All-terrain Whizzybug enables mobility for handicapped UK kids

In an attempt to create a more fashionable alternative to the wheelchair devices that handicapped children currently rely on to get around, a group of engineers at the Bath Institute for Medical Engineering, in consultation with parents and occupational therapists, have concocted the car-like Whizzybug. The all-terrain vehicle can reportedly handle asphalt and green pastures without issue, and sports a blistering top speed of two miles-per-hour. Additionally, it can be controlled by the caregiver or the youngster, weighs in at just under 70-pounds, has a "fully adjustable seating system with memory foam cushions and a programmable joystick," and to top things off, this bad boy even touts a trailer hitch for towing those weak Power Wheels rigs out of the rough. The devices are slated to be sold by the developing charity, Whizz-Kidz, "at cost," which means that interested parents will be looking at anywhere between £1,700 ($3,406) and £2,000 ($4,007) depending on options.

[Via MedLaunches]

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 27th 2007 11:56AM]

you know... considering there is a seperate engadget mobile page for all mobile device news... (you know where this is going...) why not make an engadget immobile? any takers?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 27th 2007 1:54PM]

You're a jagoff, Joel.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 27th 2007 12:07PM]

Joel,.. you're an idiot.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 27th 2007 12:57PM]

Great Idea for the kids! One minor suggestion, though - given that the children are handicapped and the vehicle is all-terrain, shouldn't they be strapped in (can't tell from the pic) and a ROLL BAR be added to the vehicle to prevent neck injuries in case of a roll over??

Just my 2 cents.

[fLim Posted Apr 27th 2007 1:26PM]

It does have straps. Just take a look at the gallery on their official website.

http://www.wizzybug.org.uk/

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 27th 2007 1:55PM]

You're a jagoff, Joel.

[phreakincool Posted Apr 27th 2007 2:17PM]

That's pretty slick and yes, Joel is a douchebag!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 27th 2007 2:18PM]

Awww, it's like the Barbie car of wheel chairs.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 28th 2007 3:57PM]

Could you note that in the UK the term "handicapped" is now considered a demeaning way of describe people with disabilities.
The web site where this piece originated correctly uses the term "disabled".