Motoring with cerebral palsy (view report contents)
Choosing a car
Many people with cerebral palsy will need automatic transmission and adaptations. Products and techniques gives an overview of the equipment that might help you.
The following pointers should help you identify useful features on standard production vehicles. Remember that the less a car is modified, the higher its resale value.
When deciding on the type of car, think about your likely needs in future. Many features that are helpful to disabled motorists, like power steering, are now available on a wider range of models, so you should have some choice.
Getting in and out
- easy door handles that you just pull on, without buttons or levers
- tall and wide door openings – doors on two-door cars are usually wider
- doors with a wide opening angle
- no sills or low, narrow sills
- conveniently placed handholds
- seat height that best suits you
- electrically operated seats which go up and down, forwards and back – useful if you need space to get your legs in but you need to sit closer to the wheel for driving
- space around the seat
- plenty of leg and foot room
- no door pockets that get in the way
Locking and ignition
- remote and central locking
- keyless entry system – easier than using a key
- remote start
- windows that close automatically when the car is locked
Primary controls
For steering, braking and accelerating
- automatic transmission. A must for most disabled drivers
- power assisted steering – on some cars the effort needed can be lightened, through the dealership or by specialist converters
- cruise control to maintain a constant speed
Secondary controls
For things like the horn, lights and indicators – try to find a model with these in the best position for you electric windows
- electric and heated door mirrors
- heated windscreen
- wipers which switch on automatically when it rains
- lights which switch on automatically when it gets dark
- easy controls for audio equipment
- parking distance sensor – sounds if you are near an obstacle
- avoid or adapt ratchet type handbrakes which can be stiff if you have a weak hand and wrist
Boot or hatch
- no sill or low sill
- rear seats which fold flat by power
- hatch which opens by power
- internal boot/hatch release
- adequate space if you have a wheelchair
Report Contents
About
this guide
Driving
with cerebral palsy
Choosing
a car
Plan
of action
Products
and techniques
Getting
in and out
Primary
controls
Secondary
controls
Finance
Further
information
Helpful
organisations
