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Original poster

Any tips please on getting into a car painlessly?

36 replies

user1471867483 · 04/04/2025 20:20

My 81 year old mum, who has chronic back issues, finds it difficult getting into my Toyota Aygo X car (the passenger seat). Unfortunately, the seat cannot be adjusted. She is 4 foot 8 inches in height and says the car is "too big and too high". She can't go in 'bottom first', as her bottom can't reach the seat.
TIA.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 08/04/2025 07:12

I would call her bluff on not using a step. She either uses it to get in and out of your car or pays for a taxi.

Original poster
user1471867483 · 08/04/2025 07:58

Xiaoxiong · 08/04/2025 07:07

I don't really understand her description of lifting her legs into position but if she means over the edge of the "bucket" seat, you can get a sacroiliac foam wedge pillow that makes the whole seat flat. I use one as the bucket seat is too deep and angled too far down so my hip hurts after a while.

I know, it's difficult to explain unless she's seen.

OP posts:
Original poster
user1471867483 · 08/04/2025 08:00

Doingmybest12 · 08/04/2025 07:09

Has she tried bottom first and turn to bring legs in or are you saying its too high for this. You can buy a pad that helps you swivel I think. A half step might seem more discreet for her and safer. Otherwise go to a car supermarket and try different models to see if its easier.

Yes! Tried bottom first, but she can't reach as she's only little. So awks to explain it really. Thank you 😉

OP posts:
Nakkityknees · 08/04/2025 08:18

I have pain and stiffness all over and getting in and out of cars is difficult for me.
The car cane is excellent for getting out.
Getting in is challenging in different ways depending on the car.
I have a sacral cushion for the seat. Helps with back pain but doesn't swivel and does make the seat higher.
A swivel seat attachement is the answer for someone who can't twist. You will probably have to choose between them.
A sturdy non slip step will work but she needs to step onto it with both feet, stand up straight, then turn 180° completely round and reverse her bottom onto the seat. Swivel 45° to face forward while you lift both legs together into the footwell.
It might be worth consulting a physiotherapist to teach her tge correct technique.
For me, everything depends on not twisting my back and keeping my hips as level as possible. So I do steps like a toddler, for example.
I am much younger than your mum, but it is either use the aids or stay at home.

Original poster
user1471867483 · 08/04/2025 08:26

Nakkityknees · 08/04/2025 08:18

I have pain and stiffness all over and getting in and out of cars is difficult for me.
The car cane is excellent for getting out.
Getting in is challenging in different ways depending on the car.
I have a sacral cushion for the seat. Helps with back pain but doesn't swivel and does make the seat higher.
A swivel seat attachement is the answer for someone who can't twist. You will probably have to choose between them.
A sturdy non slip step will work but she needs to step onto it with both feet, stand up straight, then turn 180° completely round and reverse her bottom onto the seat. Swivel 45° to face forward while you lift both legs together into the footwell.
It might be worth consulting a physiotherapist to teach her tge correct technique.
For me, everything depends on not twisting my back and keeping my hips as level as possible. So I do steps like a toddler, for example.
I am much younger than your mum, but it is either use the aids or stay at home.

Ahhhh.....that's nice of you to input all this - I appreciate your detailed reply. I'm going to have to get her something. Our physio dept is lousy really. She's now got her eye on a Citroen DS3 😵🥴. When we sat in the little older style Aygo she said she felt more comfy getting into the Aygo X 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

OP posts:
Mosaic123 · 08/04/2025 08:35

If you can park very close to a high kerb that would help.

NewsdeskJC · 08/04/2025 08:41

I'd be careful.
With my elderly mum, we call this searching for the unobtainium!
You reach the point where you don't actually know what the problem is you are trying to solve!

FlippantSeal · 08/04/2025 08:57

NewsdeskJC · 08/04/2025 08:41

I'd be careful.
With my elderly mum, we call this searching for the unobtainium!
You reach the point where you don't actually know what the problem is you are trying to solve!

This!

Nakkityknees · 08/04/2025 08:58

A private physio consult will cost you a lot less than a new car.
You will never find a car that is perfect.
A combination of aids and techniques will be much cheaper.

FlippantSeal · 08/04/2025 09:00

How often does she need to be in the car? We hire a wheelchair taxi now. Job done.

Original poster
user1471867483 · 08/04/2025 09:10

FlippantSeal · 08/04/2025 09:00

How often does she need to be in the car? We hire a wheelchair taxi now. Job done.

We go out a lot together especially shopping, hospital appt's. We'll get sorted eventually. I'm going to look up all the suggestions above.

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