The closed gas ring for electric vehicles is located in the inner circle of the steering wheel and enables convenient manual operation of the gas function with a simple hand pressure. The ring can be deactivated via a special switch and can be removed if necessary due to its wireless functionality.
The attached gas ring on the steering wheel and the brake lever below the indicator replace the pedals.
A special driving program makes it particularly easy for people with disabilities to maneuver into or out of the Mini Cooper SE. There is a setting with a reduced gas characteristic curve for this, which simplifies smooth start-up. Braking is done with manageable effort using a hand lever.
BMW offers driver training for people with disabilities
Tina Schmidt-Kiendl herself has been in a wheelchair for years. The BMW employee had the idea for the Mini conversion.
While she was still in the hospital for months, the cheerful woman was still thinking about how to make the best of the situation. “The idea of organizing driver training for the disabled was still in the hospital,” says Schmidt-Kiendl, adding the reason that is relevant to people with disabilities on a daily basis.
Since 2021, BMW has also been offering special driver training courses for people with disabilities at its training center in Maisach.
Disabled conversion costs 4000 to 4500 euros
“Fortunately, BMW supported me in this project from the very first second,” says the instructor during a test lap in one of the training vehicles. The most important element is the conversion for the disabled, which costs 4000 to 4500 euros.
Simply stepping on the gas with your foot and braking does not work. The ring in front of the steering wheel rim acts as the gas pedal. As soon as you push it forward, you increase the speed.
This system was used by the paraplegic racing driver Alex Zanardi. From now on also in a Mini – and then electric.
