If you were to combine Professor X's wheelchair with a Tesla, you might end up with something like the Strutt ev1. This four-wheeled "personal everyday vehicle" is not only voice-controlled, but also has LiDAR and navigation built in, so you can simply speak to it and tell you where you want to go.
At CES 2026, I had a chance to take the Strutt ev1 for a spin, and it was fun enough for me to be tempted to give up my step goals for the year and just drive this thing everywhere — if I could afford it.
Follow all of our CES 2026 live coverage for the biggest gadget news straight from Las Vegas. And be sure to follow Tom's Guide on TikTok for the coolest videos from the show.
At first glance, the ev1 looks kind of like a more modern version of a wheelchair; it has a seat in the middle and a wheel at each corner. However, it's also outfitted with a 360-degree sensor array, which includes LiDAR, cameras, and a combination of time-of-flight and ultrasonic sensors.
A small display on the right armrest shows a live view of what the Strutt's cameras are seeing; As I drove it around a crowded conference hall, the screen showed all the obstacles around me, and the Strutt would stop if I drove too close to anything.
Just below the display are the Strutt's controls; a small circular dial lets you turn and move the vehicle around. I especially liked that the display automatically turns into a backup camera if you drive in reverse.
The Strutt's obstacle avoidance is also used in its self-driving mode. You can program in destinations into the chair, and it will take you there automatically, being careful to not hit anyone or anything along the way. It even has voice controls, so you can tell it to "take me to the kitchen" or any other location.
The Strutt's four motors can power it at speeds of up to 7 mph (11.3 km/h), can carry a maximum payload of 350 lbs (160 kg), can climb hills as steep as 13-degrees, and ride over curbs up to 2 inches in height. Its 18.5Ah/592Wh battery is good for about 20 miles of range, and can be removed from the back of the chair for recharging.
Strutt is not positioning the ev1 as purely a mobility device for the differently abled, but rather one for anyone who wants to scoot around and have some fun. (In fact, the company is working on another model with fewer smart features so it can gain FDA approval).
Not surprisingly, the Strutt doesn't come cheap. You can preorder it for $5,299, but its regular price will run you $7,499. That's a lot to pay for fun.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
