Prototype of electric mobility support equipment with a standing position for children who have difficulty moving on their own

-First Report: Comparison between front wheel drive and middle wheel drive -

Abstract

In our research group, we are developing the mobility support equipment to provide children who have difficulty moving on their own from an early stage. The aim is to support children's cognition and emotional development through their own mobile experience. In this study, we have proposed a front wheel drive and a middle wheel drive electric mobility assist devices that can provide the movement experience for handicapped children with a standing position. The prototype device can be operated and moved by a child using a joystick. We also evaluated and compared the performance of two prototype devices. The prototype device was actually used by children who have difficulty moving by themselves and the usefulness of the device was confirmed.