EmPower Car: A Revolutionary Mobility Solution for Young Children with Disabilities
What began as a concept that might have been dismissed as merely a "toy" car has evolved into a life-changing innovation that is transforming the daily lives of young children with disabilities and their families. The EmPower Car, a customized mobility vehicle designed specifically for children aged two to six, is providing unprecedented freedom and independence within the home environment.
Breaking Down Barriers Without Renovations
The groundbreaking aspect of the EmPower Car lies in its accessibility. Unlike traditional mobility solutions that often require extensive home modifications, this innovative vehicle demonstrates that true accessibility doesn't necessarily demand structural changes. "The emPower Car allows children to move around their home all by themselves — children who might not have the opportunity to do so otherwise," explained Amber Mack, CEO of Kids Included, the Edmonton-based organization behind the project.
At the recent 2026 Calgary Renovation Show held at the BMO Centre in Stampede Park, the EmPower Car proved its practical capabilities. Designed to fit through standard doorways, the vehicle navigated tight corners and demonstrated how it could seamlessly integrate into typical home environments. Tara Melhus, a home staging consultant who helped create the demonstration setting, emphasized this point: "I wanted to show people that this emPower Car is actually something quite accessible and that you don't need to make brick and mortar changes to have this chair incorporated into your lifestyle."
Innovative Design and Collaborative Development
The EmPower Car represents a remarkable collaboration between Kids Included (formerly known as GRIT, Getting Ready for Inclusion Today) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. The vehicle's design incorporates several innovative features:
- Smaller dimensions than traditional wheelchairs for better home maneuverability
- Customization to individual users' needs
- Construction from highly sanded plywood and 3D-printed parts
- Foldable design for easy storage and transport
- Easily accessible battery system for simple replacement
Currently, there are five fully operational vehicles, with more in development to meet the significant demand for at least fifty units. This growing interest underscores the profound need for such accessible mobility solutions.
Transforming Lives Through Independent Movement
The impact of the EmPower Car extends far beyond physical mobility. According to Mack, the neurological benefits are substantial: "We know from brain research that when a child is moved by someone else, it doesn't fire the same neurons in the brain. But when a child initiates movement, it changes their brains." This independent movement capability represents a fundamental shift in how children with disabilities can engage with their environment and develop crucial cognitive pathways.
For parents and caregivers, Melhus offers practical advice: "A big takeaway for parents of children with disabilities is to look at the home and its specific spaces and take into account how they are used and base any changes off of that. Maybe it's just a re-think of the furniture that you have," she suggested, emphasizing the importance of proper proportion and arrangement rather than structural alterations.
The EmPower Car stands as a testament to how thoughtful design and collaborative innovation can create meaningful solutions that empower children with disabilities to participate more fully in all aspects of home life, fostering independence, development, and inclusion through accessible mobility.
