> Let's say you've assembled a team and designed an awesome powered wheelchair. One that works better than incumbent designs and is easy on the eyes.

Well, have they? The article lists some very cool features, but those are also points of failure. They review process for medical products is onerous and could definitely be improved, but it does serve an important purpose.

The chair seems to put the user in a higher and more upright position than most, for example, which could make it easier to fall out.

The scenario seems like the system working perfectly as designed: enthusiasts have the opportunity to buy it on the open market, and once it's proven and makes it through the review process, it'll be more widely available through insurance as well.