Disabled drivers: What you need to know about electric cars and accessibility
According to AutoTrader there were over 345,000 electric vehicles (EVs) and in excess of 650,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) on UK roads at the end of October 2021.
In their guide, they look to give those with accessibility requirements a comprehensive breakdown of how to make the most of your EV experience. From looking at the barriers you might face, to finding the best ways to overcome them, they explore what support is available to you, the pros and cons of getting behind the wheel of an electric model, and what changes are being made to make driving EVs more accessible for all.
The needs of drivers with a disability are being continuously put at the forefront of debates. There are now 13 mobility centres dotted across England alone (as of March 2021), with a further 52 satellite hubs. However, currently, just 36% of eligible individuals are making the most of the Motability Scheme (which provides financial support to those who may need assistance driving or being driven).
What’s more, of all the vehicles on UK roads, just 3% (1.2 million) were in the disabled class tax bracket at the end of 2020.
Benefits of an EV for someone with a disability
Weighing up the potential of driving an EV? It makes a lot of sense, as there are definitely advantages for those with a disability. We all know about the environmental benefits of driving vehicles which don’t use an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE vehicles), but how else can they help someone who’s registered as disabled?
Some of the areas where using this kind of vehicle can be beneficial include:
- a smoother ride
- reduced noise
- non-grip charging
- lower running costs
Barriers to driving EVs for drivers with disabilities
While the needs of drivers with mobility restrictions are being taken into consideration more now than ever before, there’s still progress which needs to be made to ensure all cars are fully accessible. According to a report by The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), some of the most commonly cited barriers for drivers with a disability are:
- charging accessibility
- range anxiety and other psychological barriers
- upfront costs
- a lack of information
Accessible adaptions for EVs
Just as with traditional ICE vehicles, EVs are capable of being fitted with a number of adaptions to make them more accessible to drivers. Here are some of the best options that can be added to your vehicle:
Hand controls
Introducing something like a push or pull device to help with accelerating and braking can be useful for drivers who aren’t able to freely use the lower half of their body. These work fantastically for automatic gearboxes, which EVs exclusively use.
Pedal modifications
If you still want to use pedals as they are traditionally intended, you can extend them to reach up to your feet. This makes driving more comfortable and simple for those who cannot reach them at the standard distance.
Electronic accelerators
For those who aren’t able to freely use pedals when driving, but also lack the strength to use a push and pull lever, there are a series of electronic accelerators available. These can be placed throughout different areas of your vehicle:
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Trigger accelerator – You pull this forward to accelerate and push away to brake
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Over ring accelerator – This is placed on the steering wheel, pushing down to accelerate
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Under ring accelerator – This is put behind the wheel, with speed controlled by you pulling it towards the wheel
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Ghost ring accelerator – This is also fitted behind the wheel, with a driver controlling speed by moving it from side-to-side
Each of these will come with a hand-operated brake device.
The Motability scheme for EVs
The Motability Scheme was set up to make it easier for drivers with a mobility restriction and their carers to affordably and safely get behind the wheel of a car. While initially intended for ICE vehicles, the scheme has been extended to cover electric alternatives as well. Drivers are able to lease cars through the scheme, with a variety of expenses taken care of.
For more information about the Motability scheme for EVs, help with charging your EV, accessibility barriers at charging points, support for charging your EV and useful links and resources please see the full unabridged guide from AutoTrader here: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/electric/ev-drivers-with-disabilities/
