Mobility: New solutions and ideas to promote participation

It only takes a few clicks with the app and the popular ride-sharing service Berlkönig sends a wheelchair-accessible vehicle per request. BerlKönig is a service in Berlin provided by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and ViaVan. The idea is to share rides in the city to promote environmental conservation and offer a way to get from Point A to Point B that’s as affordable as riding a bus. Users can request services on the app that include wheelchair-accessible vehicles that feature a ramp in the back. According to the BerlKönig website, "the vans have an 81-centimeter door opening and a depth of 130 centimeters, making them accessible for motorized and folding wheelchairs." Positive feedback of satisfied wheelchair users on social networks is steadily increasing.

Apparently, the BVG and the ViaVan startup – a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz vans and the U.S. vehicle-sharing service Via – have their finger on the pulse with this service. Besides, ViaVan is already successful in other major world cities like Amsterdam and London.

Keeping up with social trends and using them as inspiration to develop new ideas and products - that is what Daimler AG’s Lab1886 is all about. The creative, innovative minds of Matthias Heil’s team are busy working on the advancement and the final stages of the WheelPilot app. "I was very impressed by the idea of an app that shows wheelchair-accessible destinations and can be directly connected to the navigation system in our vehicles,” says Heil. In an interview with REHACARE.com, the project manager of WheelPilot talks about the app and its potential.

Ford Brazil is another company that aims to combine mobility and accessibility to its fullest potential. Ford partnered with GTB Brazil and Code Studio to create the so-called Accessibility Mat for drivers with disabilities and/or limited mobility. The prototype is a redesign of the Ford EcoSport’s trunk mat, which turns into a lightweight portable ramp in a few easy steps. The ramp can be easily stored on the back of a wheelchair, making it ready for use when needed.

More and more companies recognize the importance and benefits of inclusive mobility solutions. One of them is Volkswagen Group of America, which launched the Inclusive Mobility initiative. According to the company’s website, the mission of the Inclusive Mobility program is to help design vehicles and services that improve the quality of life for everyone, especially people with disabilities. The idea is to directly engage disability groups in the early stages of designing vehicle technologies and mobility services.

"Transportation is the key to full participation in society," says Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America on the company website. "And for individuals with disabilities today, the options can be limited. Volkswagen is known as the people’s car company, and as the technology allows, we want to design vehicles that are more accessible."

While the North American operational headquarters emphasize – among other things – the potential of autonomous technology to facilitate on-demand mobility, there is also the Special Edition division and the option of vehicle modifications.

Michel Arriens and Franziska Stoldt have recently embarked on a journey to buy a custom VW Bulli bus. Since the end of 2018, the couple who are both of short stature has its own "small accessible world", as they call it, parked right outside their door. Even though they had to practice patience until all the modifications were completed, it was well worth the wait. "The Bulli bus brings us so much joy and happiness – and ultimately unhindered access to our lives," says Arriens. "Every little piece helps to improve accessibility and our quality of life." Find out more about their VW Bulli bus modifications and the young couple’s advice for others in our article "Modifications: Self-determined mobility thanks to accessible VW Bulli bus".

Whether it pertains to minivans or cars – if you have any questions on how to modify and adapt your vehicle, this year’s REHACARE trade fair is once again your one-stop source of information. Companies with many years of experience are available to lend an ear and hand at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center and to showcase many unique and helpful products. After all, the ultimate goal of all exhibitors is to facilitate self-determined mobility and the highest level of participation of people with disabilities.