New Brunswick, N.J. Johnson & Johnson is embarking on final clinical trials for a wheelchair that is designed to climb stairs and raise the user to eye level, officials said.

The Independence 3000 IBOT Transporter is expected to go into final trials sometime this month. Pending clearance by the Food and Drug Administration, it could be on the market within 18 to 24 months, said Bob Andrews, director of corporate communications.

The power wheelchair works by sensors and gyroscopes and has backup systems for safety, Andrews said. "It will climb curbs without any cuts in them, it will climb up and down stairs, and it will go through sand," he said. It can also place users at eye-level with those who are standing-a real boon to those who must constantly look up to talk with people.

"You want to be at eye level," Andrews said, "and if you're at a cocktail party and people are standing around, it's not a pleasant experience being at 39 inches."

The wheelchair can also balance on two wheels and automatically adjusts as the user shifts in his or her seat, Andrews said. It is designed for adults, but a version for children is planned. Expected to sell for between $20,000 and $25,000, the wheelchair would be available by prescription only, Andrews said. He could not say if it would be sold through home medical equipment providers or if it would be covered by Medicare.