Mazda MX-5 and MX-30 for people with a physical disability

Various Japanese manufacturers offer special versions for people in wheelchairs in the home country, complete with such things as a handy lift system. In particular, there are smart ‘wheelchair versions’ of kei cars. Mazda is showing two vehicles that take into account people with disabilities at the annual International Rehabilitation Equipment Exhibition in Japan: the MX-5 SeDV and the MX-30 SeDV.

The abbreviation in the model names stands for Self Empowerment Driving Vehicle. The MX-5 SeDV has an additional control between the driver’s seat in the center tunnel that allows you to accelerate and decelerate the MX-5. The button of the horn is also integrated in this. In addition, the MX-5 has a folding seat that makes it easier to get in and out of the low MX-5. The MX-30 also has manual control, although this electric crossover has an extra ring in the steering wheel with which you can accelerate. The stick on the left side of the driver’s seat takes over the role of the brake pedal. The MX-30 also gets an extra platform that should make it easier to get in and out. In addition, the MX-30 has a roof box with “a sliding mechanism that allows the wheelchair to be lifted and stored smoothly”. In the MX-5, the (folded) wheelchair can be stored in the place of the passenger seat.

Mazda MX-30

For cars like the Mazda 2, the brand already offers a version with a swivel front seat in the home country, complete with a footrest. The CX-5 is even available with a rotating driver’s seat that is electrically operated and partially extends out of the car. The MX-5 and MX-30 will simply be on the market in the form shown in Japan.