Best cars for disabled passenger access

Finding a suitable vehicle for less mobile people can be a real minefield but our guide is here to point you in the right direction

Getting behind the wheel can offer drivers a level of freedom and independence. With approximately 16 million people living with a disability in the UK, more automotive brands are understanding the need to work towards inclusive and accessible vehicles for drivers and their passengers.

According to national statistics, there were 2.57 million blue badge holders in the UK in 2023, an increase of 5.7% from the previous year.

Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, says: “As the demand for greater inclusivity and accessibility grows in the automotive industry, we expect to see more car manufacturers adapting well-loved models fit for all drivers.

“For some, driving is a necessity. Others simply enjoy being behind the wheel. Whatever your reason for driving, having a car that suits your needs is a must for a comfortable and safe journey.”

Ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on 16th May, we've explored some of the best cars for drivers and passengers with a disability.

How should I choose a car if I have a disability?

As with any car, you'll need to consider purchase costs, running costs, fuel efficiency and safety ratings when deciding which model to go for.

If you're living with a disability, there may be some additional factors to consider. You’ll want to ensure you and your passengers are able to travel in comfort, including the space you need to get in and out of your vehicle safely.

Things to consider for disabled passengers

Accessing the car

Buying a car that can accommodate a disabled passenger on a regular basis requires some planning.

The requirements of your disabled passenger may outweigh some of the other usual considerations when buying a car, so figure out exactly what you need and what’s important to your passenger.

Access is very important. Ensuring that your passenger can get in and out of the car in comfort is crucial, so you need to do some extra homework on the cars that you’re considering.

For example, you’ll need to know which models have doors with a wide opening and a low sill.

You’ll also need to decide whether a high-set or a low seat will be better for your passenger to get in and out of the car.

Transferring from a wheelchair will also determine the height of the car seat, as it needs to be as close as possible to the height of the chair.

Before you buy a car, it’s best to get your passenger to come with you to the dealer to try and get in and out of the car, which you should test a few times.

If you need to use any aids for helping them get in and out, take them with you to check that they fit correctly.

Car doors

Another aspect of getting in and out of the car involves the actual doors themselves.

Sam says: “Whether you're a disabled driver, or have a passenger who has additional mobility requirements, making sure your car is comfortable and spacious for the journey is a must.

“A sliding door can be perfect for passengers who need additional space to get in and out of the vehicle, or if you need to store a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Alternatively, finding doors that open wide can offer the space needed – some doors don’t open as wide as you think they would."

The handles have to be straightforward to pull, and you won’t want heavy or stiff doors, especially if your passenger needs to swing their legs out first in order to get out of the car.

Wider doors are good, but the downside is that they will need more space to open them in car park bays or garages.

If your passenger is closing the door, they will also have to stretch further to reach the handle, so consider how practical this is for you.

A high door means your passenger won’t have to duck their head to get in, while a low and narrow door sill means not having to swing legs far or lift them too high.

Seats

Even if you don’t need any special adjustments to the car, the seats will be important when considering your car purchase.

Remember, you’ll need space around the seat, both for your passenger’s accessibility needs, but also to enable a carer to have space if they have to help your passenger get comfortable.

A car with seats that have a wide range of movement – especially rear benches that can slide back and forth easily – are particularly useful.

Seat height is important, too. A low seat will mean that ankles, knees and hips have to bend more, while a higher seat ensures your passenger doesn’t have to drop down too far into the seat or struggle to get up.

Sam says: "“Modular seating can also help, as well as give you the flexibility you need to ensure that all passengers are catered for and comfortable. The height of your seats could also be an important factor to consider.

“Seats that are positioned more than 55cm off the ground may be tricky to climb in to from a wheelchair. Alternatively, seats very low to the ground may also prove difficult for access."

As a general rule, seats that are 50-55cm from the ground will suit the majority of users, including those in a wheelchair.

If you want to find guides to cars that are suitable for disabled passengers, there are a number of online resources that can offer measurements for a wide range of current models.

Spread the cost of a new car with car finance

Our top three cars for carrying disabled passengers

Citroen Berlingo

The Berlingo has a lot going for it as a people carrier. Based on the Berlingo van, this retains all the practicality of a business vehicle but adds comfort and usable passenger features.

The sliding doors make entry easy, while the middle row of seats is also wide and spacious.

If you opt for a seven-seat version, the rear row folds flat to offer a cavernous boot for storing a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Sam says: “For those needing to carry a wheelchair or mobility scooter, the seven-seater offers plenty of boot space with the rear seats folded flat.”

Volkswagen Caddy Life

The Caddy Life is another van-based vehicle with a pair of sliding doors.

It also comes with Volkswagen’s quality and thoughtful design, so it should do the job well.

Inside, it has plenty of space for the whole family and also features some very impressive technology including Apple CarPlay, making it feel very similar to the interior of a Golf.

Sam says: “This vehicle is a solid build with generous space inside, and Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability means you can trust it to get you where you need to.

“If space is a priority, a van-style vehicle is often the best option. The Caddy Life is fun to drive and comes with a well-built interior, making it feel not dissimilar to a VW Golf.”

Ford Galaxy

The Galaxy is a traditional MPV, meaning it's a usefully spacious and practical car.

With wide doors, three middle seats that slide forward and back individually, and a third row of seats that fold perfectly flat to give a huge boot space, the Galaxy offers something for passengers with a range of mobility issues.

Sam says: “The Ford Galaxy gives passengers the adjustable room they need to travel comfortably.”

It may not have sliding doors like the two vehicles above, but it makes up for it by having a large interior – both width and height-wise.