4 Best Electric Cars For Disabled Drivers

Being a disabled driver doesn’t mean you can’t be on the cutting edge of technology. In fact, handicap drivers and electric cars can go hand in hand! Electric cars are becoming more and more popular – and for good reason. After all, they’re more cost-effective to run and maintain, they’re better for the environment, and they’re beneficial to the health of humans. If you’re disabled and have been tossing around the idea of getting an electric car, here’s what you need to know and a few of the best electric cars for disabled drivers.

The Benefits of Electric Cars for Disabled Drivers

There are benefits to driving an electric car that are the same for disabled drivers as they are for everyone else, regardless of disability status. The most beneficial features of electric cars are:

• Comfort and performance. Electric cars accelerate quickly and don’t shift gears, so they give you all their power right off the bat. This makes for a zippy vehicle that can get you from point A to point B quickly and comfortably. Plus, when driving an electric car, the batteries are quieter than traditional engines, making for a more comfortable ride.
• Practicality and convenience. You can charge an electric car at home, work, or even when you’re on the road. Increasingly, you can find public charging stations that help electric cars to be more flexible for owners as they charge them where is most convenient.
• The electric cars on the road today are some of the safest. Many have five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, since they have larger crumple zones due to not having to find room for larger, gasoline-powered engines.
• Many electric cars have ample storage space. While this may be a great feature for everyone, those who must use mobility devices find that the extra room available is great for storing all the things they need when they travel.
• Cars are investments, especially when you’re a disabled driver. With an electric car, you can save on fuel and maintenance costs over traditional gas-powered vehicles.

For disabled drivers, some models of electric cars also have the added perk of being easier to drive, too. This is especially important if mobility issues have made it difficult for disabled drivers to handle a car in the past. If this sounds familiar, then you may want to test an electric vehicle and see if it feels more comfortable to drive for you.

What are the Best Electric Cars for Handicap Drivers?

There are a few electric cars on the market that stand out for disabled drivers. If you’re considering buying one, then you may want to consider these brands and explore them a bit more in-depth:

• This is an electric car company out of Texas that has developed an electric van especially for those in wheelchairs. It doesn’t have traditional doors but instead a hatch in the back that provides easy loading and unloading for wheelchairs at curb or street height. It’s a single-passenger vehicle that would be a good option if you’re simply looking for an inner-city commuter vehicle to get you where you want to go.
• Toyota Prius. Toyotas have a lot of cargo and passenger room for those with disabilities in addition to low effort steering and a keyless start. It’s a hybrid vehicle, however, which means you’ll still need to make trips to the gas station.
• Chevrolet Bolt. This little hatchback is a great car to tool around town in. It’s got a range of 228 miles per charge and has a lot of room in both the front and back, plus a lot of cargo room with the hatchback.
• Volkswagon e-Golf. This is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market and also happens to provide a lot of room for both people and things. It’s also an easy car to handle, which makes for a very comfortable ride.

Have an Electric Car, Need a Disability Permit!

If you’re going to dive in and get an electric car to get you around town, then it’s time to get a disabled parking permit to make getting around easier. Dr. Handicap can help by helping to certify your disability. All you need to do is go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles, get a disabled parking permit application, and then fill it out. If you have a qualifying condition in your state, then Dr. Handicap can help you to get your disabled parking permit easily.

Featured image by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash