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Check Out All You Need to Know Electric Vehicles and Disabled Drivers
With the growth of Tesla, has come the rise of electric vehicles, which are getting more popular by the day.
These are now common in many places, and you will find charging stations all over the place. However, are electric vehicles suitable for disabled drivers?
Disabled drivers have specific needs in terms of the vehicle that they are allowed to drive. They will make use of vehicles that have undergone various modifications and customization.
So, is an electric vehicle suitable for a disabled driver? You might have many questions about electric cars and whether they can benefit you as a disabled driver. So, let us go ahead and answer these critical questions.
What are Electric Cars?
An electric car is a vehicle that uses electricity instead of diesel and gasoline. They are usually charged at charging stations, and their electricity is stored in rechargeable batteries.
These batteries are in charge of supplying electricity to the motor, which then powers the engine and other features in the vehicle. They are easy to charge, making them a popular vehicle for many people.
How are Electric Vehicles Different from Regular Cars?
Electric vehicles use electricity instead of regular fossil fuels like diesel and gasoline. They are better for the environment than traditional cars, which means that they will not release any harmful emissions into the environment.
Benefits of an Electric Car
- It is less harmful to the environment
- It does not need as much maintenance as a regular car meaning its overall cost is cheaper
- It accelerates faster and is also more comfortable when driving
- It is comfortable and feels smoother when you are in it
- It is also quieter than regular vehicles
- In some places, electric vehicles have their special lanes on the highways.
Is It Worth It to have an Electric Car?
Electric vehicles can be quite a good purchase to make for the following reasons:-
- They are efficient in terms of their operation, and they also cost less per mile than regular cars.
- The energy that they run on is much cheaper than gas
- They do not need the same amount of maintenance that regular vehicles receive, making them much cheaper to own and run.
- If you have an electric vehicle, you also qualify for a tax rebate from the federal government.
Electric Vehicles for Disabled Drivers
There are plenty of electric vehicles for disabled drivers, and when you are looking for one in the market, you should watch out for electric vehicles such as:-
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Volkswagen e-Golf
All the vehicles that have been listed above have plenty of room, and as such, they are the ideal option for a driver or passenger that makes use of a wheelchair. Getting into and out of the electric vehicle will be easy, and there is plenty of room for the wheelchair.
Can Disabled People Drive Electric Cars?
Yes. Disabled people can drive electric vehicles. However, several adaptations will need to be installed on their electric vehicle for disabled people to start driving the electric vehicle.
Some of the most popular adaptations that can be made on electric vehicles to enable disabled drives to drive include:-
- Hand controls that are suited to driving with ease
- Left foot accelerator
- Adaptive electronic controls for easier use of the vehicle
- Wheelchair lifts and ramps for more straightforward getting in and out of the vehicle in a wheelchair
- Extensions for the steering wheel and pedal
- Raised roof and dropped floors to ensure that there is enough space in the vehicle
- Transfer seats for more effortless movement within the electric vehicle
- Braking systems that do not require as much effort as the standard brakes would require the driver to apply a considerable amount of force to get the vehicle to stop.
Benefits of Electric Cars for Disabled Drivers
Electric vehicles have a whole load of benefits for disabled drivers. This might also be why a driver chooses to go for an electric car when they have the money. They include:-
- These vehicles are comfortable and also have excellent performance
- They are easy and convenient to use
- They are some of the safest vehicles available, and this is an advantage for disabled drivers.
- They are also an excellent way to save on money since they are relatively cheaper to maintain run, and you will also qualify for a tax rebate when you use an electric vehicle.
- These vehicles also tend to have a lot of storage space
- On the highway, the electric vehicles are allowed to make use of the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes
Are Electric Cars Ideal for Disabled Drivers?
Overall, an electric vehicle would be the ideal choice for disabled drivers. They are more convenient to use, and driving in one will get to save you a tremendous amount of money. They are also considered safe, and they are also more enjoyable and smoother to drive.
As such, you will have the best experience driving the electric vehicle, and at the same time, you will also be making a positive impact on the environment. If an electric vehicle happens to be within your budget, this would be the best choice for you.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles use electricity to power themselves and have batteries recharged. They are the best means of transport and also run more smoothly.
They are also relatively cheaper to maintain, and the fact that they run on electricity means that they have minimal impact on the environment. They are the best choice for disabled drivers and can be pretty helpful for getting around.
Getting an electric vehicle can help you save on costs and give you comfort and convenience, thanks to the plenty of room available in these vehicles. You will also be able to drive more easily with the powerful features of the electric vehicles and your life as a disabled driver will be much easier.
Get your handicap parking placard online today!
References
1. https://greenallianceblog.org.uk/2021/11/01/electric-vehicles-and-disabled-people-another-case-of-sustainability-vs-accessibility/
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310762252_DESIGN_OF_AFFORDABLE_ELECTRIC_VEHICLE_FOR_HANDICAPPED
3. https://www.ucan2magazine.co.uk/motability/electric-cars-disability
4. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/electric-vehicles-disabled-people-helen-dolphin-mbe/
5. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/356216/dont-leave-disabled-drivers-behind-switch-electric-cars
6. https://www.ridc.org.uk/transport/inaccessible-charging-barrier-electric-disabled-and-older-drivers
7. https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/making-evs-a-reality-for-drivers-with-disabilities/
