Israeli Engineers Create Custom Bike to Grant Autistic Teen Independence

Three years ago, 13-year-old Eli Stewart from Zikhron Yaakov, who is on the autism spectrum and faces motor difficulties, expressed a simple wish to his mother: to ride a bicycle. For Eli, this everyday activity was a complex challenge due to issues with balance, coordination, and control. His mother, Liat, and his fitness coach, Yulia Borovinski, realized that existing market solutions did not meet Eli's unique needs, especially balancing physical support with preserving his independence and personal space.

Their search led them to volunteers at Merlam, a group of about 25 former Rafael Advanced Defense Systems engineers specializing in electronics and mechanics who develop around 200 technological solutions annually for people with special needs in northern Israel. The team designed and built a custom bicycle for Eli, incorporating wheelchair-derived training wheels and a specialized rear steering mechanism that allows a guide to control direction without touching Eli or invading his personal space.

The development process involved repeated adjustments and field measurements to accommodate not only Eli's physical limitations but also his sensory and behavioral preferences. The intuitive design enables Eli to feel genuine control while being accompanied. After training, Eli progressed from pedaling on flat surfaces to independently maneuvering turns.

Liat Stewart expressed gratitude for the volunteers and coach who helped fulfill Eli's dream, emphasizing the importance of enabling him to feel capable and like everyone else. Volunteer Moti highlighted Rafael's ongoing commitment to community support, especially for people with special needs, and the pride in making their lives easier. The custom bike is not intended for mass production or sale but stands as a testament to how targeted volunteer engineering can expand an individual's mobility and independence.