With new models and technologies being released regularly, motoring technology seems to be constantly developing, offering drivers never-ending options to choose from to improve their driving experience, which is particularly helpful for people who are looking for mobility support. Many of these features may have different characteristics across vehicle types, therefore we encourage customers to test drive cars with features you haven’t tried before, to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
Electric parking brake
In some vehicles, electric parking brakes (EPB) feature instead of traditional, lever-style hand brakes. EPBs hold a vehicle stationary when the driver activates the brake with the push of a button, and the brakes are then applied electrically. The EPB systems can also release the brake automatically when the driver presses the accelerator and re-apply the brake when no motion is detected.
Electric locks and keyless entry
A keyless entry system is an electronic lock that controls access to a vehicle without using a traditional mechanical key. When a button is pushed, it sends a coded signal by radio waves to a receiver unit in the car, which locks or unlocks the door. Keyless remotes must be within a certain range of the car to work, which is usually 5-20 meters (15-60 ft.).
Powered boot assistance
An innovative function that allows motorists to open and close the boot using either the press of a button or by standing behind the vehicle with a recognised movement. This can be very beneficial if you lack the ability to physically reach up or lift open or close a boot.
More on the latest technology
These are just a few ways that modern technology can aid mobility. For more on the latest news on cars, scooters, technology and trends explore our motoring section in news and views.
Satellite navigation (‘Sat Navs’)
More and more cars now have integrated Sat Nav systems which are built into the vehicle. This is a popular feature but it’s important to note that the location data is only updated periodically. This means that some of the newest roads, buildings and places of interest may not feature automatically. Updating the Sat Nav can be a simple process that dealers can perform for you, although you may be required to pay an additional cost for this.
Adaptive cruise control
Cruise control is a system that automatically maintains the speed of the vehicle. Adaptive cruise control is a more recent cruise control system that automatically adjusts the speed in order to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. The car will speed up and slow down in line with the car in front, accordingly to the length set by the driver. This technology is still relatively new but we may see this becoming a regular feature on more and more cars in the future.
Parking systems
We’ve all faced difficult parking challenges before; parallel parking, in particular, can cause stress for drivers, especially those with limited mobility. Parking sensors, rear-view cameras and automatic parking systems are designed to take the stress and guesswork out of difficult parking manoeuvres. The car is equipped with a number of sensors that can find a space for you, and then, with a little help from you (the wheel spins all by itself as the vehicle guides itself into the gap it has detected by taking control of the steering), the automatic parking system parks the car in that space.
What’s available on the Motability Scheme?
A lot of this technology is already available from car manufacturers in different forms. We expect that these technologies will continue to develop and evolve into even smarter and more innovative features to further enhance the driving experience for disabled drivers. If you’re currently a Motability Scheme customer, you can speak to your dealer about what kind of technology and adaptations are available for your next car. If you’re new to the Scheme, you can find out if you can join by using our eligibility checker and you can find your local dealer by using our Find a Dealer tool
You can also use our car search tool to search our full range of available cars.
If you’d like us to send you more information about the Motability Scheme, simply request an information pack and we’ll send you everything you need.
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