Hot Wheels Unveils Flippin Fast for Inclusive Play

Hot Wheels, the classic toy car brand from Mattel, continues to expand its inclusivity with the launch of the Flippin Fast, developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). This new product is aimed at an audience that many retailers often overlook.

Designed to provide a more inclusive play experience, the Flippin Fast features a unique design that allows it to roll just as smoothly upside down as it does right side up. With its large wheels suspending the body at their midpoints and symmetrical X-Y diagonal structure, the car breaks away from traditional orientations, offering a more open-ended playtime.

But the innovation doesn’t end there. The Flippin Fast includes a rotating center piece, including the cockpit, which spins independently of the car body, doubling up as a fidget spinner for kids who find sensory comfort in such activities.

Zoe Gross, ASAN’s director of advocacy, emphasizes the importance of allowing children to play in ways that suit them, promoting self-regulation and self-expression. “This car can be played with in any configuration, and whether kids prefer to play pretend with it or just spin the wheels, the design emphasizes that there’s no wrong way to play.”

This latest release follows the success of last year’s Braille Twin Mill, which incorporated Braille dots into the car itself and its packaging, making Hot Wheels accessible to visually impaired children.

Mattel’s collaboration with ASAN extends beyond Hot Wheels, with plans to develop more inclusive products across its toy brands. Notably, in 2022, the company introduced Bruno, a character with autism, to the Thomas & Friends franchise.

The Flippin Fast’s launch coincides with Autism Awareness Month in April and is available at retailers nationwide for $1.25, ensuring that inclusive play is accessible to all. With its affordable price point and innovative design, the Flippin Fast aims to revolutionize playtime for children of all abilities, fostering creativity and inclusivity in every roll.