Electric cars are for everyone, including the disabled. For this reason, MINI made a breakthrough by modifying their electric car to make it easier to drive with disabilities.
The MINI-modified MINI Cooper SE is pretty simple. Absolutely no major changes occurred in the electric car. The UK-based car company only made changes to the gas pedal and handbrake lever.
Instead of a pedal, now the accelerator pedal turns into a circle that follows the design of the steering wheel. So disabled drivers can press the circle to adjust the speed of the MINI Cooper SE car.
In addition, MINI also provides a special button that can be used by disabled drivers who want to park their car. The button is also useful when disabled drivers are stuck in traffic and need a speed that is not too fast.
In addition to changing the gas pedal, MINI also moved the handbrake pedal a little closer to the steering bar. Disabled drivers just press the handbrake lever down so that the car can be parked perfectly.
It was stated that the MINI Cooper SE carscoops for disabilities had been tested directly by a person with a disability who is also a driving instructor, Tina Schmidt-Kiendl.
After trying he said the accelerator in the form of a ring side by side with the steering bar is ideal. The ring gives complete control for instant acceleration and braking.”
Currently, they are still making cars for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs. However, they promised to be ready to accommodate the needs of other people with disabilities.
Although it has provided opportunities for people with disabilities to drive electric cars, unfortunately according to Carscoops, currently, electric vehicle support facilities in various countries are still not ideal for people with disabilities because they do not have enough space for them to easily recharge electric car batteries.