5 Tips for Wheelchair Users on Choosing a Swivel Seat for Cars

Whether you are living with a disability, old age, or a life-changing injury, it is important to ensure that your mobility needs are met. One of the most effective ways to do this is with a swivel seat for cars.

Swivel seats are a popular and hugely effective way of ensuring that you can enter and exit a car with ease, safety, and convenience. You may easily feel overwhelmed when looking for a swivel seat for car travel.

The market is an incredibly diverse and saturated one, with products available to tailor to every need. With that in mind, we'd thought we would compile a guide on choosing among the different swivel seat options to find one that is right for you.

What to Consider When Choosing a Swivel Seat for Cars

1. How Much Do Swivel Seats for Cars Cost?

The cost of swivel seats should be your first and foremost consideration. As mentioned, the market for swivel seats is diverse. This means that you can expect to pay vastly divergent prices depending on the vendor and the type of swivel seat that you choose for your car.

2. How You Will Use Your Swivel Seat?

When looking for disability-friendly seating for cars, it is important to consider the capacity in which you will be using it. Will you be driving the car yourself? Do you expect to be seated in the passenger seat most of the time? How often will you need to use your swivel seat?

These are all important considerations. All swivel seat companies offer products specifically tailored to different use cases, so keep this in mind. 

3. Who Will Use The Swivel Seat?

As with any type of seating for wheelchair users, it is important to consider who will be using it and how that might affect their needs. For example, a child suffering from an injury will likely need a different type of swivel seat than an elderly person with hip problems. A person who is paralyzed may need a swivel seat that specifically caters to their condition.

Remember to always tell a salesperson exactly why a person needs a swivel seat and they will be able to help. 

4. Why Do You Need a Swivel Seat?

It's also worth thinking about why you are using a swivel seat for a car. Is it to make it easier to escort your child who is disabled to school? Is it to improve your own mobility? Is it to make driving around an elderly relative more comfortable? The answer to these questions will determine the type of swivel seat that you need.

5. How Comfortable Is Your Swivel Seat?

Finally, it is important that you do not forget about the all-important comfort factor. If you are planning on getting a lot of use out of a swivel seat, then comfort is king. Many swivel seats come with memory foam padding or ergonomic designs. If possible, see if you can try out a swivel seat for yourself to determine how well your body fits into it. 

Learn More About Swivel Seats for Cars

Now that you know how to find the right swivel seat for cars, it's time to get the one that's right for you. By consulting our comprehensive range of vehicle seating, you will be able to find the perfect swivel seat. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our expert team if you have any questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a swivel seat in a car?

Yes, it is possible to install a swivel seat in a car to improve wheelchair accessibility. Swivel seats are designed to rotate, allowing easier transfers between a wheelchair and the car seat. However, the installation process and feasibility may vary depending on the specific car model and wheelchair user's needs.  

To have a swivel seat installed in a car, you would typically need to consult with a mobility specialist or an automotive accessibility modification company. These professionals have experience in adapting vehicles for wheelchair accessibility and can guide you through the process. They will assess your specific requirements, recommend suitable swivel seat options, and carry out the installation according to industry standards.

How do you make a swivel car seat?

Creating a custom swivel car seat can be a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and skills in automotive engineering and modifications. It typically involves alterations to or removal of existing car seats and may require the assistance of professionals who specialize in vehicle modifications for accessibility. It is best to consult a mobility specialist to assess the specific needs of the individual and also match up the compatibility of the seat product with the vehicle of choice. 

How do swivel seats work?

Swivel seats are designed to rotate or pivot, allowing easier entry and exit from a vehicle for individuals with mobility challenges. They are commonly used in vehicles to improve accessibility for people who use wheelchairs or have difficulty transferring in and out of a standard car seat. Most seats are fully operated and rotate and travel automatically with a push of a button on a handheld pendant.  However, some require manual rotation and do not travel, assisting users to enter and exit a vehicle at a reduced cost. 

What car had swivel seats?

Swivel seats are available to be installed in a variety of vehicles and it is recommended that you work with a mobility specialist to determine what applications work for your needs. Swivel seats that offer added wheelchair accessibility do not come standard on vehicles but are alterations that are done using a mobility dealership with trained and certified technicians.