Car pedals for disabled people

He had the idea to create extended car pedals so he could have a better and more independent daily life.

Mohalatsi represents many students with disability in higher education institutions who through various circumstances have been disadvantaged from driving a normal car. Many of them are at risk of causing fatal accidents if they continue to drive cars unaided.
Desperate to improve and change his day-to-day ordeal, he approached Product Development Technology Station (PDTS), a technology innovation agency at CUT, with an idea of extended pedals and explained it to Kamohelo Mokoena, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Central University of Technology (CUT) who advised him to draw up a proposal and submit it to PDTS for consideration.

“This great idea was inspired by the student himself. He approached and explained his idea to us and kindly asked if we could manufacture the pedal extension for him, which was a great, but challenging experience”, said Mr Ludrick Barnard who heads a team of young and innovative minds and experts.
“We took the idea, did research, and came up with the concepts and design. I mentored my intern on what and how it should be done and we got it right,” he concluded.

He and Mokoena started modelling the idea and came up with a perfect product that liberated the student. With the help of PDTS, Mabilietse is able to drive himself anywhere without hassle.

Today, he drives himself around the streets of Bloemfontein and from home to campus. “I am pleased and grateful for the wonderful work that PDTS has done for me. It has helped me a lot. I do not depend on people to take me from A to Z now. I am independent and enjoying every moment,” said Mabilietse.

The idea of these extended pedals is the first of its kind in the country and can make CUT stand proud at the lead of innovation for the country’s motor industry. “We used six millimetres of normal steel plate (which a person can use if he wants to go into mass market), carbon fibre, canopy clips, and rubber. The total cost for the material was around 40€,” said Mokoena.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2upjDb2

More info: http://www.nunnovation.com/