A specially-powered kiddy-car for youngsters with restricted mobility which earned a North Yorkshire teenager a designer prize, has suddenly become more versatile.

New specialist seat options are now being offered on the vehicle by Harrogate-based 1st By Design.

The company took over manufacture and marketing of the battery-powered vehicle dreamed up two years ago by Louise Elliott when she was a 19-year-old design and technology A-level student at St John's Associated Sixth Form, Harrogate, two years ago.

Designed for use at home, on pavements, in parks and gardens, and for country walks, the Cyberbug can be used either outdoors or indoors, is highly manoeuvrable and can be operated independently using a joystick.

Under the leadership of the company's managing director, Roger Barnes, the vehicle has evolved to become suitable for people from the age of six to 60, provided they have a degree of co-ordination.

Now the introduction of a new interface plate allows the crash-tested Cyberbug to accommodate seats which meet a wide range of special requirements, for example, where a child has limited upper body strength, or needs additional support to prevent hip rotation.

The modern seating designs available, which can be supplied in a choice of colours and padded finishes, will ensure the child achieves correct positioning at all times.

Features of the seating can include fully adjustable harnesses, knee blocks, headrest, back and foot supports, and expandable seats for a high degree of comfort and to meet changes in the child's growth and postural needs. 1st By Design can also replace the complete seat with a larger specialist seating system when the child is fully grown. The price ranges between £3,500 and £4,000 depending on the degree of sophistication ordered.

Updated: 10:53 Monday, March 29, 2004