Lexus and Cerebral Palsy Foundation Team up for Special LX

Worthwhile Effort

It's difficult for most of us to fathom what life is like for children stricken with Cerebral Palsy. Finley Smallwood, who is now six-years-old, spent the first few hours of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and now struggles to live the normal life that most kids her age are able to enjoy. But thanks to Lexus and Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), Smallwood is now able to cruise around her neighborhood in a stylish LX that's sure to make her the envy of every kid on her block.

Photos: Lexus

Special Gift

The team came together to create this one-off LX ride-on convertible, a vehicle designed specifically for Smallwood and gifted to her recently during National Cerebral Palsy Month. The purple Lexus might look like your average ride-on, but it's specially designed to make cruising around the neighborhood a comfortable experience for its new owner.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this special and very cool LX right here in Club Lexus.

Design Modifications

The seat in the LX is a one-off, designed to make it comfortable for Smallwood to sit for long periods of time. It features special side padding, an adjustable headrest, and a five-point harness for safety. Additionally, the LX sits lower and has bigger doors to make getting in and out much easier.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this special and very cool LX right here in Club Lexus.

Gaining Control

Traditional ride-on vehicles have pedals and a steering wheel like a normal car, but many children with Cerebral Palsy simply don't have the strength needed to turn the wheel. Thus, Lexus added a joystick that allows Smallwood to both control acceleration and steer the LX. And of course, the 'ute was painted her favorite color - purple.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this special and very cool LX right here in Club Lexus.

Pushing the Envelope

"At Lexus, our core design philosophy has always been human-centric," said Lexus group vice president and product planning and strategy Cooper Ericksen. "We create vehicles around the art and science of human needs. In this case, we wanted to push the envelope and explore what that might mean for a child with cerebral palsy who hasn’t been able to experience the joy of mobility like other children have."

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this special and very cool LX right here in Club Lexus.

Big Hit

Judging by Smallwood's reaction to her shiny new ride, it's pretty clear that Lexus hit the nail on the head. And we hope that this project leads to more of the same. After all, children with Cerebral Palsy deserve the chance to live lives that are as normal as possible. And we certainly have the ability (and the responsibility) to make that happen.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about this special and very cool LX right here in Club Lexus.

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