UTAH BOY, 13, 3D-PRINTED A WHEELCHAIR FOR A TODDLER

A 13-year-old Utah boy spent his summer break building a 3D-printed wheelchair for a 21-month-old girl, and he gave it pink accents because that’s her favorite color.

Zac Waters of Lehi, Utah, designed, printed, tested and assembled the custom mobility chair himself. ABC4 shared his story on August 9, 2026. The project took roughly 300 hours.

“It combines my two favorite things in life: 3D printing and helping people in need,” Zac said.

People called the teen a “true hero” in its headline.

How a YouTube video led to a wheelchair

Zac got hooked on 3D printing after watching a YouTube video about it.

He then learned about MakeGood, a nonprofit that provides designs for assistive devices made by volunteer printers. The designs are free, and People reported that recipients get the devices free of charge.

India Today reported that the chair is a Toddler Mobility Trainer, a mobility chair for young children with disabilities. The outlet also reported that MakeGood’s volunteer effort has delivered more than 1,000 of them.

His favorite stage was putting the pieces together, ABC4 reported.

What’s built into the chair

The pink accents are the most visible touch, but the design is practical, too.

The chair has a removable cupholder and tray table. Its back has space for heavier medical equipment.

The straps are adjustable and made from soft, flexible material. The footrest and headrest also adjust, so the chair can change with the girl as she grows.