What to look for
Car design to seek out, useful extras and adaptations you can add
The good news is that many features once found only on luxury cars are now more widely available. For example, keyless entry systems and parking cameras are starting to appear on less expensive models.
This section tells you what features to look for when choosing a car and gives a rundown of the extra equipment which can help you use it. We have described some of the features on new cars which are particularly helpful.
Prices of adaptations are those typically charged and should be used as a guide only. If you can, shop around and talk to firms as prices vary.
Bear in mind that adaptation firms are specialists and can often come up with a solution even when no standard product meets your needs. Mobility Centres will give you the opportunity to see equipment, try it out and get more information and advice.
Features to look out for
- Low, narrow door sills or no sill at all
- Height adjustable seats
- Seats which slide back far and are easy to move
- Back and lumbar support on seats
- High and wide doors
- Plenty of leg and foot room
- No intrusive central consoles
- Wide, flat access to the boot
- Strong, useful grab handles
- Parking sensors or cameras
- Electric mirrors, seats...
Ricability has an online Car Measurement Guide which will help you draw up a shortlist of cars with dimensions that make it easier for you to get in and out of them, or get a wheelchair into them. You can choose the criteria to search on. These include:
- seat height
- size of door
- headroom inside
- door opening angle
- Whether the vehicle can carry a wheelchair with seats folded or unfolded.
next page: Getting in and out