At JEGS, we’re proud to serve racers, builders, and performance enthusiasts. But sometimes, our products find a purpose far beyond the track. This is one of those stories.
Elaina Wall recently reached out to share something extraordinary. Her son Carter, who has autism, uses spinning as a sensory regulation method. Like many children on the autism spectrum, Carter benefits from daily spinning to help calm his nervous system and focus. But as he grew, the sensory equipment available to him became too small, uncomfortable, or ineffective.
That’s when a remarkable team of engineering students stepped in.
The Birth of Carter’s Chair
Carter’s Chair is a custom-built sensory spinning chair designed specifically for older children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. The chair took six months to develop and build, led by a university engineering class determined to create a more inclusive solution for sensory needs.
At the heart of this chair is a JEGS Pro High Back Race Seat JEGS Part #555-70200, which provides critical support, comfort, and durability. The chair is paired with a JEGS Blue and Black Vinyl Seat Cover JEGS Part #555-70272, which adds style and padding, making it easier to enjoy for longer periods.
The high-density polyethylene construction of the JEGS seat offers firm yet ergonomic back and lumbar support, and its lightweight design made it ideal for this innovative spinning application. The team then used 3D-printed and plasma-cut parts, PVC framing, and a rotating base to complete the build.
A Growing Movement in the Autism Community
Carter’s Chair quickly gained traction online, especially within the autism and neurodivergent community. A TikTok video showcasing the chair has gone viral, as families across the country are now hoping to build one for their children. The response has been overwhelming, with hundreds of parents reaching out for help replicating the design.
One reason the chair has resonated so deeply is the lack of sensory seating options for older children. Many commercial spinning products are too small or not built to support the needs of teens and adults. Carter’s Chair bridges that gap in a safe, functional, and dignified way.
Building Carter’s Chair
Thanks to the generosity of the university professor who oversaw the project, detailed instructions and 3D print files have been made available for free. Elaina Wall has personally shared these instructions with families across the country, enabling others to build a version of Carter’s Chair in their own home.
The full how-to guide includes:
- A bill of materials including the JEGS seat and cover
- Printable STL files for 3D parts
- Step-by-step instructions with photos
- PVC frame assembly
- Cover customization and fitment
- Tips for modifying the base for smooth spinning
For more on how the chair was made, visit the official Makeable project page
Why This Matters
Carter’s Chair is more than a cool DIY project. It represents what happens when innovation meets compassion. It’s a story of how a race seat built for high-speed performance became part of a life-changing sensory tool, empowering a child to self-regulate, grow, and thrive.
At JEGS, we are honored to have played a small role in this incredible journey. To Elaina, Carter, the engineering students, and all the families now building chairs of their own, we say thank you for showing us the true power of ingenuity and community.
If you’ve built something meaningful with a JEGS product, we’d love to hear about it. Stories like Carter’s remind us that performance comes in many forms, and sometimes, the best builds happen off the track.
Thank you to Elaina Wall for sharing this amazing story and to all the families helping spread awareness for sensory accessibility.
