Pediatric occupational therapists use scooter boards in treating kids who have various motion or balance issues. Here's a picture of a commercial model in use:
The kids don't think of it as therapy; they're just having a blast. OT's are tricky that way.
The plywood base of the commercial model is sturdier than the 1x3 legs I used. I had wanted to use plywood, too, but weight was an issue, and I was building a customized model to the exacting needs of one particular OT: my wife. So I chose the less sturdy design, knowing I'd be on call to make occasional repairs.
My version uses a 1" dowel as a hinge, allowing the ramp to be folded back over the platform when not in use. Or the ramp can simply be lifted and stored elsewhere. Here are some close-ups of the hinge detail:
The platform is 12" above the floor. Its dimensions are 22" by 34". The ramp is 24 1/2" wide (to fit outside the platform at the hinge) by 41" long.
Here's how it looks, folded:
It's a pleasure to build something that gives joy on a daily basis while helping kids in therapy.
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