The Mini Cooper SE is a PWD-friendly EV

Car brands often design models with a target market in mind. Off-roaders are aimed at active and outgoing customers, sports cars target car buyers who have a need for speed, while minivans — well, some people say they’re for soccer moms. That said, it’s not common to see car companies create vehicles that can be used by people with disabilities.

Enter the all-electric Mini Cooper SE.

“For me, diversity means allowing everyone to share in the hallmark Mini driving experience. And this applies equally to the electrified Mini, of course. Our goal at Mini is to give everyone equal access to such important innovations,” said Mini Head Stefanie Wurst.

This compact EV can be equipped with driving and operating aids that make zero-emission driving fun in the small car segment available to people with disabilities for the first time.

Driving Experience instructor Tina Schmidt-Kiendl, herself a wheelchair user, was able to provide particularly valuable input when it came to fitting the Mini Cooper SE with the abovementioned operating aids.

The vehicle was equipped with an accelerator ring on the steering wheel and a handbrake knob next to the steering wheel, and these were then put to the test in practice.

“The design of the Mini Cooper SE is very accessible as it is. With the dual recuperation, you have full control for instant acceleration and braking,” said Schmidt-Kiendl after her test drive.

Mini revealed that the Mini Cooper SE will allow people with disabilities to select customized solutions for individual conversion options by having various driving and operating aids installed. In the Mini Cooper SE, for example, this might involve having an accelerator ring and the accelerator ring system installed, as well as the hand control for the brake and a removable pedal cover.

Instead of having to use your foot to accelerate the vehicle, the closed accelerator ring allows convenient manual operation of the throttle function by means of hand pressure. For braking, a brake lever can be mounted on the right-hand side of the steering wheel allowing disabled drivers to safely decelerate the vehicle. A pedal cover for the original accelerator and brake pedals protects the driver from accidental operation, thereby enhancing safety.

With its traditional design features and forward-looking drive technology, the Mini Cooper SE combines the authentic style of the traditional British brand with emission-free driving fun – whether in an urban setting or on excursions outside the city limits.

In order to ensure confident, safe, and sporty handling of the converted vehicle, Mini drivers can also take a special driving safety training course at the BMW and Mini Driving Experience center in Maisach just outside Munich.

Photos from Mini

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