Modifying a motor go-kart to accommodate children with disabilities

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Assistive Devices

Background:

• Standard go-karts lack accessibility for individuals with certain physical disabilities.
• There is a need for adaptive recreational and educational tools to promote independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To redesign a standard motor go-kart for one-handed joystick control.
• To develop an accessible mobility solution for children with disabilities.

Main Methods:

• Defined specific design requirements for the adaptive go-kart.
• Selected and integrated power systems for steering, throttle, and braking.
• Designed and constructed analog control circuits and amplification systems.
• Developed and implemented mechanical linkages for go-kart functions.

Main Results:

• A functional one-handed joystick control system was successfully implemented on a go-kart.
• The adaptive go-kart was tested with a cohort of children with disabilities.
• Initial testing revealed specific areas for system improvement and further development.

Conclusions:

• The project demonstrated the feasibility of adapting a go-kart for individuals with disabilities.
• The study highlighted the importance of user testing in identifying practical design challenges.
• Further iterations are needed to optimize the system for enhanced usability and performance.