It looks like the wheelpilot was meant to be hacked. Seems like you can put your own control code on it
.
But yes, the FETs can handle the 12V (they probably go up to 60V), and so can the regulator on the board (probably goes up to 12-18V). I'd be slightly more concerned at the battery charging circuity, even though you won't try charging through it, but I would assume it won't be an issue.