Because of the Pumper Car’s unique design, children must use their upper and lower extremities to move the car. This provides a vigorous full-body workout as an activity that children love. Almost all children are able to learn how to use Pumper Cars in minutes. The cars are very durable and fully tested as safe to ride. They are designed for children age 5 to 12.

The Columbia-Inland Medical Pumper Car has been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as non-measuring exercise device intended for medical purposes. This FDA designation means that if Pumper Cars are prescribed for medical purposes the cost may be covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Additionally, the University of Michigan conducted an institutional review board study that found that Pumper Cars helped increase the duration and intensity of exercise for children with Down syndrome by 182%. Researchers indicated that the therapeutic benefits also would apply to children with other special needs as well. Typically developed children increased their vigorous exercise by 230%. Children’s hospitals and pediatric physical therapists across the U.S. use these cars in programs for children with Down syndrome, autism, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, type 2 diabetes and many other conditions. Importantly, Pumper Cars come with curriculum that meets requirements of the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for adapted and regular PE school teachers.

It has been proven that children with special needs who are able to use the same piece of equipment in therapy, at school and at home see dramatic improvements in their physical condition.

Click on the photo or here to watch "The Story of Pumper Cars" video to see them in action and hear testimonials from therapists, teachers and parents. For more information about the Pumper Car and how it benefits children, see the manufacturer’s Web site at www.pumpercar.com.

Every $500 donation to Mobility for Kids from a new car dealership will buy one Pumper Car along with the curriculum. A minimum donation of two Pumper Cars is required for this program.

Benefits to dealerships:

1. All donations are made to Mobility for Kids, 501(c)3 non-profit, so this gift is tax-deductible.

2. For every gift of $1,000 to $24,999, a 4.5” wide x 6.5” tall oval sticker will be placed on each car the dealership donates. This serves as a high-profile marketing investment within their sales regions, as it will be visible to teachers and parents. Stickers will read: “Sponsored by Your Dealership's Name Here.”

3. For gifts of 50 or more Pumper Cars ($25,000+), the 4.5” wide x 6.5” oval stickers will be customized to include the dealer’s logo and marketing slogan.

4. Dealerships will be encouraged to leverage their donations to highlight their local support for children’s health and schools. Mobility for Kids also will seek news media attention for this program.

The program’s goal:

John wishes to place at least two Pumper Cars in every elementary and middle school across the U.S. to make a lasting, measurable improvement in the health of children with special needs, as well as all children.