Most kids love roaring around the house and garden behind the wheel of ride-on vehicles and gearhead parents will tell you it is the perfect way to introduce their little ones to the world of motoring. You could even drum in the importance of driving safely at this early age but sadly, some youngsters with congenital disorders are unable to experience these battery operated vehicles. However, Lexus has come up with a solution.
Since March is the month of Cerebral Palsy Awareness, it collaborated with Givewith and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) by creating an LX ride-on customized for a girl with the disorder.
Six-year-old Finley Smallwood has the condition that affects her ability to move and maintain balance and posture and due to this she is unable to ride on power wheels, until now.
The topless LX SUV, gifted to Finley, features waist-high side padding, a modified seat, adjustable headrest, a five-point harness, a lowered ride height and larger doors all designed to keep her safe and secure and allow easy ingress and egress. The biggest change is the method of control; Lexus has outfitted it with a joystick to control its direction and acceleration because some children with cerebral palsy might not be able to use a foot pedal or have the strength to use a steering wheel. Last but not least, the car has been painted purple, Finley’s favourite colour.
Commenting on the special project, Cooper Ericksen, Vice President - Product Planning & Strategy, Lexus Group said, "We create vehicles around the art and science of human needs. In this case, we wanted to push the envelope and explore what that might mean for a child with cerebral palsy who hasn't been able to experience the joy of mobility like other children have."
