The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

First World Power Wheelchair Designed Exclusively for Disabled Motorists


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Autoadapt launch the world’s first wheelchair specially designed for drivers: Carony Drive electric wheelchair and Carony Drive LOC electrical tie-down system developed exclusively for the Autoadapt Carony Drive.

The Carony Drive is a power wheelchair with a seat that can be lowered down to the exceptional height of 370 mm. It is the lowest seat height of all power wheelchairs the market. A well-known Stormy power chair has for instance a seat height of 440 mm.

This makes the Carony Drive electric wheelchair particularly suitable for individuals who whish to drive their vehicle from a wheelchair, as they avoid hurting their knees at the steering wheel while driving.

The low seat height allows driving from a power wheelchair in both compact lowered floor solutions, such as Renault Kangoo, MPV vehicle models, and bigger vans.

Carony Drive is crash tested, secured in the wheelchair lock Drive LOC, with a crash test dummy weighing 76 kg, as required by the ISO standards, and approved with a CE-mark.

The driver enter the vehicle via ramp or wheelchair lift and drive onto the wheelchair lock, Carony Drive LOC, which is mounted on the vehicle floor. Here the driver will be safely seated, fixed in a crash tested lock. A blue or red light on the operation board will indicate if the wheelchair has been properly locked.

The steady wheelchair lock will keep you fixed without sway and make the driving as much of a pleasure as possible. If an emergency situation occurs, the lock can easily be opened by using the red emergency lever," says Don Beattie, Marketing and Sales at Autoadapt UK Ltd. in Birmingham, one of the largest mobility industry distributors in Great Britain and NI, as well as in Rep. of Ireland, and a part of the Autoadapt Group, an internationally leading product provider in the field of car adaptation for the elderly and disabled.

The Carony Drive wheelchair control unit can be lowered down and folded out of the way. This feature provides the free space needed for using the hand control for acceleration and brake.

A revolutionary footrest gives foot space even in the lowest position while entering a vehicle. When lowering the wheelchair seat to its lowest height and the footrests will automatically move forward, thereby allowing a comfortable position for the legs while keeping the knees away from the steering wheel.

The wheelchair seat itself is designed to be easily adaptable for any personal requirements. A choice of smart accessories will help the driver acquire an enhanced comfort, such as removable back rest and seat cushions, comfort headrest, pressure relief seat cushions, lumbar support and side supports.

The Carony Drive serves as an ergonomic and safe car seat, with seat height adjustment from 14,5 to 20 inch (370 mm to 510 mm) and function outside the vehicle as a normal power wheelchair (just as the popular model Autoadapt Carony Go) with a top speed of 3,7 miles/hour (6 km/h) and a max range 15,5 miles (25 km).

The design of the Carony Drive is specifically made to demand as little space inside a vehicle as possible. The total width is 24,5 inch (62 cm), which even allows passage all the way to driver position in a lowered floor converted Renault Kangoo”, explains Don Beattie.

When it came to developing the all-new Carony Drive, Autoadapt set out to challenge to create an engaging driver's environment with contemporary design, total performance and exceptional attention to detail.

Highlights include:

Autoadapt Remote Transmitter is placed on the steering wheel and the transmission works via radio waves to activate the electrical functions: Ignition, hazard lights, position lights, low beam lights, high beam lights, direction indicators, windscreen wipers (two speeds), horn and one control button that can be connected to an optional function. When not in use it can easily be removed leaving only the holder on the steering wheel.

The Carospeed Menox hand controls are specifically designed to harmonize with the car’s interior. ad to give physically challenged drivers the benefit of control and ease when driving a vehicle. Driving becomes an easy and enjoyable experience with Carospeed Menox. The hand control operates in one straight and ergonomic range of motion so that accelerating and braking are distinctive and easy to use in the flow of traffic. Pushing forward engages the brake and easing back accelerates.

Autoadapt Menox Steering Knobs are ergonomically shaped and have an attractive design. The Menox-steering knob is attached to the vehicles steering wheel. It is possible to connect the same functions to the "steering knob" as to the Carospeed Menox hand control. Quick-release is a standard. There are three different steering knob models available and a possibility of four different colours.