10 recommended senior cars and how to choose one!

"It's a bit painful to walk, but I want to go a little farther."
"I want to make everyday outings a little easier."

A “senior car” can make such a wish come true.

A senior car is an electric wheelchair that can be moved while sitting, manufactured and developed for the elderly and people with walking difficulties. It does not require a driver's license and can be operated with a steering wheel. In recent years, the number of simple designs that are suitable for all generations has increased.

This time, we will introduce "Points for choosing a senior car" and "10 recommended senior cars". If you want to recommend it to your family, let's hold down the points.

What is a senior car?

A senior car is an electric wheelchair that can be moved while sitting, manufactured and developed for the elderly and people with walking difficulties. The main feature is that it can be operated with a steering wheel.

・Do I need a license to ride a senior car?

Under the Japanese Road Traffic Law, they are treated as pedestrians, not vehicles. You don't need a driver's license because you are treated as a pedestrian. When driving on the road, use the sidewalk instead of the roadway. Drive on the right side of the road on roads without sidewalks, and on the right edge of the road on roads without sidewalks or roadsides.

・How to operate the senior car?

Senior cars are also characterized by the fact that they do not require a license and can be easily operated by people with no driving experience. Decide the direction with the steering wheel, operate the accelerator lever on the steering wheel when driving, and release the lever instead of the brake when stopping. The speed can be adjusted with the speed dial.

・What is the maximum speed of a senior car?

Senior cars have a maximum speed limit of 6km/h. It's about the same speed as an adult walking fast, so you don't have to worry about going too fast.

・Can it be used inside the facility?

More and more facilities are available for senior cars. In the case of trains, each railway company sets its own rules in line with the standards of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. If you meet the conditions of size and turning radius, you can ride the train.

Tips for choosing a senior car

Point 1: Choose a size that fits your body

The most important thing is to choose the right size for your body. Choose a size that allows stable operation while sitting, such as the depth and width of the chair, the height and angle of the backrest, and the height of the armrests. It is recommended that you take a test ride to check whether it is easy to get on and off, whether it is slippery underfoot, and whether you can check the rear even while sitting.

Point 2: Good maneuverability and stability

Small turns are also important. Especially if you want to use the car inside a facility or on a train, make sure that it can turn in a small radius. There are two types of wheels for senior cars: three-wheel type and four-wheel type. Generally speaking, the three-wheel type is more maneuverable and the four-wheel type is more stable.

Point 3: Check the battery capacity

In the case of a typical senior car, the range that can be driven on a full charge is about 10-30km. If you plan to use it for long distances, choose a model with a large battery capacity.

Point 4: Can it be carried?

If you want to use it not only around your home but also when you go out, we recommend a model that you can carry around. Also make sure it fits in the trunk of your car.

10 Recommended Senior Cars

21 kg of the world's smallest and lightest class! "MOBILE X plus" that can be folded and carried

"MOBILE X plus" is the world's smallest and lightest class with a weight of 21 kg. It features a simple design that is suitable for all generations and can be folded and carried.

When folded, it is compact enough to fit in the trunk of a light motor vehicle. Because it is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it is lightweight and has a passenger weight of 115 kg, so it is safe even for people with large bodies.

MOBILE X plus greatly expands the range of activities not only for seniors, but also for people of all ages. You can use it even while sharing it with your family.

Life Designs

2021.10.11

ずっと楽しく元気に！シニアカー「MOBILE X plus」でセカンドライフのフットワーク...

https://life-designs.jp/webmagazine/tillit_mobile-x

「歩くのはちょっと辛いけど、もう少し遠くまで行きたいな」「免許返納済で毎日のおでかけが面倒……」「シニアカーは大きいし格好が……」という方にぜひ知っていただきたいのが、シニアカー「MOBILE X plus（モバイル·エックスプラス）」です。世界最小最軽量クラスの21kgを実現。折りたたみ＆持ち運びができるので、毎日のおでかけだけでなく、出先での観光やおでかけにも利用できます。世代を問わないシンプルなデザインも魅力。セカンドライフのフットワークを軽くしてくれる、シニアカーなんです！今回は実際にMOBILE X plusで円頓寺...

[MOBILE X plus]
Size: 850×530×850mm
Weight: 21kg
Charging time: about 6 hours
Continuous mileage: 12km

https://tillitjp.wordpress.com/mobilex/

<TILLIT>
Phone number: 080-3645-7661
Email: [email protected]

https://tillitjp.wordpress.com/

Suzuki's representative senior car "SUZUKI senior car ET4D"

Suzuki's representative senior car "SUZUKI senior car ET4D". There are many safety features such as "Inclination Notification Function" and "Voice Guidance".

Comes standard with a large 25L size front basket that is convenient for shopping. Equipped with LED flashing lamps on the front and back so that they can be easily seen from cars and bicycles. It is also equipped with a large leg shield that is effective on windy days.

[SUZUKI senior car ET4D]
Size: 1,195 x 650 x 1,145 mm
Weight: 100kg (including battery)
Continuous mileage: 31km

https://www.suzuki.co.jp/welfare/et4d/

Compact and maneuverable "SUZUKI Town Cart TC1A5"

A senior car "SUZUKI Town Cart" that is compact and maneuverable. It is easy to operate considering town riding, and you can run it smoothly even in narrow places. The stylish design is also attractive.

Compact body, rear wheels driven separately by left and right wheels, and front wheels with a large cutting angle improve small turning performance. 280 mm large-diameter tires work well on bumpy surfaces.

[SUZUKI Town Cart TC1A5]
Size: 1,140 x 670 x 1,090mm
Weight: 88kg (including battery)
Continuous mileage: 22km

https://www.suzuki.co.jp/welfare/tc1a/

Full-featured "Serio Yuho Smile"

Senior car "Serio Yuho Smile" full of enhanced functions.

It comes with a 20ℓ large capacity front basket, which is convenient for daily shopping. It has a continuous mileage of 30km and can be easily recharged with a household 100V outlet.

It is also characterized by a full range of options such as a cane holder, rear bag, and crutch rack. You can customize it according to your lifestyle and usage.

[SUZUKI Town Cart TC1A5]
Size: 1,195 x 650 x 1,080
Weight: 97kg (including battery)
Continuous mileage: 30km

https://serio888.net/lineup/smile.php#Smile

Stylish short-distance mobility "WHILL Model C2"

Short-distance mobility "WHILL Model C2".

Achieves a turning radius of 76 cm. It is characterized by its ability to make small turns even in facilities such as supermarkets and hospitals. In addition, it is compact with a width of 55 cm, so you don't have to worry about storage space.

In addition, the large front wheels and high-output motor enable it to climb over steps of up to 5 cm. The rear suspension is adopted, so it is also a point that it absorbs the impact of steps.

[SUZUKI Town Cart TC1A5]
Size: 554×985×745-945
Weight: about 52kg
Continuous mileage: 18km

https://whill.inc/jp/model-c2

"Fukushin Super Polker SPX-1" assists safe driving with stereo cameras and AI

Fukushin Electric Co., Ltd.'s new senior car "Super Polcar SPX-1".

The first feature is that the "driving support function" can be set as an option. Stereo cameras and AI detect the risk of impact with people, objects, gutters, etc. in advance. It will notify you with sound and light, and automatically decelerate and stop to prevent accidents.

Equipped with large tires with a diameter of 32 cm, it is safe even in places with steps.

[Super Polker SPX-1]
Size: 1,190 x 670 x 1,078 (excluding mirrors)
Weight: 100kg <air tire specification>, 105kg <no puncture tire specification> (including battery)
Continuous driving distance: 28km, 25km (with driving support function)

https://www.felco.co.jp/original_product/polcar_spx-1/

Safe and secure function "atex Mypia BT41"

Ate's senior car "My Pia". There are two types of MyPia, the "BT41" with enhanced safety and security functions, and the compact and easy-to-use "BT4B".

First of all, "BT41" with enhanced functions for safety and security. It can run 30 km on a single charge, and it has puncture-free tires, so it's safe for people who have a lot of hilly roads around their homes.

Functions such as corner deceleration function, anti-theft function, and ultra-low speed mode are also available.

Since the charging plug is built in under the steering wheel, it is also a point that you can charge without bending over.

[atex my peer BT41]
Size: 1,195 x 650 x 1,080mm
Weight: 97kg (including battery)
Continuous mileage: 30km (maximum speed, flat road, new battery)

https://atexnet.co.jp/products/bt41b/

Compact and easy to use "atex Mypia BT4B"

Compact and easy to use "BT4B". This model is recommended for those who live in condominiums and apartments, and those who often go out in urban areas. With a total length of 1,190 mm and a total width of 560 mm, it is compact, making it easy to get in and out of elevators and entrances.

As with the BT41 introduced earlier, it has a built-in charging plug under the steering wheel, so you can charge it without bending over.

[atex my peer BT4B]
Size: 1,190 x 560 x 1,080mm
Weight: 89kg (including battery)
Continuous mileage: 23km (maximum speed, flat road, new battery)

https://atexnet.co.jp/products/bt4bg/

"NOAA MOBILE α", a model that emphasizes NOAA's stability

"NOAA MOBILE α" is recommended for those who want to relax and feel safe!

The seat rotates 360 degrees and stops at 8 positions, making it easy to get on and off. This type achieves the lightest class weight of 58.5 kg! Since the tires are large, there is no problem if there are some small steps.

It can be separated into the main body, chair, chair armrest, battery, and basket, so it can be loaded in a car.

[NOAA MOBILE α]
Size: 1040×550×900mm
Weight: 58.5kg (including battery)
Charging time: about 6-10 hours
Continuous mileage: 12km

https://tillitjp.wordpress.com/mobilealfa/

<TILLIT>
Phone number: 080-3645-7661
Email: [email protected]

https://tillitjp.wordpress.com/

Soft ride "access PaseliⅡ"

"Access Paseli II" has an impressive vivid red color. (also available in blue)

All four wheels have suspension for a soft ride. The tires are large, with a diameter of 26 cm, so they are smooth over bumps and ditches. It is also equipped with a "deceleration function" that automatically controls the maximum speed while traveling downhill.

It can run about 30km per charge.

[access PaseliⅡ]
Size: 1,190 x 650 x 1,010mm
Weight: 90kg (including battery)
Continuous mileage: 30km

https://shop.access-trd.co.jp/shopdetail/000000000010/ev-wheelchair/page1/order/

When you get tired easily or lose freedom of movement in your legs, going out becomes a chore. A senior car can make your daily outings and shopping easier.

The optimal senior car will differ depending on the environment around your home, lifestyle, and distance traveled. Please choose the one that suits you and the one that suits your family.