Utah boy, 13, spends 300 hours 3D-printing wheelchair for toddler

In the summer of 2021, 13-year-old Zac Waters from Lehi, Utah, dedicated about 300 hours of his time to creating a custom 3D-printed mobility chair for a 21-month-old girl, according to local news outlet ABC 4. Zac's interest in 3D printing blossomed after watching YouTube videos about the technology, and he sought to apply his newfound skills to help children with disabilities.

Through MakeGood, a New Orleans-based nonprofit providing free 3D-printed mobility devices for children with disabilities, Zac was connected with the toddler in need via their volunteer network. MakeGood's open-source Toddler Mobility Trainer design, which could be built for around $150 in materials, served as the foundation for Zac's project.

Zac spent roughly 300 hours designing, printing, testing, and assembling the chair before it was ready. The final product featured pink accents, a removable cup holder, a tray table, and an adjustable footrest and headrest, all of which could accommodate her growing needs. The straps were printed using a soft, flexible material to ensure maximum comfort.

Zac's family provided support throughout the project, helping him stay on track while allowing him to explore his own ideas. Charlotte Waters, Zac's grandmother, emphasized the importance of the experience, hoping that it would leave a lasting impact on Zac as he grew older.

Although Zac's project is part of a broader volunteer effort run by MakeGood, which has delivered over 1,000 Toddler Mobility Trainers, more than 550 requests for the devices remain pending. The average wait time for a chair is approximately 70 days. MakeGood also notes that over 2 million children in the US do not have a mobility device they need.

Looking forward, Zac plans to continue honing his 3D printing skills and aspires to reach the level of expertise possessed by the MakeGood engineering team. He has not yet decided on a specific career path but hopes to pursue a "techy" profession.