‘Barrett Midget’ Invalid Carriage
"Barrett Midget" model 60, invalid carriage, registration number 864 THW, c. 1963
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'Barrett Midget' model 60, invalid carriage, registration number 864 THW, c. 1963
In the 1960s, small car-like invalid carriages like this were replacing earlier ‘trolley-like’ vehicles. They were originally adapted from motorbikes and reached acceptable speeds on the road, but were neither powerful nor sturdy. They were for one person only, although there was space at the side of the seat for a folded wheelchair. This Model 60 is also a soft-top and the roof could fold down.
Barrett Midgets, and similar cars, became familiar on British roads. They provided valuable mobility and independence to people with disabilities who could afford them. They were distinct as an invalid carriage. These vehicles are now banned from public roads and have been replaced by specially adapted regular cars.
- Measurements:
-
overall: 1300 mm x 2440 mm x 1140 mm,
- Materials:
- body works, fibre glass , softop, canvas , softop, plastic and tyres, rubber
- Object Number:
- 1983-192/1
- type:
- invalid carriage
- Image ©
- The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum