Awhile back I wrote about the Palmer Industries scooters which were a kind of scooter/golf cart hybrid. Now I’m going to write about a scooter/car hybrid called the Kenguru. More of a mixture of a scooter combined with a Smart Car and Chevy Volt. With this electric vehicle, a wheelchair user rolls in through the back door hatch and drives off! No chair lifts, long ramps, or transferring.

Parts and Operation

The Kenguru vehicle is a scooter at its heart with the chassis and shell of a small car. With a limited range and no storage area, it’s meant for short trips in the community. Electric powered, it’s range is up to 60 miles and has a max speed of 25 mph. The back of the Kenguru has a large door hatch at the back that opens with the push of a button. As the door opens, a small ramp lowers to the ground or onto a raised sidewalk. The vehicle is small enough to even back up to a curb. Which makes that curb wheelchair accessible! After rolling into the vehicle, the wheelchair locks into place and the door closes. Driving controls are handlebar style with a joystick version also available. Watch the following videos to see the Kenguru in use.

The Company

Kenguru originated in Hungary but has since moved operations to Pflugerville, TX. A place I’ve never heard of before but seems to be working for them. As of now the vehicle is being marketed mainly in France, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Though with operations in the U.S., North American marketing is in the works. If you’re in New York May 4-6, you can see the Kenguru in person at the Abilities Expo.

Conclusion

This is a great design and option for those who want an accessible vehicle for quick trips around town. Quick being the optimal word since entering and exiting the Kenguru is fast and easy. For a great deal more information on Kenguru, visit their website at www.Kenguru.com.







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