By Nicholas Terry

Freedom, independence and sociable accessible travel are words often associated with modified vehicles designed for people with disabilities. By offering the latest technological advances and innovative designs, a large selection of adapted vehicles now exist tailored  towards specific  needs and requirements, some of which were showcased by exhibitors at last months Naidex Scotland Independent Living Exhibition.

A selection of the most innovative adaptations are featured below:

• 'Swivel Seats’ allow disabled drivers or passengers who require assistance, to enter and leave a car effortlessly by rotating 90 degrees in a powered or manual operation. The adjustable seat can also be raised, lowered or tilted to enable the user to transfer more easily to a waiting wheelchair.

• ‘Wheelchair Stowage’, in particular, a rooftop box, which is fitted to a vehicle to provide the perfect stowage solution, which is ideal when travelling independently with a wheelchair. The wheelchair can be folded and attached to a hoist whilst sitting in a vehicle, after which a button is pressed to send the wheelchair up to the roof box where it remains safe and secure.

• ‘Kenguru’ is a small electric car built especially for the convenience of wheelchair users. The car is designed for one person and is accessed from the back. After the ‘back door’ is raised, the user can then ‘wheel’ themselves in and begin to drive the vehicle using a joystick controller, whilst continuing to remain in a wheelchair.

Photographs courtesy of Kengurucars.com

• ‘Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles’ are specially converted inclusive vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs. They can be accessed from the side or back via a ramp and once entered, will allow the user to be positioned closely to fellow passengers without feeling excluded.

Although it is the case that all of the innovations above provide a solution to wheelchair accessibility problems in vehicles, some tend to focus more on the independent aspect, thus isolating the many who seek ‘inclusion’ when travelling. This is particularly relevant when travelling together with family or friends who would require an adapted vehicle designed for several people. In stark contrast, the ‘Kenguru’ offers a brief look into the future, perhaps focusing  more on superficial aspects which would draw attention to the driver more, such as the uniqueness of being electric, compact and of course the fact that it is designed for one person only. Ultimately, character and lifestyle of the individual may determine which type of vehicle is suitable, but it is fair to say that current crop of vehicle adaptations are surely travelling in the right direction.