TESTING
Several tests were performed to determine the effectiveness of the completed prototype. Its unloaded weight, dimensions, and turn radius were measured to assure these characteristics met the design objectives. The vehicle was loaded with weight and driven up several inclines of known degree to determine its maximum power. Most importantly, the prototype was taken to Easter Seals Preschool and test-driven by some of its intended users to its functionality and ergonomics.
The vehicle is light enough to allow easy loading by two adults. The overall dimensions are small enough such that the vehicle will fit easily through 36” doorways and into the cargo space of a station wagon (see figure 1 ). The turn-radius allows mobility around a playground and into buildings for storage.
Figure 1: Testing the car with children
The prototype’s power was measured by timing its travel up ten feet of increasing degree of inclines. The results of this experiment are shown in table . Disability ramps are typically set at 15° inclines. As shown, the vehicle has sufficient power.
The on-site test-drive was performed to gauge the ergonomics and practical functionality of the vehicle. The important ergonomic factors were if the child fit into the vehicle comfortably, if the controls could be positioned for proper use by the child, and if both levels of decline provided ample support while permitting proper forward and peripheral vision for steering. (See Figure 1)
Using the vehicle for independent motion will be a learning process for the children. “Consider that it takes a toddler 12 to 18 months to become an efficient ambulatory; therefore, it may take a child in a power wheel-chair that long to become efficient in doorways, obstacles and direction, and familiar environments. If the child has never had any other movement experience he will have difficulty with directionality and frame of reference” (Bundonis). Therefore the functionality testing was restricted to having the child hit each button and ensuring that he could make them all work. Then the child attempted to move in forward and reverse to test the speed of the vehicle.