Running a coffee stall by day in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Vimal Kishore invests his earnings into inventing practical solutions to everyday problems. His latest achievement is Lailo, a solar-powered car built from scooter and discarded car parts, designed to help him travel despite his leg disability.
- Car built for Rs 90,000 using scooter and scrap parts
- Equipped with solar power, GPS, and rear-view camera
- Inventor supports work through running a local coffee stall
What happened
Vimal Kishore, who faces mobility challenges due to a leg disability from infancy, created a solar-powered car named Lailo, made chiefly from scooter parts and leftover car components. He funded this project through the earnings from his small coffee stall in Prayagraj. His goal was to regain the freedom of independent travel, which traditional cars could not provide given his physical limitations.
Despite lacking formal engineering training and resources like a workshop or team, Vimal meticulously designed his vehicle, sourcing affordable and discarded materials. The result is a practical, low-cost car that includes modern features such as GPS and a rear-view camera, showing how innovation can flourish under constraints.
Why it feels good
Vimal’s story is a powerful reminder of human resilience and ingenuity. Faced with a lifelong disability, he turned what could have been a limitation into motivation, creating solutions that benefit himself and potentially others in similar situations. His journey from taking apart toys to building functional machines reflects curiosity and determination in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the fact that Vimal continues to balance his invention work with running a coffee stall highlights a grounded, hardworking spirit. His innovations have attracted recognition, including awards from notable figures, emphasizing how community-driven creativity and resourcefulness are valuable and inspiring.
What to enjoy or watch next
Vimal’s inventive journey is ongoing, with creations beyond Lailo like a power bank made from scrap materials, a cooler fashioned from a discarded drum, and a miniature spinning wheel that set a world record. Following his progress offers a window into grassroots innovation powered by passion and perseverance.
For those inspired by Vimal’s work, exploring local makerspaces or entrepreneurial workshops can be rewarding. Stories like his encourage us to look at everyday challenges as opportunities to invent and improve lives, especially by using sustainable and affordable approaches.