True mobility isn’t just about getting around your home, the shops and other destinations. It’s about having complete freedom to choose where you go, when, and with whom. That’s why owning a car is the ultimate mobility device. Not only will it let you travel potentially hundreds of miles; it’ll let you take your local mobility devices, like scooters, rollators and walking frames, with you.
Unfortunately, most cars are not designed around people with disabilities. In fact, even those of us with quite minor movement restrictions can find essential driving actions difficult. Things like getting in the car, maintaining full visibility, staying comfortable and activating the controls aren’t always as straightforward as they appear.
The good news is that cars can be professionally adapted to help pretty much anyone to get on the road, and there could be grants available to do just that. Also, there are plenty of quick and easy ways to make your car more accessible so you can hit the road with comfort, confidence and safety.
Driving controls and adaptations
If you’ve ever driven a car without power steering or assisted brakes, you’ll already know how much every modern vehicle on the road has some pretty powerful assistance as standard. However, there are adaptations that take the concept even further, so the controls can work with the minimum of input. Also, there are more temporary adaptations that can be set up in minutes and can greatly improve the driving experience.
Hands-only controls
This is a major adaptation, but it transforms the car into a hands-only vehicle, and is designed for those without the use of their legs or feet. They use paddles, joysticks or handles to allow the user to brake and accelerate using their fingers, and they’re remarkably precise and safe once the driver is used to them.
Pedal extensions
For those with shorter legs, or limited mobility, all three pedals can be adapted so they’re closer to the seat, by using extensions. Then, the driver simply operates the car as usual.
Steering aids
There’s a host of steering aids available, including:
- Spinner knobs or steering balls – these are attached to the steering wheel and allow the user to turn it with one hand.
- Pegs and grips – Similar to the knob, they attach to the steering wheel and allow the drive to turn the wheel. Some have extra pegs so the wrist can enhance grip and precision.
- Joystick steering – A joystick can be installed that replaces the steering wheel altogether, so the car can be driven rather like a scooter.
- Enhanced power steering – Your car’s power steering can be boosted with extra-strength assisted steering, so it requires minimal effort to use.
Reduced-effort braking systems
Like enhanced power steering, the regular assisted braking system in a car can be enhanced so that it can be operated with a lighter touch. It might take a bit of getting used to, but greatly enhances safety when you’re accustomed to it.
Touchpad or switch controls
Most new cars have touchpads built in, and a lot of the secondary controls, like lights, wipers, air conditioning and so on, are often controllable with it. If your car isn’t that advanced, however, it can sometimes be possible to install a touch pad close to your hands to operate everything without reaching or needing to operate fiddly switches and controls.
Voice-control systems
Another feature that modern cars are beginning to adopt, voice control lets you literally tell the car what to switch on or off, or turn up or down, and it’ll do it. It’s handy for people lacking fine motor skills.
Wheelchair and scooter transport aids
Full mobility comes when you can take your scooter or wheelchair anywhere with you. A lift, hoist or ramp can help you get your mobility aid in and out of your car, without any help. They usually require some adaptation, however. Options include:
- Manual wheelchair hoists/lifts
- Powered wheelchair lifts
- Platform lifts
- Rooftop carriers
Find out more about these devices by reading our article on car boot hoists.
Transfer and access aids
There are some people who could drive perfectly well unassisted, but don’t drive because they have trouble getting in and out of the car, or being comfortable when they’re driving. But there are aids for that, too.
Swivel seats
The seat rotates 90 degrees, so you can reverse yourself into the seat and spin it round, rather than struggling to get in the car sideways.
Transfer cushions
Instead of replacing the whole seat, you can get cushions that sit on top of the regular seat swivel round, or very low friction cushions, so you can get in and out more easily.
Seat belt reachers
Many people find it hard to reach over their shoulder to grab the seat belt. A seat belt reacher is a special handle that puts it within easy reach, but doesn’t affect the essential function of the seat belt.
Car door handle aids
These ingeniously simple devices hook into the door catch and give you something to hold your weight as you’re entering or leaving the car. When not in use, they sit in the door’s storage pod.
Wheelchair docking stations
This one’s quite a major upgrade, but it’s sometimes possible to replace the driver’s seat with a docking station, so you can roll the wheelchair into the car and start driving. They need to be professionally installed to achieve safety and comfort, but they’re a brilliant addition for those who need them.
Comfort and positioning aids
Comfort is essential when driving, not just for enjoyment but also to ensure you’re not putting undue strain on your body. Here are some devices that can help.
Lumbar supports or back cushions
Get these fitted by a professional if possible, but they can keep your back in the optimum position for comfort, just like the cushions in a regular chair.
Seat wedges and booster cushions
Handy for shorter people or those with back issues, they lift your position so you have better visibility, comfort and ability to operate the car. They might need to be installed along with pedal extensions, however.
Head and neck supports
You can get special cushioned devices that keep your head and neck comfortable while allowing an appropriate degree of movement for driving.
Safety, comfort and freedom
There’s a good chance that most of us will recognise at least one of the items listed above as a way to improve our ability to drive. If you’re struggling to get about but really want to explore further than the range of your scooter, a simple adaptation – or perhaps a major one – could be the key to unlocking a new-found sense of adventure and freedom. Are there any that you think could improve your driving experience?
