EXCLUSIVE: Three assistive technology modifications in electric vehicles to help drivers with disabilities  

In this article, Jessica Pierce, Content Producer and Researcher from The Sixth Degree, explores three assistive technology modifications in electric vehicles to help drivers with disabilities.

Driving can be a key component of remaining independent for many people, especially those with disabilities. A car can allow you to go out and get your own food, meet friends, and visit new places, which can be especially crucial for those who live in more rural areas. Even for those that live in cities, public transportation is not always the most convenient or accessible.

However, driving a standard car can be difficult for someone with a disability, as they require moving multiple components, often quickly and smoothly. Although automatic cars are somewhat easier than manual vehicles, they can still be challenging. Luckily, modern technology has led to the invention of some amazing modifications that give those with limited mobility the chance to stay on the road.

Remember that in the UK, you are legally required to report any disabilities or health conditions that affect your driving to the DVLA. They will then assess if you can continue to drive, and if they recommend an adapted vehicle, you’ll need to complete a driving assessment. They can then discuss which adaptations might suit you best.

Here, we look at three of the most common adjustments that you might hear about.

Hand controls

One of the key parts of being able to retain your driving licence is being able to brake and accelerate safely and consistently. If a driver struggles to keep control of their lower body mobility, or has lost this mobility, the car can be driven using hand controls to brake and accelerate.

There are several options for this. The most common one is a push and pull lever, where the driver pushes the lever away to brake and pulls it towards them to accelerate. Doing this manually operates the pedals in the footwell of the car. They can either be fitted to the floor with a longer stick or a short stick which is attached to the steering column, and they work best with an automatic car.

Electronic accelerators

Of course, a hand control lever also requires strength and coordination to control. But lacking the strength to pull a lever doesn’t mean that you can’t drive. There are plenty of acceleration options for those who would benefit from an electronic tool, which are then paired with a braking tool (these do tend to be mechanical, but there are electronic options available).

Plenty of these tools are also very discreet, so there are no chunky additions to your sleek vehicle. Ring accelerators can either be placed in front of or behind the steering wheel, so that you push or pull the ring in order to go faster. You can also get a ghost ring accelerator, which sits behind the steering wheel and the driver controls the speed by moving the ring side-to-side.

Steering aids

Steering wheels can be heavy and awkward to turn for those with disabilities. Steering aids are aimed at making turning the wheel easier for the driver, allowing them to rotate the wheel with only one arm. The most common types are standard fixed and standard quick release. They are both ‘ball and mushroom’ style additions to the wheel allowing the driver to control the vehicle with just one hand rather than two.

The quick-release option allows you to remove this easily from the steering wheel, which can be really helpful for disabled drivers who share a car with a non-disabled driver.