One of the most important aspects of adult independence is being able to get around by yourself. Whether you’re going to work, meeting a friend, or simply going to the shop to choose your own groceries, being able to drive can be an essential part of this. It’s especially important for those who live in rural areas, who may struggle to access public transportation, or for those with disabilities, who might find it difficult to use buses or trains.
But the purchase of any car is a big investment, let alone an electric vehicle (EV), which is often more expensive than a standard petrol vehicle. It’s important to make sure that whatever you purchase, it’s the right choice for you, rather than just the one that’s been recommended. Reviews are a great place to start, but you’ll need to consider what your specific requirements are going to be.
But what should people with disabilities be looking for when choosing an EV? We take a look at some of the key elements.
Ease of charging your EV
If you’re only doing relatively short journeys, then you should be able to simply charge your EV at home each night, rather than needing to look for charging stations whilst you’re out and about. This can make things a lot easier, but you should consider what type of charging point you’re going to need and where you’ll need to park in order to charge the car.
You should also look at the charging cable, and pick it up to check how heavy it is and how hard or easy it is to manoeuvre. Whilst an EV cable offers non-grip charging, which can be easier for people with joint pain or lack of hand mobility, they can be weighty to move around, so it’s worth trying out this process before you buy.
Possibility for adaptions
EVs can be a great choice for disabled drivers, as they offer a smooth ride and can be easily adapted to make driving easier for those with mobility issues. Additional controls such as hand controls, electronic accelerators, steering aids, and pedal modifications mean that people who may otherwise struggle to control traditional gears and levers can still have the freedom of driving.
There is a range of electronic accelerators available, meaning that you can further personalise your vehicle to your exact needs. This technology is placed on the steering wheel or behind it. When you’re looking at choosing an EV, if you think you might benefit from this technology, then why not come in for a free assessment and we’ll help you find what works best for your needs.
EV Range
It’s important to consider the length of the journeys that you’ll typically be doing in your EV. Whilst there will be some exceptions, if you’re primarily doing short journeys, then this will give you a wider range of cars to choose from. If you’re regularly doing long journeys, it may be worth comparing the ranges of different models. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find an accessible charging point, and you’d need to factor in pausing to charge, so it’s an important part of choosing the right car for you.
Wireless keypad steering aids
There is a wide range of 
The over-ring accelerator is designed to sit neatly over the steering wheel, blending in with the vehicle’s interior. The ring is simply pressed downwards to accelerate. Because the system is electronic, very little pressure or upper body strength is required to operate the over ring, which makes it a great solution for drivers with limited mobility in the upper body.
The under-ring accelerator is designed to sit neatly under the steering wheel, blending in with the vehicle’s interior. The ring is simply pressed inwards (towards the steering wheel) to accelerate. Because the system is electronic, very little pressure or upper body strength is required to operate the under-ring, which makes it a great solution for drivers with limited mobility in the upper body.
The Ghost Accelerator is the latest in electronic hand controls. It is designed to sit neatly under the steering wheel, blending in with the vehicle’s interior. The driver accelerates by performing a simple rotary movement with the ring (clockwise or anticlockwise). Because the system is electronic, very little pressure or upper body strength is required to operate the under ring, which makes it a great solution for drivers with limited mobility in the upper body.
Radial electronic hand controls operate in a similar way to push/pull hand controls. The brake and accelerator are controlled using a lever system that is operated by the right hand. The brake is controlled by pushing the lever away (towards the front of the car) and the accelerator is controlled by pushing the lever downwards (towards the floor of the vehicle). A safety feature ensures the accelerator automatically cuts out when braking is applied.
Trigger hand controls operate in a similar way to push/pull hand controls. The brake and accelerator are controlled using a lever and trigger system that is operated by the right hand. The brake is mechanical and is controlled by pushing the lever away (towards the front of the car) and the accelerator is electronic and controlled by using the index finger to pull a small trigger. A safety feature ensures the accelerator automatically cuts out when braking is applied.
The satellite accelerator is operated by pressing down on a small plunger that is attached to a lead, allowing it to be held in one hand, in a variety of positions. This allows the driver to change the position of the hands whilst still operating the throttle, so there’s less chance of stiffening up after prolonged periods of driving. Because the system is electronic, very little pressure or upper body strength is required to operate the accelerator, which makes it a great solution for drivers with limited mobility in the upper body.
The electronic pull accelerator is a lever system that is operated with the right hand. The brake is mechanical and is controlled by pushing the lever away (towards the front of the car) and the accelerator is electronic and is controlled by pulling the lever inwards, towards the driver’s body. Because the accelerator is electronic, very little pressure or upper body strength is required to operate the system, which makes it a great solution for drivers with limited upper-body mobility. A safety feature ensures that the accelerator automatically cuts out when braking is applied.
