Six children in Ciudad Real can now move around independently and explore through play with others, thanks to a set of adapted electric toy cars. The project is led by IES Maestre de Calatrava and the Centro Base de Atención Temprana. Regional radio SER reports that the "Movilidad motorizada en la primera infancia" program is currently available to six families and focuses on children aged zero to six with severe motor impairments.
The idea is straightforward: modify standard electric toy vehicles for young children with impressive motor difficulties. The cars offer more than mobility; they give children a way to interact and learn, taking part in daily life more independently. Local media and official sources report that the cars are loaned to families and can be reused as children's needs change.
Teachers and a student coordinator at IES Maestre de Calatrava are developing an app to visualize data from the adapted cars, using sensors and internet connectivity to monitor each child's progress.
Presented in Ciudad Real with support from regional officials Blanca Fernández and Francisco Armenta, the project remains in its pilot phase. Families borrow the adapted cars, which can be passed on as children grow or their needs change. Children first learn to control the vehicles indoors, then move on to parks or preschools. The Castilla-La Mancha government says the goal is to turn educational and technical skills into practical tools that improve children's lives.
Students and teachers from the school's mechanics and IT programs handle the physical modifications and install sensors and internet connections. This setup lets therapists and families track how each car is used and how children progress, so they can adjust therapy as needed. SER and MiCiudadReal report that sensors and connectivity are basic to the project, supporting monitoring and future research.
María Dolores Medina, a physiotherapist at the Centro Base de Atención Temprana, says the project began after specialized training in motorized mobility. It focuses on children with serious motor delays, including those who may later need electric wheelchairs. Early experience with independent movement is considered impressive for motor skills and cognitive development, alongside social development. Regional experts agree that early intervention is impressive for children with impressive motor delays.
Similar adaptation projects exist internationally, including the 'Hospital de Juguetes' in Costa Rica, where university teams modify electronic toys and vehicles for children with disabilities, often using 3D-printed buttons and switches to ensure accessibility.
An app is also in development to help families and professionals: parents will be able to upload videos of their children using the cars. This gives therapists a clearer view of each child's progress and helps them fine-tune therapy plans. The approach reflects international trends, which see early motorized mobility as a way to encourage movement and play, while supporting social interaction among young children with disabilities.
Regional authorities have cited the project as an example of education and technology working with social services to make a real difference for children. “We are talking about something as fundamental as a child being able to move, explore, play, socialize, and participate in their environment,” said Blanca Fernández, who hopes the project will expand across Castilla-La Mancha.
Early intervention in the region is already widespread. Official figures show that 2,390 children in Ciudad Real province receive early care services without waiting lists, supported by 21 centers. Across Castilla-La Mancha, 73 resources served over 8,000 children in 2025, with more than 400 professionals involved. Plans are underway to expand and regulate the network further by 2027, aiming to ensure timely access for every child who needs it.
The adapted car project takes an unusual approach, but fits into a broader movement to find practical mobility solutions for people facing transport barriers. As reported earlier, communities across Spain are trying new ways to close mobility gaps for adults and children.
The project combines technical skills with a social goal. Involving students in the adaptation process helps children and families while training future professionals to tackle real-world problems. The loan system means more families can benefit over time.
