As we grow older, driving can become a challenge but so can getting out of a car seat. One product available to help with the latter are car swivel seats. If driving itself has become an issue, it could be worth looking at the senior driving self-assessment test to see if safety is a serious concern (more info here).
Our mobility becomes limited and tasks that used to be so easy that we hardly noticed we were doing them, start becoming quite a chore. Getting in and out of the car is one of these tasks.
It is difficult to say whether a small, low down car or a tall SUV poses more of a challenge (probably depends on the person), but it’s clear that swivel seats are helpful. They are designed to fit onto the seat of any car and spin in place so the driver can more easily move from driving position to exiting position.
They work better on a flat surface but there are some that will fit on a curved bucket seat. The seat, or cushion swivels, allowing the passenger to move their body easily into the correct position. Cushions are usually made of foam or gel to ensure maximum comfort as well as support. It is not advisable for drivers to use a swivel seat.
Should you decide to try one of these gadgets here is a guide to some of the most commonly purchased ones on the market. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, or want to peruse other mobility aids, The Wright Stuff specializes in products to help people with physical challenges more easily navigate activities of daily living.
Car Seat Height
Some cars are more suited to easy access than others. If you are thinking of investing in a new car and you know you may start needing assistance or you have a passenger that may need assistance getting in and out of the car, it is advisable to keep a few things in mind. Cars with doors that can open wide make assisting access to the car easier.
Cars that are very high or very low can make getting in and out particularly difficult. If your passenger is in a wheelchair keep in mind you will need space in the trunk to transport the wheelchair. Here are some cars that are particularly suited to assisted access.
| Cadillac XTS | The rear doors are particularly large and open wide allowing easy access. |
| Nissan Versa Note | The rear seats fold down making more room for wheelchairs and luggage. |
| Honda CR-V | The seats can slide and fold. |
| Toyota Camry | This car is renowned for ease of access. |
| Chrysler 300 | The seats are easily adjustable to suit your passenger’s needs. |
| Dodge Grand Caravan | This car comes with optional side steps which come in very handy when climbing in and out of the car. |
| GMC Acadia | There are multiple rows of seats ensuring enough space for passengers, luggage and wheelchairs. |
7 Car Swivel Seats Worth Considering
The prices on these products will not break the bank for most people, and we tried to find only products with solid reviews. The reality, however, is that different swivel seats will be suited to different people. When in doubt, you could always consider buying a few and just planning to return the one(s) that do not suit you the best.
Sojoy iGelComfort Deluxe Swivel Cushion
- 𝙉𝙊𝙏𝙄𝘾𝙀:𝙎𝙤𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙨𝙬𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙬𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙇𝘼𝙏 𝘾𝘼𝙍 𝙎𝙀𝘼𝙏,𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙁𝙇𝘼𝙏 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜.
- 𝑮𝒆𝒍 & 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝑭𝒐𝒂𝒎 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 : Made with premium quality memory foam infused with a cooling gel top layer to provide additional support. The gel layer reduces heat and uncomfortableness of long-term sitting.
This swivel cushion is made with memory foam for guaranteed comfort and is fitted with a cooling gel top layer to offer maximum support. The gel layer reduces heat and discomfort brought on by sitting for long periods of time. The removable cover makes it easy to keep clean. This 16 inch cushion is suitable for most car seats and is portable and convenient. This is the ultimate cushion for comfort.
HealthSmart’s Deluxe Swivel Car Seat
- 360 DEGREE SWIVEL SEAT CUSHION converts any stationary chair into a swiveling chair. Swivel Seat Base helps relieve back, knee, or hip strain caused by twisting and turning when getting in and out of any seat.
- CHAIR ASSIST FOR THE ELDERLY designed with high grade foam holds that it's shape and feels soft and comfortable, helping to reduce pressure on the back and tailbone. Non-skid, flexible swivel base contours to seat and stays in place.
This 15-inch foam cushion reduces strain on your back, knees and hips thus reducing pain. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and a 360-degree rotation. The base is non-slip and flexible allowing it to take the shape of the seat ensuring stability and safety. The top fabric is slick and thus makes sliding your bottom into position very easy. The foam is hard enough to keep its shape while soft enough to provide comfort and support.
Deluxe Swivel Car Seat Cushion
- Versatile Car Seat Cushion: Convert any stationary chair into a rotating chair with this swivel cushion; it helps relieve back, knee, or hip strain caused by twisting and turning
- Convenient Design: This rotating seat cushion for car swivels 360 degrees, which makes getting in and out much easier; a great transfer aid for people with mobility disabilities or those who want to drive more comfortably
This lightweight, portable cushion provides comfort and convenience. Its 15-inch foam cushion supports up to 300 pounds and has a 360 degree rotation. The non-skid swivel base contours to the seat and fits snugly providing security and comfort.
Preston Transfer and Pivot Disc
This disc works perfectly in the car but can also be used on dining chairs and office chairs. Its 12” size makes it portable and can thus be used wherever it is needed. The non-slip, durable fabric ensures you will not slide off and limits unwanted movement.
The disc can support a maximum weight of 330 pounds and has a 360-degree rotation. It can be used as a swivel seat, or it can be placed on the ground where you stand on it and it helps you to pivot your body into the correct position for being helped into the car. This versatile, durable pivot disc is the answer to all vehicle transfer problems.
Tektrum Orthopedic Elastic Swivel Gel Cushion
- SUPERIOR COMFORT AND PAIN RELIEF: Provides superior comfort and support, relieving pressure on the tailbone, coccyx, and promoting proper posture. Eliminating this pressure can help with sciatica relief, tailbone injuries, back pain, hip pain, and hemorrhoids.
- INTERNAL SWIVEL MECHANISM: Rotating a full 360 degrees smoothly, this cushion allows you to comfortably enter or exit any seat without painfully twisting or straining your back or hips.
This provides maximum support and pain relief. The gel cushion relieves pressure on the tailbone and coccyx reducing pain and discomfort. The advanced row-column gel structure disperses your body weight evenly across the cushion preventing pressure on one area. It adjusts to your body shape and weight maximizing comfort.
The gel technology guarantees the cushion will never lose its shape or its soft cushiony comfort. The increased air circulation keeps your bottom cool even during long periods of sitting. Its removable cover makes keeping it clean a breeze. It has a 360-degree rotation so you need not twist your body and hips causing pain. It is portable and compact making it perfect for home, work or travel.
Trenton Gifts Swivel Cushion
- Contouring Foam: Our seat cushion is made from extremely comfortable foam material that helps prevent back and hip strain, making it perfect for extended periods of sitting.
- 360 Degree Rotation: The cushion swivels 360 degrees for smooth, easy movement in either direction, allowing you to easily get in and out of chairs or vehicles.
This foam cushion provides comfort and eases pain. Its 360-degree rotation ensures getting in and out of a vehicle is easy and pain free. Its non-skid swivel base fits to the contours of the seat minimizes cushion movement and providing stability and comfort. It is portable and lightweight and supports up to 300 pounds making it the perfect travel companion.
NOVA Swivel Seat Cushion
- SWIVEL IN AND OUT OF YOUR CAR OR SEAT WITH EASE. The 360 degree pivot disc design creates a smooth rotating cushion that turns any chair into a swivel chair … making it much easier to get in and out or a car, chair or seat. The non-skid based keeps the swivel seat cushion secure and in place
- WORKS BEST ON CAR SEATS WITH A MINIMUM OF 15.25” FLAT SURFACE. To allow for the pivot disc design rotation, the surface area should be a minimum of 15.25” in circumference
This foam swivel cushion works best on flat car seats with a minimum circumference of 15.25 inches. The 360-degree rotation enables you to swivel in and out of your car with ease. The non-skid base fits securely in place providing stability and comfort. The 2-inch-thick high-density foam provides comfort and support to back, hips and coccyx while maintaining its shape. The removable cover is machine washable making it quick and easy to clean.
If you are finding getting in and out of the vehicle a challenge, there are other gadgets out there that can make this chore much easier. Car canes are handles designed to fit into the u shaped latch of the car door. The handle can be used to provide support when climbing in or out of the vehicle. Handles are small, measuring around 16 inches and can be stored in the glove box or door compartment for convenient access. They come in an array of models and colors. Find the perfect car cane for you today and see how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle.
6 Alternative Options
Able Life Auto Cane
- Prevent Falls: The handle provides users with stability and balance when standing or sitting from the car; compatible with most vehicles, the grab bar fits parallel to your car when inserted into a U-shaped door striker or latch; no modifications required
- Lightweight and Portable: Store the 0.35-pound car assist handle in your glove box, door compartment, or purse; always have your assistive mobility handle within reach when traveling; the Auto Cane measures 6.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide
This lightweight (0.5 kg) assist handle will give you back your independence when climbing in and out of the vehicle. It is compatible with most cars and is easy to use and store. The non-slip grip provides extra security and comes in blue, lavender and red. It is designed for everyday use and supports up to 135 kg. No installations or modifications are required.
Handybar
- Prevent Falls: The HandyBar provides users with stability and balance when standing or sitting from the car; compatible with most vehicles, the handle fits parallel to your car when inserted into a U-shaped door striker or latch; no modifications required
- Lightweight and Portable: Store the 1-pound car assist grab bar in your glove box, door compartment, or purse; always have your assistive mobility handle within reach when traveling; the handle measure 9 inches long and 1 inch wide
The handybar fits most vehicles and is easily attached and used. It makes standing and sitting from the vehicle easy and reduces the risk of falling. Storing is easy as the handybar is small and compact. It can be stored in your glove box or your purse. Its non-slip, ergonomic handle makes it even more secure and it has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It is fitted with the bonus features of an emergency window smasher and a seat belt cutter.
Stander Metro Car Handle Plus
- Prevent Falls: The handle provides users with stability and balance when standing or sitting from the car; compatible with most vehicles, the grab bar fits parallel to your car when inserted into a U-shaped door striker or latch; no modifications required
- Lightweight and Portable: Store the 1-pound car assist grab bar in your glove box, door compartment, or purse; always have your assistive mobility handle within reach when traveling; the handle measures 6 inches long and 2 inches wide
This car cane is compact and easily portable but supports a weight of up to 300 pounds. It attaches to most vehicles easily with no modifications necessary. The ergonomic, non-slip grip ensures security when getting in and out of the car. This convenient assist tool is fitted with a flashlight for further security and convenience.
Another very useful gadget to help you get in and out of a vehicle is the Stander Car Caddie. This handle straps around the car window creating a secure handle on which to lift or lower yourself into or out of the car. The nylon strap can be adjusted from 17 to 40cm ensuring it is the perfect length for the user. The 12cm ergonomic handle makes for comfort and security and has a weight capacity of 113kg.
The Able Life Universal Standing Handle is another very useful tool when getting out of the vehicle. This small, compact handle is designed to make assisting someone into the standing position easy and efficient. Pain caused by maneuvering and pulling a person into position is reduced and dignity is maintained. The person standing holds one side of the bar while the person sitting holds the other.
The two work together to get the sitter into the standing position. There is no need to get too close and the whole procedure is very low profile and dignified. The 11 by 24 cm handle is easily stored in a glove box, purse or drawer ensuring it is always available when needed. This is an incredibly useful tool in any environment and is a must-have for anyone who is struggling to stand up unassisted.
A leg lifter is an essential aid particularly if only one leg needs assistance. The leg lifter strap enables you to lift your leg with the power of your arms and thus without the assistance of a helper.
Fawner Leg Lifter Strap
- Feel The Effect : Bingo ! It Can Helps You Easily Maneuver Your Legs to Get out of Chairs, Wheelchairs, Beds, or Cars, Give you the ability to Live Independently, For Easy Transportation, It will be folded into a triangle.
- Adjustable Length : In Order to Avoid Your Difficulty in Size Selection, Our Leg Lifter Strap is 35 inches to 44 inches long. The length of Foot Loop & Handle Grip Can be adjusted According to Your Actual Situation. It is Very Convenient and Durable.
This leg lifting strap is particularly useful as it comes with multiple loops and an adjustable length making it comfortable for people of different heights and suitable for any need. The three handles are covered with soft sponge and the foot plate is lined with foam to ensure maximum comfort. The center is reinforced with flexible aluminum offering support and stability.
RMS 42-Inch Long Leg Lifter
- 42" Long LEG LIFTER STRAPS HELPS YOU EASILY maneuver your legs to get out of chairs, wheelchairs, beds, or cars. These highly rated, top quality leg lifters are effective at increasing your mobility.
- LARGE LEG LIFTER LOOPS at each end make it simple to pull and lift your leg or cast into position.
This leg lifter is much simpler but just as effective. It also comes in a 35-inch version. The foot strap and handle are both large and comfortable. The center is made of zinc alloy making it strong and flexible. It is easily stored by simply bending it in half. The fabric is light-weight and durable and will last for years.
Vive Leg Lift Strap
- EASILY MANEUVER WEAK OR INJURED LEG: Whether recovering from a leg injury, hip surgery or suffering from arthritis, the leg lifter strap allows the affected leg to easily be maneuvered into place. Useful for safely repositioning the leg on a bed, wheelchair, or even in a car or SUV.
- INCREASES MOBILITY: Perfect for physical therapy or occupational therapy, the leg lifter strap safely increases mobility after hip replacement surgery or other hip or leg injury. Durably constructed, the lifter strap is strong enough to handle leg casts with ease.
The rigid foot loop makes getting your foot into it easy with no need to bend forward. The loop is large enough to hold any size shoe. The nylon handle makes for a comfortable and secure grip. The center is reinforced with an aluminum rod giving it flexibility and strength.
The Car Transfer Slide Repositioning Aid is another useful tool for getting in and out of a vehicle. This 24 by 16 inch tubular repositioning aid is small enough to fold away when not needed. Its inner fabric is slick allowing easy movement and repositioning and makes assisting someone in and out of a vehicle mush easier. It has a 1-year warranty and is machine washable making it easy to clean.
Summary
These handy gadgets allow for increased independence when getting in and out of a vehicle. Car swivel seats take away the pain of twisting and adjusting your position. Car canes give you the stability and support of a helping hand without the need to ask for help. The stander car caddie and leg lifter straps both help you to use your own strength to help yourself in and out of the vehicle.
Feel secure and independent again with these useful car access tools. Take the struggle out of travelling and enjoy the ride.