Transportation is a huge obstacle for people with disabilities, who are often unnecessarily disconnected from their communities. The idea behind the Kenguru car is to allow people in wheelchairs to gain mobility and independence in their communities. The car is a small, efficient, closed body type wheelchair-fitting vehicle that provides very easy and quick access to its interior, so that wheelchair users don’t have to rely on the expensive and inefficient add-ons to mini-vans. With the car, it is easier for wheelchair users to travel independently and conveniently, up to 110 kilometers (60 miles) at the maximum speed of 45 km/h (25 mph).
Initially developed by Hungarian company Kenguru Services, it was spotted by Texan lawyer Stacy Zoern (a wheelchair user herself), who set up the Community Cars company which now manufacturers Kengurus by hand in Pflugerville, Texas. Community Cars sells the vehicles for about $25,000, and is set for a US launch in 6 to 12 months. With this technology, Zoern hopes to bring freedom and mobility to people with disabilities all over the world.
