Low-cost ride-on toy cars for children living with mobility disability in low- and middle- income countries

By: Edwin khundi,

Abstract

Many children with disabilities, most especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Malawi, face mobility related challenges. Different studies recommend the use of ride-on-toy cars to increase mobility and socialization of children with disabilities. Besides, the ride on toy cars can also be used by able bodied children for recreational purposes. However, both disabled and able-bodied children from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to good quality ride on toy cars because the commercial ones, which are mostly imported, are expensive. Hence there is need to design, manufacture and test a safe and low-cost ride-on toy car that can be purchased locally by parents or organizations for both able bodied children and those with disabilities. In this study, a low-cost ride on toy car was designed using SOLIDWORKS® computer aided design software and later fabricated using conventional manufacturing methods such as centre lathe machining, welding, soldering, woodworking, and polishing. The specifications of the ride-on toy car were formulated in line with ISO standards ISO 8124 and British Standard (BS EN 71) which are about safety for toys. The performance of the fabricated prototype was tested by subjecting it to a loading of a male subject weighing 65kg. The performance of the car was satisfactory and could reach maximum speed of 20km/hour during maximum load of 65kg.