partnered with Yali Mobility to enhance accessibility on campus, enabling students with mobility challenges to navigate the institute with greater ease and independence. This partnership reflects a shared vision to create an inclusive environment for all. With the use of Yali’s wheelchair, students not only gain physical mobility but also develop a renewed sense of emotional confidence, empowering them in both their academic and personal journeys.
Transforming Educational Institutions
Yali Mobility is particularly focused on making educational institutions more inclusive by implementing its innovative docking systems across campuses. With its vision set on enhancing accessibility in universities, Yali Mobility aims to create inclusive environments where students and staff using wheelchairs can move freely and independently. This not only promotes greater participation in academic and extracurricular activities but also fosters a sense of dignity, self-confidence, and independence among wheelchair users.
The goal is to roll out Yali 3 across 20 central and state universities in India,revolutionising
campus environments and making them more accessible for all.
Awards and Recognition
Yali Mobility’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. The startup has been recognized and celebrated for its groundbreaking work in assistive technology. One of its most significant achievements is winning the Gold Award at the 2021 Altair Startup India Challenge for their electric personal transport vehicle. This prestigious recognition highlights Yali Mobility’s commitment to designing cutting-edge solutions that enhance accessibility for wheelchair users.
The award not only brought visibility to Yali Mobility’s mission but also validated the impact that the company is making in the lives of disabled individuals. It stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that Sakthivel and his team have invested in transforming the assisted mobility landscape in India.
The Broader Social Impact
Yali Mobility is not just about providing vehicles—it’s about making a lasting impact. By improving the mobility of wheelchair users, Yali 3 directly contributes to enhancing their quality of life. Wheelchair users who once relied on others for transportation can now navigate their way independently, reducing the physical and emotional burden on their families and friends. The ripple effect of this empowerment extends beyond individuals, promoting inclusivity and inspiring a broader movement towards accessibility in society.
Back Track by AIC RAISE and a Vision for the Future
Yali Mobility, an innovative startup in electric mobility, has been supported by AIC RAISE.
AIC RAISE has played a key role in the company’s growth by providing strategic mentorship, funding opportunities, and industry connections, including facilitating the HDFC Parivarthan grant. These resources have helped Yali Mobility scale its operations, improve product development, and expand its market reach.
Yali Mobility’s work, led by Sakthivel, also received a ₹10 lakh seed fund from IIT Madras (IITM), further validating its potential. AIC RAISE’s focus on social impact and green mobility aligns with Yali’s mission to provide eco-friendly, accessible vehicles for people with disabilities, ensuring their innovation makes a lasting, positive difference in the assistive technology space.
Conclusion
Yali Mobility is an inspiring example of how technology can be harnessed to address pressing social challenges. By focusing on the needs of wheelchair users and prioritising affordability, comfort, and safety, Sakthivel Thayappahn and his team are not only providing mobility solutions but also empowering individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives. With the rollout of Yali 3, wheelchair users in educational institutions across India will soon experience a new level of freedom, dignity, and confidence.
As Yali Mobility continues to grow, it stands as a beacon of hope, proving that innovation can
drive inclusivity and that mobility for all is within reach. Still worried about mobility and
dependence on others when you have ‘YALI MOBILITY”.
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