Per Uddén 100 Years in 2025 – A Tribute to the Visionary Behind the Permobil

 

This year, 2025, marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Per Uddén. Per Uddén (1925–2002) was the provincial doctor whose commitment and innovative spirit laid the foundation for the Promobilia Foundation and, through it, the development of the powered wheelchair known as the Permobil.

 

The story of the Promobilia Foundation is, in many ways, the story of Per Uddén. During his work, he met many patients with various needs, but one group affected him deeply – people who depended on wheelchairs. These patients lacked the ability to move independently, both in urban settings and in nature, which limited their autonomy and opportunity for an active life.

 

Per Uddén therefore set out to develop an electrically powered wheelchair that could meet these challenges. To fund this work, he founded the Foundation Teknisk hjälp åt handikappade, which later became the Promobilia Foundation. Through volunteer efforts, the sale of handicrafts, and determined lobbying at the highest levels, Per was able to push the project forward, resulting in the first Permobil – a milestone for independence and inclusion.

 

To honor Per Uddén’s memory and to highlight his important legacy, the Promobilia Foundation will carry out a series of activities during 2025. As a first step, the foundation has compiled materials – including from Swedish Television (SVT) – for a film about the creator of the Permobil, Per Uddén.

Today, the Promobilia Foundation works to promote research, innovation, and change that create conditions for independent and active lives for people with disabilities. Through successful management of the foundation’s resources, the ability to support research and development projects has grown significantly. In recent years, the foundation has been able to award over 50 million SEK annually to projects that make a real difference.

 

Per Uddén’s vision lives on through the foundation’s work – for a world where everyone can live independent and active lives, regardless of ability.