The ins and outs of choosing a car (view report contents)
Seats and seating
Find a shape that suits you.
Look for: the right seat 
Low seats mean more bending of your ankles, knees and hips. Higher seats mean you don’t have to drop down too far or struggle to get up again. Everyone is different but seats which are between 50 and 55cm from the ground suit most people, including wheelchair users. Try out the seat from both road and kerb level.
Features found on some cars:
- Seats which adjust up and down help you get in and out and find a
comfortable driving position. Available in most manufacturers’
ranges, at least for the driver’s seat. Electrically adjustable
seats are fairly easy to find on more expensive cars.
- Some seats have memory settings. A single button adjusts the seat
to your preferred settings. Found on a wide range of more expensive
cars.
- Some cars have an easy entry system. The front passenger seat moves
forward automatically to give easier access to the rear seats
- Most cars now have height adjustable seat belts, so there is a greater chance of both a comfortable and safe fit.
- Heated seats are available on an increasing number of cars, as are ventilated seats that allow air to circulate and reduce stickiness.
The Mercedes seat moves in all directions by power
Adaptations which may help:
An existing car seat can be raised (£80-£300) or adapted so that its height is adjustable by power (around £700) from adaptation firms.
Adaptations to help you get in and out
- A turning cushion helps you turn round on the car seat. It makes the
seat higher and if it can’t be locked in place, you may feel unstable
going round corners. Make sure it is firmly secured to the car seat.
From adaptation firms, £13–£130. Alternatively use
a plastic bag to help you slide on to the seat and round to face forwards.
Remove it during the journey so you do not slip about.
- If getting into a seat and turning to face forward is difficult, a
swivelling seat may help. Some turn 90º to face out of the car,
some slide out over the sill and some models turn a full 180º,
which makes transferring from a wheelchair easier. They are more suitable
for 2-door cars because the doors are wider. If you want to use one
with a 4-door car, check with the supplier. If you have stiff legs make
sure the swivel seat slides back far enough for you to get in. From
adaptation firms, £700+; £1,600 for models which swivel
180º. Note that swivelling seats do not help you stand up, although
you will be starting from a higher position. Check that you will have
enough headroom once the seat is fitted.
- It may be possible to convert an existing seat in various ways - heightened, made to move up and down or swivel, for example. Some can be powered. From £800+ from adaptation firms.
- A lift can be fitted between the door and the car seat. You slide
on, swing round to face out and the lift gently rises until you are
in a near standing position or until you stop it. There are various
types. With some you have to remove the lifting arm before you can shut
the door. £695–£1,575 from adaptation firms.
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A simpler device is the Handybar. It inserts into the doorframe and supports your weight as you move in and out of the car. It has a glass-breaker and seatbelt cutter for emergencies. From about £29 from general aids suppliers.
This swivelling cushion works like a turntable
This Gowrings swivelling seat can make getting into a car much easier
The Handybar supports you when getting in and out
Other adaptations to the seat
- Nearly two-thirds of adults in the UK have had experience of back pain. Seats with manually adjustable lumbar support are available with some cars; electric on fewer models.
- There is a large range of cushions and backrests designed to be used
in cars. Ranging from simple pads and rolls for lumbar support to shaped
inserts which fit on to the car seat. Some are designed to level out
the angle of the seat squab (the part you sit on). From £15–£70+
depending on type and material. From adaptation firms, general aids
suppliers and specialists – under orthopaedic goods in a classified
phone book.
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Car seats can be replaced with seats from specialist manufacturers. There is a wide range available. Replacement seats can move up, down, back and forwards under power. The variety of shapes available means they can also give good support. For example, some seats have adjustable lumbar support and some are longer to give your legs more support. Some have suspension to reduce vibration. From adaptation firms, £400– £2,000+ depending on options.
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Some seats have climate control so your clothing and the seat remain comfortable even in hot weather. Most controls can be powered.
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An alternative is a heated seat back, which fits on top of the car seat and runs from the lighter socket (£22 from MEDesign).
Cushions and inserts make car seats more comfortable
This Recaro replacement seat has electrically adjustable position, tilt and lumbar support. Climate control and other options are possible
Useful leaflet
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy have a leaflet
Take the pain out of driving, which has information about choosing
a car seat and driving posture. A text only version is on their web-site.
For a free copy, contact the Society at:
14 Bedford Row
London WC1R 4ED
Tel: 020 7306 6666
Fax: 020 7306 6611
www.csp.org.uk
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
