Go Baby Go (Pimpare)

The Need

Go Baby Go, a project framework that aims to make powered mobility accessible for young children with motor-deficits, was initially started by Dr. Cole Galloway at the University of Delaware. Children with mobility disabilities are often denied the formational experiences of socializing with peers and exploring new environments. Go Baby Go hopes to minimize the disadvantages introduced by mobility disabilities, helping young children to socialize near-normally and to move independently. In this implementation of Go Baby Go, we are customizing a ride-on car for a 5 year-old boy who manages cerebral palsy and legal blindness with the help of his family.

The Project

To customize a ride-on car for this child’s individual needs, the team implemented an alternative steering mechanism that transfers control to a supervisor. Additional safety features, including a headrest and five-point harness, were added to secure the child while he is in motion. Finally, the car was rewired so that a button on the steering wheel activates the car instead of the factory-default foot pedals.