Visitors at the recent Western Canada Farm Progress Show got a first look at this new "lay down seat" for people who would otherwise find it difficult -- or even impossible -- to ride an ATV.

The full-length "seat" lifts a person up from a wheelchair into operating position above the controls, laying facedown. The seat was developed by Bill Green of Airdrie, Alta. He removed the seat and rear cargo rack from an Arctic Cat 500 4-wheeler. His add-on seat is operated by electric-powered linear actuators that slide up or down on a pair of stainless steel rails. The operator brings the seat down to its lowest position, then kneels on a padded "beavertail" knee rest and straps on a seat belt equipped with a back support. At the touch of a switch, the seat moves up into the driving position. Another switch is used to adjust the angle of the "beaver tail" knee rest, and a third switch changes the driver's angle of incline for traveling up or down slopes.

Green recommends adding a rollover protective cage for increased safety. The cage bolts to the seat base, foot pegs, and front rack mounts. An extended rear tail on the cage keeps the ATV from tipping over backward.

Green also offers a fiberglass body to fit over the rollover cage which turns the ATV into a little mini car. It has an electrically-operated rear door and tempered glass windows with wipers, mirrors, highway lights, and a horn. The body comes in red or green, with black trim. Other colors are available on request.

"By replacing the ATV's original wheels with 14-in. high car tires and rims, the operator can go down the road at highway speeds. Signal light and horn switches are located on the handlebars," says Green, who notes that the kit be fitted to most ATV brands and models.