Explanation of measurements used in Motability searchable price guide
Seat height
The height of the seat can make a great difference. Seats of the wrong height can be hard to get onto or off. If you use a wheelchair you may want the car seat to be on the level with your wheelchair seat. In Ricability tests some people wanted a high seat (most preferred a height of between 65-67cm), some a low seat (49-50cm) and others wanted something between.
The measurements in the searchable price guide show which of these ranges the seat height falls into:
53.9 cm or below
54-57.9 cm
58-61.9 cm
62-65.9 cm
66cm or more
The seat is measured from the highest part of the drivers seat, without compressing the padding. It shows the vertical distance from there to the ground. If the seat is adjustable the rating is done on the basis of the average of the highest and lowest setting.
Entry space
The ratings combine the width of the door at the bottom and the distance from the back of the seat to the front of the door. The measurement is the average of the width of the door, taken at the bottom just beyond any curve, and the distance from the back of the seat to the front post.
Head room (door)
The height of the door opening from the ground, taken 200mm from the B post.
The measurements in the searchable price guide show which of these ranges the door height falls into:
124.9 or below
125-134.9
135-144.9
145-154.9
155 or more
Door opening angle
The door needs to open wide enough to let you get in easily. But doors that open very wide can be hard to reach when you want to close them. Most people in Ricability tests preferred a door that opened at least 66 not including the door pocket.
This angle takes into account any protrusion, such as door pockets, that may get in the way or cut down on the space you have to swing your legs in. So it represents the minimum space you have.
The measurements in the searchable price guide show which of these ranges the door angle falls into:
up to 55 degrees
56-60 degrees
61-65 degrees
66-70 degrees
71 or more degrees
Can carry folded wheelchair (seats up)
Whether a wheelchair will fit in fully folded, with the back seats of the car in their upright position. The wheelchair used is the Department of Transport reference wheelchair. Folded and standing up it measures
width: 33 cm
height (back down): 73.5 cm
length: 80.5 cm
Can carry partially folded wheelchair (seats Down)
Whether a wheelchair will fit in with its back folded, with the back seats of the car folded down. Where vehicles have 3 rows of seats, the rating used has been for the third row folded, rather than the second and third row. With its back folded down, the reference wheelchair measures:
width: 74 cm
height (back down): 70 cm
length: 80.5 cm
More information
For precise measurements and details go to Car Measurement database
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