Electromobility: technology support for people with disabilities

For persons with reduced mobility, participation in social and civic life is often only an option if the conditions are right: Wheelchair users need accessible designs to train stations or bus stops to use these modes of transportation. Older adults or people who need a rollator walker likewise depend on accessibility. Unfortunately, many places still lack accessible accommodations, which is why many people rely on cars to ensure their mobility and transportation.

The benefits are obvious: your own car is always available when you need it, and it can be adapted to the individual wishes and needs of the drivers and passengers. Many standard models ranging from small cars to camper vans can facilitate vehicle adaptations, but it takes extensive expert advice and some time. Adaptive vehicle specialists are usually knowledgeable about the latest regulations, options, grants, and assistance programs and should be able to offer comprehensive advice.

When it comes to conversions, the choice of car model hinges on the type of physical disability of the respective user. It’s also important to consider whether the car is used more often in city or rural settings and how many people it should accommodate. You must also factor in the type of assistive technology in this scenario.

A wheelchair requires more space and different equipment than a rollator walker, for example. An electric wheelchair is transported differently than a manual wheelchair. Electric wheelchair users don’t necessarily leave their mobility device if they plan to drive and enter the vehicle via a ramp. Meanwhile, various chair lifts accommodate manual wheelchairs and easily move the mobility device into the car.

Luigi Savignano from Veigel GmbH & Co. KG works with the eLiVe – Wheelchair Loading System, which can be retrofitted into almost any vehicle, although it entails some modifications. Says Savignano: "The rear door behind the driver needs to be converted into a sliding door. We have conversion kits to facilitate this modification. The process also eliminates at least two rear seats but might even require the removal of all rear seats if you have a high back wheelchair and push handle. The eLiVe system can also be expanded for family trips, which makes all seats in the vehicle available again. Obviously, you first must always pre-assess the structural feasibility. Soon there will also be an automated tool for feasibility analysis, requiring users to merely enter the wheelchair and vehicle dimensions for calculation purposes."

Once installed, the system can be used for almost all types of manual wheelchairs. After getting into the car, the lift arm is extended at the push of a button, the wheelchair is fixed in place and effortlessly hoisted into the vehicle via the electronic system.

Savignano points to another benefit: "Starting in 2023, the retrofittable RFID system automatically identifies up to seven wheelchairs, even if they differ in size. This gives users complete freedom to choose any type of wheelchair." If you want to check out the system in person, please visit Hall 6, Booth C76 at REHACARE 2022.

Aside from loading systems for manual wheelchairs, there are solutions that can also lift small electric mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. These are especially beneficial for passengers who go on occasional trips but want to stow their disability equipment in the trunk, for example. The Braun Ability Carolift 100 hoist can lift any mobility device weighing up to 220 pounds (100 kg) into the rear trunk via a powered swivel and lift arm. When the arm is not in use, it can be removed or folded down to the side. Learn more about this system at this year's REHACARE trade fair by visiting Hall 6, Booth D100.

No matter which system you choose, it’s important to get good advice in the run-up to your decision, regardless of whether you plan to buy a new car with an integrated system or prefer to convert an older vehicle. The golden rule is to ask questions, find out about funding options and just give things a try. Once you do, there is nothing standing in the way of your driving enjoyment.