Getting In and Out of a Car Safely With Limited Mobility
Practical techniques and products that make transfers easier and independent
Getting in and out of a car with reduced mobility, arthritis, joint pain, or limited strength can be genuinely difficult. What used to be simple - opening the door, bending down, sitting - becomes stressful and risky when your body does not cooperate.
The good news? There are proven techniques and practical products that make car transfers safer, easier, and more independent. You do not have to stop driving or travelling. You just need the right approach.
This guide covers everything you need to know about safe car transfers.
Why Getting In and Out of a Car Is Difficult
As mobility decreases due to age, disability, injury, or chronic conditions, car transfers become harder for several reasons:
- Joint stiffness and arthritis: Hips, knees, ankles all need to bend and move - painful and restrictive
- Hip or knee replacements: Recovery requires protecting the joint from too much bending or twisting
- Reduced strength: Pushing yourself up from a low car seat requires arm and leg strength you may not have
- Balance issues: Standing, turning, and lowering yourself down while balancing is risky for falls
- Chronic pain: Conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic pain make twisting and bending actively painful
- Limited reach: Getting legs in the car or reaching door handles becomes inaccessible
The risk is not just discomfort - it is real danger. Falls during car transfers can cause serious injury, especially for older people or those with bone density issues.
Technique 1: The Sit and Swivel Method (No Equipment Needed)
If you have some mobility but struggle with twisting or bending, the sit and swivel technique is a game-changer. It requires no equipment and reduces stress on your joints.
How to Use Sit and Swivel to Get In
- Stand at the open car door, facing sideways (not facing into the car)
- Sit first - lower yourself down onto the edge of the seat
- Now that you are sitting, swivel your legs around and into the car
- Use your arms on the seat to help push yourself back into the proper position
Why this works: Sitting first means you are not trying to bend and twist at the same time. Your legs can swivel in easily without the stress of bending while twisting.
How to Use Sit and Swivel to Get Out
- Reverse the process: swivel your legs out first until you are sitting sideways on the seat
- Now stand up
- This means you are standing up straight before you have to do any twisting
Pro Tips for Sit and Swivel
- Do not rush. Take your time with each step
- Make sure the car is parked on level ground with the handbrake on
- Wear shoes with good grip
- If the car seat is very low, it will be harder. Seat cushions can help raise you up
Product Feature: The HandiCar Transfer Handle
Blue Badge Co HandiCar - Portable Transfer Handle for Car Entry
What it is: The HandiCar is a portable car transfer handle that fits securely into your car's door striker plate. It gives you a safe, stable point to hold onto when getting in and out of the car.
How it works: Simply slide the HandiCar into your vehicle's door striker plate. When you are done, it comes right out and fits easily in your glove compartment or bag.
Key features:
- High capacity: Lab-tested to safely support up to 180kg using your car door's strongest point
- Universal fit: Works on all vehicles with standard U-shaped door striker plates
- Portable: Lightweight (under 390g) - keep it in your car or take it with you for taxis and family vehicles
- Comfortable grip: Soft, non-slip handle provides secure hold in all weather conditions
- Emergency tools: Includes seatbelt cutter and tempered glass breaker for peace of mind
- Affordable: £16.63 (VAT exempt) for something you will use every time you travel
Why it is useful for limited mobility: The HandiCar provides the stable leverage your body needs when transferring. You can hold securely and reduce strain on your legs and back while getting in and out of cars.
Best for: Anyone who struggles getting in or out of cars - seniors, people with arthritis, those recovering from surgery, or anyone with reduced leg or back strength.
Shop HandiCar Transfer Handle - £16.63Product Feature: Swivel Seats - Making Car Entry Easier
Blue Badge Co Swivel Seats
What it is: A swivel seat is a specialist car seat modification that rotates to make getting in and out of the car easier for people with limited mobility.
How it works: The seat swivels to face outward when you open the door. This helps reduce the need to twist your body when transferring in and out of the car.
Why it can help:
- Reduces twisting when entering or exiting
- Makes transfers easier for people with hip replacements, knee problems, arthritis, or chronic pain
- Can help people transfer themselves independently rather than needing assistance
Best for: People who drive regularly and want to make car entry and exit easier.
Shop Swivel SeatsComing Soon: Reach Belt for Seat Belt Assistance (October 2026)
Blue Badge Co Reach Belt - Seat Belt Assistance Aid
Coming October 2026 - A new product to make fastening your seat belt easier.
What it does: The Reach Belt is designed to make buckling your seat belt easier, safer, and more comfortable. It helps you pull and guide the seat belt into position without twisting or straining.
Key features:
- Clip-on design - attaches to any seat belt in seconds with no tools required
- Comfortable rubber grip - soft, non-slip handle provides secure handling
- Universal fit - compatible with left and right-hand seat belts in any car
- Compact and lightweight - easy to store in the car or carry in a bag
- Helps with reduced grip strength, limited upper body movement, or recovery needs
Perfect for: Anyone wanting a safer, easier, and more independent way to fasten their seat belt - especially those recovering from injury or managing long-term mobility challenges.
Watch this space for launch details in October 2026.
Safety Tips for All Transfers
Whatever Method You Use, Always:
- Park on flat ground with the handbrake on securely
- Wear appropriate footwear with good grip (no slippers or sandals)
- Take your time - rushing increases risk of falls or injury
- Use available support (armrests, grab handles, door frame) to stabilise yourself
- Plan the transfer mentally first before you move
- If you have a caregiver, face each other during the transfer for better balance and support
- Never twist and bend at the same time - this is where most injuries happen
- If something hurts, stop - do not push through pain that suggests injury risk
Choosing the Right Solution for You
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. What works depends on:
- Your specific mobility limitations: Is it your knees, hips, back, or reach that is the problem?
- How often you drive or travel: Occasional trips vs daily commuting changes what you need
- Whether you drive independently or need a caregiver: This affects which solutions work
- Your budget: Solutions range from free techniques to specialist equipment
- Your car: Some cars are easier to work with than others
Start Simple and Build From There
Begin with the sit and swivel technique - it is free and works for many people. If that is not enough, try the HandiCar transfer handle at £16.63 (VAT exempt). If you drive frequently, the swivel seat may help make transfers easier. Only move to specialist equipment if simpler solutions do not give you enough help.
Your Independence Matters
Getting in and out of a car should not be a barrier to independence, travel, or doing the things you want to do. Solutions exist to help you transfer safely and confidently.
Start by identifying what your specific challenge is, then choose the right solution. Using equipment or adaptations is not giving up independence - it is taking control of your independence and making sure nothing stops you doing what matters.
Blue Badge Co Products That Help
We have created a range of products to help people with limited mobility get in and out of cars safely:
- HandiCar Transfer Handle: Portable car transfer support - £16.63 (VAT exempt)
- Swivel Seats: Rotate for easier car entry and exit
- Reach Belt: Coming October 2026 - seat belt assistance aid (details above)
- Driving & Car Aids: Full range of car transfer aids and accessories
2 comments
I presume can also use in passenger front seat
Received my Transfer handle yesterday. Really pleased with it and the belt cutter and window breaker. Showed my grown up grandson and he was very impressed!