The ins and outs of choosing a car (view report contents)
Car Design
Cars could be designed to be easier for older and disabled people. Many
helpful features first appear on the more expensive, top of the range
cars, but some are now available on cheaper models. These features are
described in the following pages.
Design 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 everything – windows,
mirrors, seats ...
Report contents
Introduction
Car design
Choosing a car
What to look for -
- Useful built-in features
- Getting in and out
- Seats and seating
- Major controls
- Secondary controls
- Accessories
- Loading and stowing
- Wheelchair users
- Staying in your wheelchair
- Buying second hand
Checklist
Techniques
Who can drive?
Getting insurance
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Useful publications
Addresses
