Can Wheelchair Users Drive?

Wheelchair users can and do drive. Many do not require any modifications to their vehicle, provided it has enough space to store the chair. However, an abundance of adaptive technology is available for drivers requiring hand-controlled brakes and acceleration, joystick steering, or touch ignition.

Over two million people in the US use wheelchairs as a mobility aid. In the European Union, another 5 million people use them. Yet despite their prevalence, many misunderstandings and myths remain, including the idea that the aid “confines” a user. Wheelchairs provide people with the freedom of mobility and do not restrict users from doing everyday activities, including driving.

Not all wheelchair users can drive, but the chair often isn’t the problem. For instance, some conditions require medications that make it unsafe to drive. Also, people who frequently faint, have seizures, or experience specific types of muscle spasms sometimes can’t get behind a wheel. Lastly, the cost of vehicle modifications can be prohibitive. But none of these issues are the fault of the chair.

Wheelchair users can and do drive, going about their lives like any other adult with things to do and places to see. Gem Hubbard, a disabled UK vlogger, created a video demonstrating her typical day on the road as a busy parent. But what modifications a wheelchair user needs to drive depends on the person. Fortunately, there a plenty of options.

The majority of wheelchair users have some use of their legs. Nor is it unusual for a wheelchair user to have the ability to stand and walk to a degree. Thus, some wheelchair users drive the same way as able-bodied people. The person gets into the car and goes. However, they still may find certain features in a car necessary, such as:

For these wheelchair drivers, the biggest obstacle isn’t the driving but the parking. Disabled parking can be scarce; without it, they struggle to open the car door wide enough to get themselves and the chair in and out of the car. Even an ambulatory wheelchair user (a person who doesn’t use their wheelchair full-time) still requires extra maneuvering room than a standard parking space provides.

But anyone uncertain if they require additional aids for driving should seek out an occupational therapist or a driver rehabilitation specialist. They can help assess needs and what aids or modifications might improve the driving experience.

There are wheelchair users who still use foot pedals but require adaptations. For instance, some people need pedal extenders to make them higher. This modification is pretty straightforward and relatively inexpensive. A person can buy it from Amazon and then use some standard DIY tools.

However, there are people, such as amputees, who need to use their left foot to operate the pedals. For these drivers, a left-foot accelerator can help. Some left-foot accelerators require installation, but others are “portable” and don’t require bolting in.

But keep in mind that each US state has different rules about what adaptive devices are legal. Thus, some models might be legal in one but prohibited in another. However, an occupational therapist or driver rehabilitation specialist can help advise.

Many wheelchair users do best by driving with hand-controls. Gem Hubbard is one of these drivers, demonstrating her hand-controls in this video. However, various options cater to different needs, including joysticks for limited hand function or spinner knobs for one-handed steering.

What hand-controls are perfect for an individual is best determined after consulting a physio, occupational therapist, driver rehabilitation specialist, or a care team.

Lastly, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association is an excellent resource for finding out what adaptive devices and vehicle modifications are available and where they can be sourced. They can also help advise what devices and models are legal in a person’s state.

Some vehicles can be modified to allow a person to drive from their wheelchair rather than having to transfer into the driver’s seat. In addition to the vehicle having a ramp or lift, the driver’s area will have a docking device that anchors the chair.

Wheelchair users don’t need a special driving license. However, each state has its own driving rules, and almost all require being notified of a person’s disability.

For example, wearing glasses and contacts are common aids while driving. However, a person using vision aids must declare them to the DMV. They are also tested with corrective lenses, and there is a note on the driving license that they must wear them while driving.

Consequently, the wheelchair user may only be allowed to drive provided certain modifications or aids are in the vehicle they are operating. Also, there may be circumstances where an individual is required to be retested.

There are some wheelchairs that can’t drive. However, as mentioned above, the reason the person can’t drive rarely has to do with their chair. For instance, to the chagrin of many tweens and teens, some wheelchair users are too young. The law is the law, and until you are of age, no car keys for you.

Two other significant physical challenges preventing a wheelchair user from driving are the same faced by non-chair users: vision or mental impairment. An eye test must be passed to get behind the wheel. In addition, those with dementia are also prohibited from legally driving.

Also, like anyone else, certain medications are not compatible with driving or operating large machinery. There are also physical conditions that cause unpredictable fainting or seizures. But again, these circumstances can apply to anyone, not just wheelchair users.

One of the few wheelchair-specific reasons preventing a person from driving is affordability. Some adaptations cost a lot more than others. For the person that only requires enough trunk space, their vehicle costs are no more than your average driver.

But for those that require specific ramps or lifts, the modifications can cost over 80,000 dollars. On top of that, only certain vehicle models can be adapted. This limits the pool of vehicle choices, and these are typically not manufacturers’ budget offerings.

Some programs will help ease the expense. But these often only reduce the price by a modest fraction. Nonetheless, every bit helps lessen the blow to the bank account. Some options in the United States to look into are:

Most wheelchair users can drive. However, they may require some modifications or aids, and some of these are expensive. But some programs can offer some assistance. An occupational therapist is an excellent resource for finding more information on modifications, financial assistance, and local regulations.