David, Author at Dr. Handicap

Wheelchairs help many people to remain independent – but a big part of that independence comes from accessing transportation that can accommodate your wheelchair. That’s why it’s so important for wheelchair users to find a vehicle that you not only like, but that’s accessible too.

The good news is that there are many cars on the market today that are accessible to those in wheelchairs. Here are some of the best cars for wheelchair users that you might want to consider.

The Benefits Of Each Car Type For Wheelchair Users

If you’ve already started your new car search, you know that there are many choices out there. With all of the things wheelchair users have to take into consideration, there are definitely benefits to each car type on the market today. Here’s a breakdown:

Minivans

These are a great all-around vehicle for wheelchair users since they have so much room. You can find them at a variety of price points, and they provide quick access and have high safety ratings. You can get a minivan with either a side or rear entry, too, which is a definite bonus for ease of use when out and about with your wheelchair. A minivan is one of the best cars for wheelchair transfers, too.

Full-size vans

Most full-size vans will come with a lift instead of a ramp. These systems can be a lot more expensive than other types of cars, but they have a lot of room, which some people need not only to accommodate their wheelchair but their family as well.

SUVs

This type of car is very popular since it is great for off-road driving and driving in inclement weather. An SUV can be more expensive than other options, but does tend to be much roomier than a minivan, with a lot of cargo space.

Cars

Cars are normally the most affordable option but offer the least amount of extra space. However, they’re low to the ground, which is good for transferring. They’re easy to handle, too, which makes them a great option for new drivers.

Trucks

Trucks are powerful and great for towing, but may not be the best option for wheelchair users since they’re high off the ground. The wheelchair, once stored in the back, can also be exposed to the elements.

Dr Handicap - disabled drivers — *Image by Why Kei on Unsplash: Wondering what cars can take a wheelchair? Let’s investigate.*

What is the best car for wheelchairs?

Let’s take a look at some specific models of the best wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the market right now.

Ford C-Max

This car has plenty of room for both passengers and drivers. It features high, wide doors to give wheelchair users plenty of space to transfer and a lot of room in the back for mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

The C-Max can also be adapted for wheelchair users by adding seat lifts, wheelchair hoists, pedals, and hand controls. Plus, it’s relatively affordable, which is always a bonus!

Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you like to have a little oomph in your engine, you can’t go wrong with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This small SUV can be fitted with power seats, tie-downs, running boards, and lifts for wheelchair users thanks to Chrysler’s Automobility Program. Conversions under this program qualify the owner for a reimbursement for up to $1,000, which is a nice bonus.

Subaru Forester

This small SUV is one of the most popular cars on the market, for both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. But for those in a wheelchair in particular, this SUV offers a lot of safety and comfort. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, and is one of the most dependable SUVs you can find year after year.

Every Subaru can undergo modifications from the factory to make it more accessible, such as foot or hand control and pedal extensions. The hatchback also makes it easy to store your wheelchair.

Hyundai Sonata

This is a simple but dependable car for wheelchair users. It’s a midsize car that is reliable and comes with a great warranty. It’s easy to access since it’s low to the ground, and comes with features such as a smart system so you’ll never have to ask for direction again.

Dr Handicap - Toyota — *Image by Dima Fedorov on Unsplash: What is the best car for wheelchairs? That comes down to your personal needs as a wheelchair user.*

Honda Odyssey

If you’re in the market for a minivan, the Odyssey is one of the most reliable you can find. It gets great fuel economy and is easy to handle. Even though it’s a minivan, the floors are low for ease of entry and it can be modified easily for wheelchair users.

Kia Soul

If you’re looking for a car that’s a little quirky, then the boxy Kia Soul fits the bill. It looks compact from the outside but is actually quite roomy on the inside, with high ceilings and low floors. It also has wide doors for easy entry and exit. Plus, the low price makes it affordable for almost anyone.

If you’re looking for a new car, this list should get you off to a good start to finding the best car for a wheelchair user!

Featured image by Marianne Bos on Unsplash

Things that many people take for granted, such as getting in and out of their cars, can be a challenging feat for disabled drivers. But some cars offer up a better way to enter or exit, giving disabled drivers access to a comfortable and safe driving experience. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the easiest cars to get in and out of for disabled drivers.

What is the easiest vehicle to get in and out of?

Choosing the easiest vehicle to get in and out of doesn’t necessarily come down to a specific brand or model. However, when it comes to accessibility, the SUV tends to reign supreme, according to internet polls. Sedans and other smaller vehicles can also provide great access when it comes to exiting and entering, but the SUV often make things a lot easier due to being higher off the ground. It gives disabled drivers the ability to step up into their vehicle as opposed to sitting down into it.

Dr Handicap - SUV — *Image by JD Weiher on Unsplash: What is the best car for disabled driver access?*

What is the most trouble-free car?

All drivers want a reliable vehicle, but choosing one can be a challenge for disabled drivers who have limited mobility and find it hard to get in and out of typically sized cars. As mentioned above, many people believe the best type of car for someone with a mobility disability is a SUV because of its position. But what’s the best SUV for seniors or disabled drivers to get in and out of?

According to reports, three SUVs have the lowest number of complaints against them: the Subaru Forester, the Lexus RX, and the Toyota Rav 4. These vehicles make getting in and out of the car easy, all while providing peace of mind and a good driving experience.

Cars for disabled drivers

Even though the SUV is a great option for those with mobility issues, it’s not the only type of car that is easy to get in and out of. Some people may not want to drive an SUV, so it’s good to know what other options are out there.

The following list is a mix and match of cars for disabled drivers to find their way comfortably and safely onto the road.

Hyundai Sonata: This car provides plenty of room to get in and out with ease.
Volkswagen Passat: Since there is a lot of front and back room, getting out of the Passat is easier for disabled drivers.
Chrysler 300: This specific model is the optimal size for those who have trouble with mobility.
Toyota Camry: This mid-size car is roomy enough to get in and out of, but doesn’t break the bank.
Dodge Charger: The Charger is a full-size vehicle that provides ample room to get in and out with ease.
Infinity Q70: This mid-size luxury vehicle provides lots of leg and head room so that anyone with limited mobility can get in and out with no trouble at all.
Lexus RX: Another luxury vehicle, this time full-size, the Lexus RX offers a roomy and comfortable interior that makes car trips easy and worry-free.
Subaru Forester: This easily modifiable car is high enough off the ground that getting in and out is easy for those who have issues with bending and sitting in cars that are lower to the pavement.

Dr Handicap - driving — *Image by Jessica Furtney on Unsplash: What is the most trouble-free car?*

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Like the Forester, the Grand Cherokee is high off the ground and also comes with the ability to be modified to disabled drivers’ needs.
Chevrolet Silverado: For those who use a wheelchair, the Silverado comes with its own wheelchair lift and hinged doors for getting in and out easily.
Kia Soul: The Kia Soul has big doors and low floors that make entering and exiting a breeze for anyone.
MV-1: This car is one of the first to be built with accessibility in mind. It has its own power ramp and a spacious interior.
Honda Odyssey: The Odyssey provides drivers with a lot of head and leg room, low floors, and sizable doors that can slide for extra ease of entry and exit.

For those with disabilities, getting in and out of a vehicle doesn’t need to be stressful or uncomfortable. The best way to ensure a good driving experience is by choosing the right vehicle.

Featured image by Tabea Damm on Unsplash

People who have limited use of their hands and arms have difficulties in many areas of life. But driving your own vehicle doesn’t have to be one of them, especially when vehicles can be modified to suit disabled drivers’ needs.

In the instance where someone cannot drive a car without modifications, there are several simple changes they can make to give them access to freedom and the open road.

Is it a law to drive with two hands?

When a person is first learning to drive, they’re usually told that both hands should be on the wheel at all times. Perhaps your instructor told you that your hands belong at 10 and 2, or 3 and 9. Where a person places their hands on the wheel will vary depending on who taught them to drive – but there is no actual law to back up these lessons.

When a person is operating a motor vehicle, it is safety and focus that benefits the most from having both hands on the wheel. How many hands are on the wheel, or the exact position they’re in, is not a legal issue, but rather one that’s designed to teach people how to handle a vehicle when they are first learning.

Dr Handicap - driving with one hand — *Image by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash: Can you drive an automatic car with one arm?*

Can you drive an automatic car with one arm?

Driving a car with one arm may be difficult, but it is not impossible. A manually driven vehicle does require the use of two arms, because the gearstick needs to be constantly moved. This type of vehicle cannot be operated by a person with only one arm.

A vehicle with automatic transmission is a different story. This is because there is no gearstick that needs to be moved while driving. A person with one arm can navigate the roads with ease using one hand. They may want to opt for a wheel spinner to use with their arm for better control and access to some controls.

Car modifications for amputees

There are several modifications that can be made to a personal vehicle if its driver has lost the use of one or more of their limbs. These modifications make driving accessible and safe. Many vehicles now come equipped with some of the features that would have been considered modifications in older model cars. Things such as power steering and power brakes can be found in most off-the-line vehicles, so these modifications won’t likely need to be added to a vehicle you’re purchasing.

A pedal extension can be a great tool for those with an amputated leg. It allows the driver to control the brakes with reduced effort and to sit comfortably while driving. A left-foot accelerator is another great tool for leg amputees, because it puts the accelerator pedal on both sides of the brake.

Extended arm indicators can help those with arm amputations by offering an extension to controls such as turn signals and windshield wipers. That way, the driver has easy access to all the controls they need while driving.

Swivel seats can also be a great help when getting in and out of the car for someone who uses a wheelchair. In vehicles that are high off the ground, a Turny orbit will be used as a swivel seat to have the same effect. Another great modification for those who use a wheelchair is a full or half-dropped lowered floor. This gives those with wheelchairs easy access to driving as well as storage of their chair while getting from point A to point B. A wheelchair ramp can also be installed in many vans to assist the driver getting in and out of the vehicle.

Dr Handicap - disabled signage — *Image by Marianne Bos on Unsplash: What are the best modifications for drivers with limited hand and arm movement?*

How much does it cost to convert a car to hand controls?

Hand controls help those without access to foot pedals to drive using only their hands. The cost to convert a car to hand controls can vary depending on the disability and the vehicle in question. Specific car models may also play a role in how much it will cost to modify the car with hand controls. The car in question must also have power brakes, power steering, and an automatic transmission in order to be modified with hand controls.

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1600 to have your car equipped with hand controls. Considering the freedom it provides to those with amputations or no use of their legs, it’s an affordable modification that’s worth every penny.

Driving with limited hand or arm movement can be difficult to master, but with the right tools and modifications, it doesn’t have to be. These changes are generally inexpensive and well worth the cost to be able to drive freely.

Featured image by Andy Art on Unsplash

Nowadays, someone’s disability doesn’t have to keep them from living a full and complete life. It used to be that disabled individuals were prevented from driving because they weren’t able to safely operate a vehicle as it was manufactured. Luckily, there are many options today to help someone with a disability to drive a car with modifications, including things like hand controls. So, are hand controls the best choice for disabled drivers? It depends on the disability, but they can be a huge help in many cases. Read on for all you need to know about hand controls.

What are some examples of vehicle control equipment?

There are many different types of equipment that can make a vehicle easier to operate for someone with a disability. These can include anything from a push-button ignition to a lowered steering wheel. Additional modifications such as a swivel driver’s seat can help a driver enter or exit a vehicle, while something as simple as a seatbelt extender can provide a more comfortable driving experience.

Dr Handicap - driving with hand controls — *Image by Hannah Sutherland on Unsplash: Different types of hand controls for cars can be super helpful for disabled drivers.*

Why are hand controls helpful?

Wondering “How do you drive with hand controls?” There are actually several different options that can help a driver more easily operate a car. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best hand controls for disabled drivers:

Push/rock

This allows the driver to apply both the accelerator and the brakes by hand. The upright handle is rocked toward the driver to apply the accelerator. It can be used for people who have no finger dexterity at all.

Push/right angle

This helps the driver to push the handle upward toward the instrument panel in order to brake and downward at a right angle to accelerate the vehicle. It can be used for people who have very limited finger dexterity.

Push/pull

By pushing the lever forward, the brake is applied and when pulled backward, the accelerator is applied. There’s also a three-post hand interface that allows the driver to maintain contact with the handle for greater control. It can also be used for people who have very limited finger dexterity.

Push/rotate

Push or twist hand controls are great options if there’s limited space in the vehicle, either because of a small car or a larger driver. The lever only needs to be moved to apply the brake. Throttle control is possible by twisting the grip, as one does when operating a motorcycle. Individuals need to have full dexterity in their fingers to use this type of hand control.

Electronic-assisted hand controls

These types of controls allow the driver to manage the gas, brakes, and steering, while a secondary control is used to operate other vehicle functions. They basically look like joysticks like you’d use to play a video game, but they can be used for everything from steering to switching on the turn indicator. Drivers also need to have full dexterity of their fingers in order to operate electronic hand controls.

What disabilities are hand controls suited for?

Hand controls can be operated by people with a wide variety of disabilities, including everything from partial paralysis to decreased motor function from neurological disorders or arthritic conditions. Hand controls are also extremely helpful for people who have paralysis in their legs or feet or who have loss of limbs with their legs or feet.

Hand controls can be mounted on either the right or left side of the vehicle, depending on what the driver needs for their specific condition. However, these types of controls are not suited for individuals who have completely lost use of their arms or hands.

Dr Handicap - modified vehicle — *Image by Oli Woodman on Unsplash: A variety of different cars can be modified with hand controls.*

How much do hand controls cost?

Because there are different types of hand controls for cars, they do differ in price. Since they’re typically applied to vehicles that are automatic (versus manual or stick shift cars), they can range in price from $500 to $2,000. The final cost is also greatly dependent on the type of vehicle in question and the labor required to install the modifications.

There are also specific cars and vans that can be modified more easily because they’re built for disabled drivers, but these do tend to come with a pretty hefty price tag. It’s also important to note that any vehicle modifications could also result in an increase in car insurance premiums, since enhancements make the car more expensive to repair and/or to replace.

How easy are hand controls to have installed?

There are many businesses around the country that can install hand controls in vehicles. Some car dealerships can help with this too. A quick Google search will likely help a person locate local companies that can install them with no trouble.

Other businesses like car manufacturers or local car insurance companies may also be able to help provide information on where to go to get hand controls installed (especially if the controls themselves have been purchased online).

Hand controls can provide a lot of disabled drivers with the opportunity to get behind the wheel. Although they’re not suitable for every type of driver, they can be a great choice for many individuals to help them operate a vehicle independently.

Featured image by Ave Calvar on Unsplash

Being able to drive is imperative for many people. Disabled people in particular need to get around from point A to B seamlessly, and being able to do that in their own personal vehicle is often the only way they’re able to get where they’re going.

For those who suffer from breathing difficulties, getting behind the wheel of a car can be daunting. Respiratory illnesses can cause many debilitating symptoms that can hinder a person’s ability to drive safely, such as:

Difficulty breathing
Stubborn cough
Chest pain

That doesn’t mean that people who suffer from this specific type of illness can’t safely operate a vehicle. They just simply have to be more mindful of how they do so, when they do so, and what they can do while their driving to ensure a safe arrival.

Dr Handicap - elderly people driving — *Image by Wonderlane on Unsplash: Taking shorter trips while dealing with a lung disease can help you to determine how well you manage your lung disease while driving.*

Driving with a respiratory illness

Driving isn’t usually a strenuous activity in and of itself, so many people who suffer from breathing difficulties find that they are able to drive without much effort. But there are some things that a person suffering a respiratory illness does need to take into account while they’re driving. For example, for someone with frequent coughing fits, being able to pull over may be helpful to keep them safe and focused while they’re on the road.

If the respiratory illness is new, taking short trips at first can be the best way to feel out how long you can be behind the wheel before symptoms come on that could hinder your ability to drive safely.

Can I get a disabled parking permit if I have breathing difficulties?

Depending on your illness, it is likely that you can get a disabled parking permit if you suffer from lung disease or another illness that causes breathing problems. Symptoms of respiratory illnesses, such as difficulty walking for long periods of time, can be avoided by the use of a parking permit, which reduces your need to walk longer distances between your vehicle and the place you’re going.

Specific illnesses that often qualify for parking permits include:

COPD
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Airway obstruction
Cystic fibrosis
Asthma
Hypertension

Parking pass availability will vary from state to state, and the severity of your condition will also play a key factor in whether or not you qualify. It’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor about your condition and find out local laws and application processes to ensure that you qualify for a parking permit in your area.

Breathing difficulties while driving: what you should do

If you are out on the road and find yourself experiencing worsening symptoms, it’s important to remember certain tips that will keep you and others safe while you are behind the wheel.

For coughing that lasts an extended period of time, pulling over in a safe place and allowing it to pass is the best bet to ensure that you can keep your concentration on the road ahead of you and other drivers. If you experience lots of sputum while coughing, you’ll want to have a handkerchief within safe reaching distance at all times.

You should also avoid any lung irritants, such as smoking, while behind the wheel of your car to help limit exacerbation of your condition. Knowing how your condition affects you and at what times it is at its worst will also give you the upper hand when it comes to knowing the best times to drive. If you are on oxygen, it’s also possible to adapt your car to carry your tank with you in a safe manner so that any sudden stops or jolts don’t cause it to become dislodged from its position and pose any problems.

Dr Handicap - drive safely — *Image by Jackson David on Unsplash: Shortness of breath in cars can cause the driver to lose concentration, so it’s important to know how to safely travel while dealing with a lung condition.*

Being able to drive yourself around is a level of freedom that everyone deserves to have. Breathing difficulties can be a debilitating part of daily life for those with lung conditions, but they don’t have to lead to the complete loss of your ability to drive. Getting a parking permit if you qualify can help you limit any excess walking that may be required to get from the parking lot to your destination. Get to know your illness and how it affects you, and you will be equipped with everything you need to know when it comes to driving while experiencing a lung issue that causes breathing difficulties.

Featured image by Tim Foster on Unsplash

What Is The Best Car For A Wheelchair User?