Mobility Management

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Automotive Mobility
    • Billing / Reimbursement
    • Government / Legislation
    • Home Accessibility
    • Pediatrics
    • Power Chairs
    • Seating & Positioning
    • Ultralightweights
  • News
  • Featured
  • Podcasts
  • Request Media Kit
  • Webinars
  • Subscribe
  • Digital Edition
  • Awards
  • Advertise

Permobil’s Explorer Mini Honored by TIME

November 18, 2021 by Laurie Watanabe

A colorful, pint-sized mobility device for very young children has been honored as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2021.

Toddler girl standing in Permobil Explorer Mini

Permobil’s Explorer Mini — with its midline joystick, saddle-style seat for standing or sitting, and compact size — was designed for children 12 to 36 months old who have mobility delays.

Bengt Thorsson, Permobil’s CEO/President, said in a Nov. 10 announcement, “We are honored for the Explorer Mini to be recognized by TIME as a Best Invention of 2021 and to be included alongside so many other ground-breaking innovations that are improving the lives of individuals around the world. The inclusion of the Explorer Mini on this list helps to shine a light on the needs of thousands of very young children with mobility impairments. The Explorer Mini isn’t just about getting these children mobile now, but it’s about laying the foundations for life-long social and cognitive development.”

The Explorer Mini’s goal is to provide what Permobil calls “on-time mobility experiences” for very young children who would otherwise not yet be independently mobile “so they can explore and engage with their world in a way that helps them continue their best development.” It’s been cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as a Class II, prescription-only medical device.

Ginger Walls, PT, MS, NCS, ATP/SMS, Permobil’s Director of Clinical and Technical Education for Permobil Americas, said in the announcement, “Explorer Mini provides young children with mobility impairments the opportunity to gain self-initiated mobility experiences exploring their environment while also promoting postural control, visual-spatial development, and supporting social and emotional benefits.”

Permobil said children with Down syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida are among those who would be candidates for the Explorer Mini. The Explorer Mini, which is available in a jungle or sea life motif, fits children up to 35 lbs. and 39 inches tall.

The Explorer Mini was honored in TIME’s Accessibility category.

 

Related Articles Read More >

New NIH, CMS Partnership Aims to Build ‘Data Platform’ for Research on Chronic Conditions
Despite assurances that patient privacy will be protected, some health-care stakeholders are wary about data sharing.
MaRS, Toyota Mobility Foundation Call for Startups to Join Mobility Unlimited Hub in Toronto
The program provides funding, technical and marketing support to cohort members.
Reviewing RESNA’s Evacuation Standard: Performance Requirements, Installations, Inspections … and Why They Matter
The standard is open for comment till June 23.
Briefly: ‘Stronger Together’ Podcast Launches May 13; Parkinson’s Researchers Seeking Volunteers for Scratch-and-Sniff Test
Featuring United Spinal Association, M.A.R.C. Network, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

GET THE FREE NEWSLETTER

Mobility Management Newsletter

Subscribe to Mobility Management's newsletter for industry & product news, trends and resources. Click here.
podcasts
Mobility Management
  • HME Business
  • Senior Housing News
  • Home Health Care News
  • Skilled Nursing News
  • Hospice News
  • Behavioral Health Business
  • Contact Us
  • About Us

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Mobility Management

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Automotive Mobility
    • Billing / Reimbursement
    • Government / Legislation
    • Home Accessibility
    • Pediatrics
    • Power Chairs
    • Seating & Positioning
    • Ultralightweights
  • News
  • Featured
  • Podcasts
  • Request Media Kit
  • Webinars
  • Subscribe
  • Digital Edition
  • Awards
  • Advertise