Just in time to celebrate National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.
Lexus created a convertible version the LX SUV in what appears to be an April Fool’s joke. This is not a joke and it is not a Lexus LX convertible you can purchase at Lexus showrooms. The Japanese luxury company collaborates with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to create a unique ride-on vehicle that is inspired by cerebral palsy children.
Rachel Byrne (CPF executive director) stated that cerebral palsy patients rarely receive the support and interventions they need. “Our mission is change that paradigm by being a catalyst for positive change through innovative collaborations, partnerships.
Lexus’ human-centric philosophy inspired the creation of the ride-on LX. Lexus wanted to make mobility easier for children with cerebral palsy, who have to interact with others and be active in their environment.
“We design vehicles around the science and art of human needs. Cooper Ericksen (Lexus vice president for product planning & strategic), said that in this instance, we wanted to push the boundaries and see what it might look like for a child with cerebral paralysis who isn’t able to feel the joy of mobility as other children.
Finley Smallwood was the first to receive the ride-on Lexus LX. Finley Smallwood has cerebral palsy. She is unable to sit for extended periods of time and has difficulty sitting. The modified ride-on vehicle has lateral support padding and a headrest that can be adjusted to suit Finley’s needs. The doors have been increased and the ground clearance has been decreased. A five-point harness is also used to secure the child.
The ride-on LX has an armrest joystick that allows Finley to control acceleration and direction.
Watch Finley’s journey to receive the ride-on LX on Getwith.