Wizzybug ‘On the Move’ Program

We love Wizzybugs! They are a unique powered wheelchair that helps very young kids explore independent mobility and work towards their developmental milestones.

Children can use Wizzybugs, with adult supervision, at home and at childcare and kindergarten, outdoors such as parks, gardens, playgrounds and even in the bush!

There are lots of benefits of powered wheelchairs for children. There is extensive research that shows the benefits of young children using powered mobility, like the Wizzybug, to mobilise. It is associated with the development and acquisition of visual, cognitive, social, and perceptual skills. Powered mobility has a positive impact on body functions such as sleep/wake cycle, affect and motivation. It also helps children develop self-initiated activity, independent mobility, communication, play skills, social interaction, and peer relationships.

Jacob's Wizzybug

Jacob has been trialling a Wizzybug for 3 months. His mum, Brooke, says:

"Our favourite thing about Jacob having the Wizzybug is seeing his independence grow. He is able to get himself to where he wants to go without depending on mum and dad. He is able to access the toys and things he wants to play without frustration, and he gets to explore being outside and the world in his own way which he absolutely loves!"

Wizzybugs - giving children the opportunity to move independently

Wizzybugs are a type of powered wheelchair which look a little like a car and can be used by young children to learn to move independently. Wizzybugs are perfect for young children with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, SMA, limb deficiency and other neurodevelopmental and musculoskeletal issues. Wizzybugs allow them to move around with their peers, initiate social interaction and develop independence.

Our Wizzybug team offers early assessment and trial of Wizzybugs and other powered mobility options for kids aged approximately 1-5, depending on the size of the child. The Wizzybug team has an experienced physiotherapist and occupational therapist who provide assessment and tailored support for early powered mobility. We have one of the biggest fleets of Wizzybugs in Australia and we can provide a hire for a child anywhere in Australia!

We have a fleet of 25 Wizzybugs for hire. We have these cute children's electric wheelchairs for hire in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Cairns, Canberra, and all around Australia. We hire out Wizzybugs for 3, 6, and 12 months at a time, and hires can be renewed after the initial hire period.

Professional support with your Wizzybug

As part of our Wizzybug hire, we offer support via our expert in-house physiotherapist and occupational therapists. We provide you with

Early assessment
Trial of powered mobility
Training for parents and carers in how to help your child get the most out of their Wizzybug
Training about how you can use the Wizzybug within your child's everyday environment community
Provide coaching to family members and allied health professionals about how to progress the child’s skill of using powered mobility technology after they grow out of the Wizzybug
Provide support when exploring long term mobility options after the Wizzybug

The Wizzybug can be disassembled into parts that fit in the boot of a car. It has right or left-hand controllers or can be set up with alternative switches for easy access. There are postural supports within the seating system that also accommodate growth.

Benefits of your Wizzybug

Wizzybugs are safe.

As with a typically developing child, children using powered mobility need to be closely supervised to ensure safety.

Wizzybugs are quick to learn.

Any skill acquisition takes time and is variable depending on the individual and environmental circumstances. Research has found that children take approximately 12 weeks to become familiar with and use powered mobility

Wizzybugs fit in your car.

That's right - Wizzybugs are a folding electric wheelchair. We've even tested them in a Corolla. Need we say more!?

To get started or see if the Wizzybug is a good option for you, book a free 30 minute call with us here. You’ll need an Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) therapist. If you don’t have one, we can help you find one. We can also help you secure NDIS funding for the Wizzybug if you don’t already have it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I hire a Wizzybug?

Complete our online referral form to register your interest in hiring a Wizzybug.

How much does it cost to hire a Wizzybug?

We have different pricing depending on the length of hire:

Hire Length	Hire Cost	No. of Therapy Hours for Support Wizzybug physiotherapy and OT specialist support	Total Cost
3 months	$1,200	12 hours @ $193.99	$3,527.88
6 months	$1,800	12 hours @ $193.99	$4,127.88
12 months	$3,600	16 hours @ $193.99	$6,703.84

Freight is an additional cost depending on where we are transporting the Wizzybug to.

We can send you a formal quote, just complete the online referral form.

What is powered mobility?

Powered mobility includes power wheelchairs and other types of battery powered devices used by children to mobilise.
Is powered mobility safe for a child?

Yes. As with a typically developing child, children using powered mobility need to be closely supervised to ensure safety.
What age can children start exploring early powered mobility?

There are various options for exploring powered mobility and this can start as early as seven months.Current evidence has indicated that children as young as 14 months are able to use powered mobility to enhance their mobility, receptive communication and self-care skills.
Why is early mobility important?

There is extensive research supporting the benefits of early powered mobility. Powered mobility is associated with the development and acquisition of important visual, cognitive, social, and perceptual skills.Powered mobility has a positive impact on body functions such as sleep/wake cycle, affect and motivation; activity outcomes such as self-initiated activity, independent mobility, and communication; as well as participation outcomes such as play skills, social interaction, and peer relationships.Powered wheelchairs should not be treated as a last resort but be viewed as a way to support early independent mobility.
How long does it take to learn to drive powered mobility?

Any skill acquisition takes time and is variable depending on the individual and environmental circumstances. Research has found that children take approximately 12 weeks to become familiar with and use powered mobility.

Wizzybug In Action

How to Setup a Wizzybug

25

Wizzybugs in our fleet

150

Families who have been helped through our hire scheme

.

Would recommend the hire scheme to family and friends

Get your Wizzybug

Wizzybug Enquiry

Phone: 03 9663 6916
TTY: 03 9687 0301
Email: comtec@yooralla.com.au
Address: 49 Sun Crescent, Sunshine

To speak to us in a language other than English please call us via the Telephone Interpreter Service on 13 14 50. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact us through the National Relay Service.