In India, despite numerous laws and policies, moving around for a wheelchair user is always challenging. This is even more so in terms of public transport – for example, trains are accessible, but stairs are the only way to get to the platform, or buses have space for wheelchairs but no ramp to get on, etc. In this scenario, retrofitting a car to suit a wheelchair user’s needs, whether as passenger or in self-drive mode, is a one-time investment and a suitable choice.

You can either buy a new car that has been adapted to limited mobility needs or get a second-hand vehicle customized to your requirements. Renault is one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the world who develop wheelchair friendly vehicles on an industrial scale. There is also a range of Western car manufacturers who make vehicles specifically for the disabled such as BraunAbility, REV Group, MobilityWorks and Vantage Mobility International.

There are a few companies in India that modify cars for the mobility impaired. Take for instance True Assistive Technology that offers different types of swivel seats to make it easy to get into the car. A bunch of car modification agencies also retrofit cars of all budgets to suit the needs of people with mobility issues. But what do these modifications really include?

The Indian government has put out safety rules and regulations for disability friendly cars or modified vehicles. Once the vehicle is modified in any way, you need to register it at your nearest RTO office as an adapted vehicle. If you are registered under the Divyangjan category, you’ll also get tax benefits. There is a specific list of manual and automatic cars by different manufacturers that you can modify – available at RTO – so make sure you’re making the right choice.

Some of the most common modifications include fitting power ramps or hydraulic lifts that fold into the vehicle at the side or rear entrances, providing hand-controlled brake, accelerator and clutch, and a gearshift that’s reachable; lower floors, higher ceilings; removable seats especially at the back to make space for the wheelchair; and other critical additions such as space and a lock to anchor the wheelchair, easy in-seat maneuverability, modified seatbelts for wheelchair bound drivers, etc.

Vehicular modifications allow you to claim back control in a crucial aspect of your life as a wheelchair user, offering you the freedom to travel from one place to another without depending on hired cars. Even as the loved one of a wheelchair bound person, you have the ability to lead your life as independently as possible when you have a retrofitted car. It’s definitely worth your time and money.