Despite the efforts to improve crutch designs and develop alternatives, there has been minimal improvement in overall mobility, versatility, and functionality for persons required to be non-weight-bearing.
The attempts to resolve limitations have created new limitations with new devices, essentially trading one problem for another.
"The difference with the XLEG is that it's a wearable device that is slim, lightweight, and allows you to walk normally".
-Reid Robinson, Founder
Reid has received numerous government grants to help fund the bulk of his engineering costs, helping to bring the XLEG to where it is today: an adjustable version that fits a number of different leg sizes and types.
In January of 2015, Reid Robinson was in a car crash that changed his life.
In the 3 years that followed, I had 13 surgeries in order to save my right leg, which included two failed bone grafts and a bone transplant. During this time, I had to consider amputation as a solution. And I had to take a long look at what life would be like with a prosthetic limb.
- Reid Robinson, Inventor of the XLEG
During those years, Reid tried every crutch or crutch alternative. He found these devices to be painful to use, awkward, and quite limiting. All he wanted to do was walk normally.
While lying in my hospital bed after surgery number 10, I drew out the first design of the XLEG.
- Reid Robinson, Inventor of the XLEG
Reid scoured the Internet and medical supply stores, and couldn't find anything like his design, so he constructed the first version of the XLEG in his garage and then filed the U.S. and Canadian patents, followed by international and European patents in 2017. Since then, Reid has received numerous government grants to help fund the bulk of his engineering costs, helping to bring the XLEG to where it is today: an adjustable version that fits a number of different leg sizes and types.
I demonstrated the XLEG to 10 different medical professionals in Calgary and Edmonton, all of whom endorsed further development and support of the XLEG going forward. That included physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons, and orthotists.
- Reid Robinson, Inventor of the XLEG
With the help of Tangent Design Engineering, the XLEG is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use so that patients can wear it throughout the entire day. The XLEG is constructed of high-grade aluminum, synthetic polymers, nylon, stainless steel, and carbon fibre. Unlike other crutch alternatives, the XLEG is a true hands-free device that allows patients to sit, stand and walk normally, while remaining non-weight-bearing and requiring no additional effort.
The XLEG is a pain-free, fully functional crutch alternative that can be used by anyone and truly enhances quality of life.
"I am prepared to work directly with anyone who purchases the XLEG Gen 1 to ensure they have the same freedom and mobility I have experienced with the XLEG."
- Reid Robinson, Inventor of the XLEG
We've brought on a Canadian engineer who is a manufacturing expert. This relationship will reduce the cost so we can deliver this high-quality product at a reasonable price—low volume manufacturing locally can cost as much as $2,500 per unit.
Having taken this into account for the campaign, our shipping date of October was based on the expectation that shipping and manufacturing will encounter some delays.
My time is fully dedicated to the XLEG and my company; this is not a part-time job, so I will be working 24/7 in order to deliver the XLEG to all of my backers as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please let me know. I am more than happy to answer any questions that are not answered in the campaign details.