What makes a car a good choice for a wheelchair user or a person with disabilities? Well, it's all about your abilities and your needs. Most cars can easily be fitted with solutions such as hand controls, pedals and hoists. Swivel seats, wheelchair lifts and ramps all have different requirements that make certain cars more or less suitable.
We've selected five cars (well, six) that all have different features that make them best in class for certain adaptations or uses. Whether you're walking or an active wheelchair user or even a carer for someone passive, this guide is a good place to start.
DisclaimerPlease be aware that the best choice for one person isn't always the best choice for someone else. Don't buy a car before talking to your vehicle adaptation technician.
Photo by Volkswagen AG
A comfortable car for both driver and passenger
The Volkswagen Touran is a great choice for passengers using swivel seats or a Carony-type wheelchair. A wide and high door gives you plenty of room to comfortably use a car seat lift, like the Turny® Evo. The ample luggage compartment has room for large wheelchairs and even some mobility scooters.
Price point: $$$
Alternative: Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Karoq, Seat Ateca
Photo by Mercedes-Benz Group
For the independent driver with a large family
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class has the best seating capacity combined with good measurements for a driver's side car seat lift. A total of 7 passenger seats and a great big luggage compartment makes this our choice for the independent driver with a large family.
Price point: $$$$$
Alternative: Volkswagen T6, Mercedes-Benz EQV, Ford Tourneo Custom
Photo by The Ford Motor Company
Easy to enter, great all-around car for adaptations
The height of the seat and the roomy door opening makes this car easy to enter, regardless if you're sitting down or doing a transfer from a wheelchair. It's also one of the most all-round cars in the market today. Since the Ford Tourneo Connect is a good choice both in pre-adaptation and post-adaptation we see it as a future proof choice. You might not need a swivel seat to enter your car today, but if you do tomorrow, you can install one. It is also available in a plug-in hybrid electric version.
Price point: $$$$
Alternative: Volkswagen Caddy, Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner
A compact EV with space for the urban family
Volkswagen ID.3 is a comfortable and space-efficient all-electric hatchback, perfect for families. The compact ID.3 has a longer wheelbase and very short overhangs which result in a surprisingly large vehicle interior. This makes it a great alternative for one of our swivel seat solutions, like the Turny® Low Vehicle or the Turny® Manual.
Alternative: MG 4, Kia Niro EV, Ora 03
Photo by Renault SAS
For the city-living independent driver or passenger
The Renault Clio is a car that is both small and spacious, providing good value for its money. The door opening is quite large which makes it easier to enter and exit, but also makes it ideal for a swivel seat adaptation. A hybrid electric version of the Clio is also available.
Price point: $
Alternative: Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris, Ora 03
Photo by Kia Corporation
BONUS
Premium all-electric SUV for ultimate comfort and plenty of storage space
The Kia EV9 is an all-electric SUV that combines spacious interiors with exclusive design. With ample cargo space and customizable seating, it’s great for both vehicle adaptation as well as transporting all your belongings. Additionally, it’s compatible with our Turny® Evo seat lift on both the driver’s and passenger’s side.
Alternative: Volkswagen ID. Buzz
When transferring from your mobility aid into the car is not an option for you, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) can be a good and suitable solution.However, if possible and for optimal comfort and safety, it’s recommended to transfer from your wheelchair to a vehicle seat. The reason is, that car seats, especially adjustable car seats, are built to provide better support, reduce the risk of injury, and allow access to important features like the original seat belt, and air conditioning.As transferring to a car seat is the preferred option for many, floor-lowered WAVs are a solution for those who need to remain in their wheelchair during travel. Keep in mind, WAVs often can’t be restored to their original condition, which reduces their second-hand value of the car after adaptation.
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There are of course a number of useful aids that will enable you, both as driver and passenger, to enjoy the ride in the comfort of a car seat.
We aim to give you a basic understanding of the solutions available and what to look for when you dive deeper into each solution.
Go to LEARN section