Renault is a leading car manufacturer that offers various vehicles adapted for persons with disabilities. These vehicles are designed to provide comfort, safety, and accessibility for drivers and passengers with different mobility needs. We will focus on one of the most popular models in this category: the Renault Master.
The Renault Master: A Large and Versatile Van
The Renault Master is a large electric van that can accommodate up to nine people, including wheelchair users. It is available in various body lengths and heights and with front- or rear-wheel drive. The Master can be customized with different types of adaptations, such as:
- Lowered floor and ramp: This allows easy access for wheelchair users, who can enter and exit the vehicle without leaving their wheelchair. The ramp can be manual or electric and can be folded or stowed when not in use. The lowered floor also provides more headroom and space inside the vehicle.
- Wheelchair lift: This is an alternative to the ramp, which uses a platform to lift the wheelchair and its occupant into the vehicle. The lift can be installed at the rear or the side of the vehicle, depending on the configuration. The lift can be operated by a remote control or a switch inside the vehicle.
- Wheelchair tie-downs and seatbelts: These are essential for securing the wheelchair and its occupant inside the vehicle. They prevent the wheelchair from moving or tipping over during the journey and protect the occupant from injuries in case of an accident. The tie-downs and seatbelts can be manual or automatic and can be adapted to different types of wheelchairs.
- Swivel seat: This is a seat that can rotate and slide out of the vehicle, making it easier for the occupant to transfer from the wheelchair to the seat and vice versa. The swivel seat can be installed on the driver’s or the passenger’s side and can be adjusted to different heights and angles. The swivel seat can also be combined with a hoist, which helps to lift the occupant into the seat.
- Hand controls: These devices allow the driver to operate the accelerator and the brake pedals with their hands instead of their feet. The hand controls can be installed on the left or the right side of the steering wheel and can be mechanical or electronic. The hand controls can also be integrated with other functions, such as the indicators, the horn, and the cruise control.
- Steering aids: These are devices that make it easier for the driver to steer the vehicle, especially if they have limited strength or range of motion in their arms. The steering aids can include a steering wheel knob, a steering wheel spinner, a steering wheel extension, or a joystick. The steering aids can also be adapted to different shapes and sizes, depending on the driver’s preference.
- Other adaptations: These are additional features that can enhance the comfort and convenience of the driver and the passengers, such as a rear-view camera, a parking sensor, a voice control system, a navigation system, a heated seat, or a sunroof.
