Choosing the right adapted car can be a life-changing experience. Whether you’re a disabled driver seeking independence or a carer supporting someone with mobility needs, understanding the available adaptations is the first step to safe, stress-free travel.
At ORA, we help people across the UK access the right adapted vehicles — whether they need them for a day, a month, or a longer-term hire. Here’s your complete guide to the different types of adapted cars, how they work, and who they’re right for.
What Is an Adapted Car?
An adapted car is a vehicle that has been modified to accommodate the physical needs of a person with a disability, such as a driver or passenger. These adaptations can support safer, more comfortable, and more independent driving for individuals who are unable to use standard car controls due to a disability, injury, or long-term condition.
👉 Check Open Road Access Trustpilot Reviews
Adapted cars can feature either automatic or manual transmission and may include bespoke features such as hand controls, left-foot accelerators, or transfer solutions.
Hand Controls (Push/Pull Brake and Accelerator)
Best for: Drivers who are unable to use their legs or feet to operate pedals.
A push/pull hand control system replaces the standard brake and accelerator pedals with a single lever:
- Pull to accelerate
- Push to brake
These are often installed near the steering wheel and can include integrated indicator switches, allowing you to keep your hand on the wheel without having to move it away while driving.
These controls are ideal for drivers with paraplegia or reduced mobility in their legs. All our adapted vehicles with hand controls are professionally installed and tested.
Left Foot Accelerator (Twin Folding or Electronic)
Best for: Drivers who have limited or no use of their right foot.
A left-foot accelerator duplicates the accelerator pedal on the left side of the brake, allowing the driver to use their left foot to operate the accelerator.
Types of left foot accelerators:
- Twin folding pedals: Flip down the side you need, and the other folds away.
- Electronic accelerators utilize sensors to replicate pedal function with greater precision.
These adaptations are commonly found in ORA’s adapted fleet, including models like the MG ZS and Toyota Corolla.
Steering Aids and Spinner Knobs
Best for: Drivers with reduced arm strength or limited grip.
Steering aids — such as spinner knobs, tetra grips, or joystick controls — help drivers steer more easily, often with one hand. These are often paired with hand controls for fully adaptive driving.
We recommend these for individuals with reduced upper body mobility or limb differences.
Transfer Plates and Swivel Seats
Best for: Wheelchair users who want to drive from the original driver’s seat.
Transfer plates bridge the gap between the wheelchair and the car seat, allowing a safer slide into the vehicle. Some vehicles also offer powered swivel seats that rotate and lower to ease transfers.
Our Internal Transfer WAVs (e.g. Ford Transit-based) include these features and powered lifts for easier entry.
Passenger Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)
Best for: Wheelchair users who travel as passengers, not drivers.
Passenger WAVs are specially adapted to allow a wheelchair user to travel safely and comfortably while remaining in their wheelchair. These vehicles typically feature:
- Rear-entry, side-entry ramps, or lifts
- Secure wheelchair restraints and seat belts
- Space for additional passengers
- Optional extra seating or luggage room
Whether you’re heading to a family gathering, a medical appointment, or on a weekend getaway, passenger WAVs offer the freedom to travel without needing to transfer out of the wheelchair.
At ORA, we offer small, medium, and large WAVs — tailored to your journey length, party size, and equipment needs.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Adapted Car
- Type of disability or condition
- Driving confidence and familiarity
- Short vs. long-term hire needs
- Additional passengers or carers
- Vehicle size, space, and boot access
We’ll walk you through everything during the booking process, and we can tailor the vehicle to suit your needs wherever possible.
👉 Check Open Road Access Trustpilot Reviews
Adapted Car Hire with ORA
We offer:
- Short-term and long-term adapted car hire
- Nationwide delivery
- Automatic or manual transmission vehicles with adaptations
- Full demo and support on delivery
- Flexible solutions for drivers and carers
All adapted vehicles are delivered with insurance, breakdown cover, and a dedicated point of contact for support throughout the hire.
Adapted cars are more than vehicles — they’re about freedom, independence, and confidence on the road. Whether you’re hiring while waiting for your own car, testing adaptations before purchase, or need something accessible for a holiday or hospital trip, ORA is here to help.
Need help finding the right adaptation? Enquire now and speak to a real person who understands.
