Things to look for
Getting in and out
It’s often said that modern cars are all the same. This is not true, and if you have a disability or are just getting less strong or flexible as you get older quite small differences in the shape and size of such things as doors or seats can make a big difference to how easy it is to get in and out of a particular car.
If you already know what things are important to you, go straight to Choosing a car and start tapping in details of what you need. As you go, the site will sort through our database of cars we have measured and list those which meet your needs.
If you are new to this idea, see below for the measurements that make a difference to some groups of people with particular disabilities. Use this as a guide to help pick out what might be important to you before going on to Choosing a car.
Can’t bend your legs
Most people with stiff legs sit on the car seat and then lift both of their legs in over the sill. Many people lift each leg over by hand, sometimes with help from the end of a walking stick or a purpose designed leg lifter.
Look for
a wide door
a seat that will slide far enough back to give room for your legs. With some cars you may have to slide the seat back when you get in, and then slide it forwards again once you are in.
avoid large protruding door pockets that get in the way
if lifting your legs is hard go for a low sill
Have difficulty getting up from a seat
This is very common, particularly as cars have got lower over the years. You may be able to lower yourself down onto a low seat, but getting up again can be a strain.
Look for
a seat that is the right height from the ground, but remember that this will be different when you are parked against a kerb
a height adjustable seat may help
a grab handle above the seat may be useful. Otherwise look for convenient places to hold onto
Transfer from your wheelchair
Many people look for a car seat that is the same height as their wheelchair seat so that they can slide across on the level. Others prefer the car seat to be lower or higher than the wheelchair. Some people slide across without equipment while other use a transfer board.
Look for
your preferred height of seat. Remember to allow for kerbs.
a car with a seat that is close enough to the side of the car, to minimise the gap you have to cross
a door that opens far enough to get the wheelchair in the right position
a door without pockets that protrude and stop you getting near the car seat
Can’t bend your upper body
Look for
a car with a high door
a door opening that does not slope too steeply
a wide door also may help
Use sticks
Some people find it convenient to put sticks between the seat and the side of the car.
Look for
seats that give your room to do this
Getting a wheelchair or other mobility aid into the boot or hatch
We have measured the width of the boot or hatch at its narrowest point, and measured its length with the back seats folded and unfolded. Lifting things over a high sill can be difficult, so we have measured the height of the sill, from the ground and from the floor of the car. We give the width and height of the boot at various points so that you can judge how easy it might be to get your wheelchair in.
As a practical test we tried getting a test manual wheelchair into the car – click for details of this chair. We tried getting the wheelchair with it fully folded [pic + caption to give sizes], and unfolded, with its back down [pic+caption to give sizes]. We rated whether it fitted in easily or tightly or would not fit at all. This was done with the rear car seats upright and folded down.
If you know the size of your own wheelchair, this may help you decide, along with the measurements we have taken, if you will be able to fit it into the car easily or not.
