EV for wheelchair driver - experience of suitable models?

depadz

Am helping someone change their car for Q1 26 delivery (they change every 2 years) and they are open to going EV this time. They don't do much mileage so not too worried about range, but they do drive every day.

The higher SUV/crossover type cars don't suit as it make transfer difficult. They currently get into car and then drag chair across to put on passenger seat and wheels on backseat so need reasonable room for this.

Have these models on list. Reliability is paramount as they aren't in a position to be faffing about leaving in for fixes etc, and neither can they drive replacement cars, as theirs is modified with hand controls.

R5
R4 (maybe too high)
Inster
BYD Dolphin
MG4
ID3

the_amazing_raisin

I know the Kia PV5 has a wheelchair accessible version but I'm not sure if it's purely for passengers or can be modified for hand controls

Another option might be an ID.Buzz or the VW Multivan eHybrid. The Multivan at least has the rotating front seats so you could potentially roll into the passenger compartment, transfer over to the driver's seat and spin around to the controls

I realise I'm coming at this from the point of view of an able bodied person, but I imagine the van or people carrier style vehicles would be ideal since you don't have to mess around stowing the wheelchair, just roll up the ramp and transfer over to the drivers seat

EV01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058421871/ev-for-wheelchair-driver-experience-of-suitable-models

you say your friend is ‘open to going EV this time’ - so s/he’s evidently equally open to staying with ICE for the next 2 years, which I honestly think is his/her best choice:

• I have a disabled relative who likewise has car adaptions (an electric ‘crane’ to lift her mobility scooter into the boot) and changes every 2 years under the UK ‘Motability’ scheme (similar in Ireland?) so I know how critical reliability is and how devastating the impact of a long spell at the dealer awaiting an essential Asian component would be (as you rightly point out, loan cars simply don’t cut it with disabilities needing custom adaptations)
• I love my Inster but I don’t actually need a car, and I cannot recommend Hyundai’s EVs because of their unwillingness to properly once-and-for-all fix their ICCU problems (including the Inster) and the devastating and life-threatening impact such failure would have on your friend
• also the Hyundai Assist’ roadside recovery service is totally inadequate: when dealerships are closed (weekends and nighttime) their recovery agent (AA in UK) will refuse to recover the car (I guess because they would be liable for leaving you stranded at the dealership?) and the scheme does not include your safe onward transport back home
• DC charge points needed for longer EV drives are NOT disability friendly for many reasons I won’t go into (plus, the faster the chargers the heavier and more unwieldy the cables are!)

So, stick with what your friend knows, understands and trusts

depadz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123719520#Comment_123719520

thanks. Points 1 & 4 not overly relevant in this case (due to chair type & 100% of journeys being local) but your other ones are food for thought alright.

@raisin, also thanks - vans not suitable (too big etc) and also they can be actually more restrictive for parking etc as need space at back or side for ramps.

Buddy Bubs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058421871/ev-for-wheelchair-driver-experience-of-suitable-models

I have experience of a few of the cars on your list. Ive no idea of the degree of mobility but I will say many cars classed as SUV are not really any higher than some other cars on your list....ID4 v ID3 for example would be quite similar heights but the design does make ID4 look much bigger. Don't rule out before trying. Theyre not range rovers by any stretch.

ID3, access is very easy and its roomy to perhaps make a manoeuvre. I had cupra born for 3 years which is identical. Back to my point above, my SUV tavascan is only a few cm higher as is the likes of an enyaq, id4 etc

R5, currently have one and it's not as easy to access for me as the cupra born or id3.

Mg4 better than R5 but not as accessible as id3 in my opinion, my brother had mg4.

My mother getting an inster on Friday this week so I can't comment just yet but id say its a decent shout.

R4, not sure, nobody here has been in one yet. Id guess its a bit easier than R5 but I dont think it will be too high anyway if the others on list aren't.

Never in a dolphin.

One extra I'd suggest is ioniq 5 which certainly looks very roomy and might provide access you need

electricus

The Tesla Model 3 is worth a look. It sits lower to the ground compared to the others mentioned. They are reliable and come with a great warranty. There are only a few service centres, but the option of Ranger home visits for service would be a bonus.

The lack of stalks might make adding customised hand controls a bit easier.

Edit: the ID.3 doesn’t have a big armrest/ console between the seats which might make it easier to get the chair across.

joe1303l

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058421871/ev-for-wheelchair-driver-experience-of-suitable-models

Assuming your friend currently avails of the disabled drivers scheme, it probably makes zero sense to recommend them any EV. Usually little or no VRT/VAT is paid which means they can avail of a heavily discounted ICE car. When they go to rinse & repeat this discount covers off a lot of the depreciation and the cost to change is minimal. Fuel used is also at a reduced cost without duty.