When Alan Tholkes was just 17 years old, a car accident changed his life forever, leaving him paralysed with a spinal cord injury. Rather than letting the setback define him, the Minnesota native spent decades turning his personal struggles into innovations aimed at helping others with mobility challenges. Over the next 40 years, he designed wheelchairs, standing devices and other rehabilitation products used around the world. His latest invention, called WalkPort, was inspired by his own experiences and is designed to help people with paralysis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions experience walking again.Born in 1958, Alan Tholkes became paralysed following a car accident in 1976. As a wheelchair user, he quickly realised many mobility products could be improved. His own experiences pushed him towards engineering and design, leading him to devote much of his life to creating technologies that could increase independence for people with disabilities.
Alan Tholkes’ journey From wheelchair user to inventor
Tholkes spent more than four decades developing mobility solutions. He founded Altimate Medical and became best known for inventing the EasyStand, a standing frame that enables wheelchair users to move from a seated to an upright position. The device gained popularity worldwide and is used in dozens of countries.His wife, Monaliza Tholkes, told CBS Minnesota that he often woke up in the middle of the night to sketch ideas on paper, with their children frequently becoming part of the creative process.The inspiration for WalkPort came after Tholkes visited a rehabilitation centre and spent a short session walking with assistance. Although the experience was rewarding, travelling long distances for limited therapy sessions was inconvenient.Once back home, he began asking himself why such an experience could not be available whenever needed. That question eventually led to the development of WalkPort, a machine intended to bring supported walking into homes and rehabilitation settings.
What is WalkPort?
WalkPort is designed to help people with paralysis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and age-related mobility issues. The system supports users while allowing them to experience walking without having to focus entirely on balance.According to the company, the machine aims to make rehabilitation more accessible by enabling people to walk more frequently outside traditional clinical environments.
Early users are already seeing benefits
One of the early users, Janice Binstock, lost the use of her legs earlier this year. After completing physical therapy, she tried WalkPort and said she immediately noticed a difference.According to Binstock, balance had been a major challenge, but the machine allowed her to focus on walking instead of worrying about falling. She is now able to walk independently without assistance.Another testimonial on WalkPort’s website describes how a user named LuAnne was able to spend around 30 minutes walking with little assistance after trying the device.
Manufacturing begins in Minnesota
The first WalkPort machines are expected to be built with manufacturing partner Data Metalcraft in Arlington, Minnesota. Production is scheduled to begin in August, with the first units set to roll off the assembly line later this year.The project is being developed under Medthera, a Minnesota-based company focused on mobility and rehabilitation technologies.Nearly 50 years after losing the ability to walk himself, Alan Tholkes continues to focus on improving the lives of others. Even as he prepares to retire to Florida, his latest invention could offer new hope to people living with paralysis and mobility disorders.As Tholkes said, seeing people experience something they had not been able to do before is one of the most rewarding parts of his work. For many users, that experience is simply taking another step.
