As we look at trends benefitting wheelchair users, technology is at the forefront. As technology grows, so do options and features for accessible vehicles and wheelchair users. If TV and movies had anything to do with it, we would have flying cars and in-home robot maids at this point. With our first trend, the reality isn’t far off.
#1 Autonomous Vehicles
What is an autonomous vehicle? An autonomous vehicle (AV) is a motorized vehicle that does not require a human driver for operation. It uses software like mapping programs, hardware like cameras and distance measuring devices, and AI to safely drive the car. There are six levels of automation in vehicles ranging from unassisted manual driving (0) to fully automated self-driving (5). While fully autonomous vehicles are not ubiquitous, it’s projected that as many as 4.5 million vehicles with AV capabilities could be on the road by 2030.
Autonomous Vehicles Address Accessibility
Other than delighting our inner child and allowing all drivers to sit back and relax during travel, a future with AVs offers wheelchair users freedom by removing many mobility barriers. Wheelchair users who are not able to operate a vehicle would have the freedom to navigate to work, doctors appointments and grocery shopping on their own terms via an AV. This would rely on wheelchair accessible AVs being a part of all public transportation options.
How Realistic Are Autonomous Vehicles?
There is still a long way to go before individual AVs are commonplace. In addition to countless test drives, consumer comfort with the technology is another hurdle. According to BraunAbility’s online physical disability community, The Driving Force, “79% said they’d need to know millions of miles of testing had been completed to demonstrate superior safety over human drivers, even if it meant they couldn’t independently travel. Another 45% would want to review government publications about safety testing before they’d roll into an autonomous vehicle.”
If you’d like to keep tabs on the top AV manufacturers, this is a comprehensive list of 28 self-driving car companies to watch.
That said, each step closer to AVs is a step closer to mobility independence.
#2 Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
What’s The Difference Between An Electric Vehicle And A Hybrid Vehicle?
Electric Vehicles (EV) are vehicles that run on an electric motor powered by rechargeable batteries. The term EV also includes hybrid vehicles that run on both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
Electric Vehicles Benefit Everyone.
- Cleaner air. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, EV’s emit zero gas pipe emissions. California is proof. As the state with the most EV adoption, researchers found that increased EV adoption led to measurably improved air quality and fewer asthma-related hospital visits.
- Lower electricity costs. It may come as a surprise, but research showed that EV drivers actually drove down utility costs in their area.
- Quieter roads. Noise pollution from combustion engines can be deafening, especially in congested cities. AVs are virtually silent.
- Positive climate benefits. In the U.S., driving an electric vehicle instead of a gas-powered vehicle decreases your climate pollution by about two-thirds over your car’s life span.
Additionally, fully electric vehicles offer more flexibility with interior seating configurations since the lack of a combustible engine allows for flat floor design.
The Toyota Sienna Hybrid offers wheelchair users an eco-friendly option. With a combined estimated 36 miles per gallon, and batteries that are charged when you drive, this hybrid minivan offers space, safety and benefits the environment.
#3 Safety Controls
As mentioned above, fully autonomous vehicles are not mainstream. However, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance are making driving easier and safer for drivers across the board, including individuals with mobility limitations.
- Lane Assist is a feature that helps drivers maintain their position within a lane. It uses cameras and sensors to detect lane markings and gently steer the vehicle back into place if unintentional drifting occurs, providing an extra layer of protection against accidental lane departures.
- Most drivers have experienced cruising along only to suddenly realize that the car in front of them is going much slower than they thought. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) automatically adjusts the automobile’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. This feature reduces the need for frequent braking and acceleration, which can be physically demanding, and eliminates a potentially-dangerous abrupt slow down. ACC ensures a smoother and more controlled driving experience, particularly on highways or long-distance trips.
- Parking Assistance is another key technology improving safety and convenience. Many wheelchair-accessible vans come equipped with parking sensors, rearview cameras, and even automated parking systems that help drivers maneuver with ease. This is particularly helpful for those using hand controls, as precise steering and pedal coordination can be more challenging.
These advanced safety features are transforming wheelchair-accessible vans into more user-friendly and secure vehicles.
#4 Voice Controls
Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with voice control technology, making driving safer and more convenient for individuals with mobility limitations. These voice-activated or hands-free systems allow drivers to control various functions like climate control, the radio, and set navigation routes without needing to reach for buttons or touchscreens, reducing physical strain and improving accessibility. This is especially helpful for individuals with limited upper body movement, as they can maintain focus on the road without struggling with physical controls.
#5 Google Accessible Routes
In addition to in-car voice assistants like Apple’s Siri and Android’s Google Assistant, external accessibility-focused technologies are also enhancing mobility. Google Accessible Routes is a game-changer for wheelchair users who rely on navigation assistance. This feature, available in Google Maps, provides directions by identifying routes with step-free access, elevators, and curb ramps. When integrated with in-car voice control, wheelchair users can simply ask Google Assistant to find the most accessible route without manually inputting details.
Voice controls also extend to safety features. Drivers can activate emergency assistance, control adaptive cruise settings, or ask for real-time traffic and weather updates—all without taking their hands off the driving controls. These innovations empower individuals with disabilities to drive more independently and safely, minimizing distractions and reducing the physical effort required to operate a vehicle.
If you’d like to learn more about these trends or how they integrate with our inventory of wheelchair-accessible vans, please contact our mobility experts at 850-671-2300 or Info@ADSTally.com.
