Mobility without limits: e.GO and Automobile Sodermanns present first e.GO Life converted for people with disabilities

• Unique project from North Rhine-Westphalia: First e.GO Life with 20 different conversions that enable people with limited mobility to drive a car

• Highlights, such as a fully automatic robot arm for individual wheelchair load-ing, the possibility of integrating Space Drive, the drive-by-wire technology for safe vehicle control, or even left-hand throttle are integrated

• Cooperation with vehicle conversion company Sodermanns Automobile from Wassenberg, Germany

• Vehicle conversion eligible for up to 100 percent subsidy and potential subsi-dy of €22,500 possible on new vehicle purchase

Aachen, November 25, 2021 - e.GO Mobile, the German manufacturer of sustainable electric cars, together with Automobile Sodermanns in Wassenberg (NRW) today presented the first e.GO Life converted for people with disabilities.

The first converted e.GO Life was presented at an exclusive launch event with high-ranking guests from politics and business. In it, 20 different conversions have been implemented for testing and test driving, e.g. a fully automatic wheelchair loading system or a folding transfer aid for easy boarding and loading of a wheelchair as well as various driving aids, for example left-hand throttle, a multifunction steering wheel turning knob, a hand control unit for accelerator and brake, a turning and swiveling seat for the passenger side, a camera system for the view to the side and to the rear in case of restricted neck turning function, orthopedic car seats, additional hand-holds for boarding and exiting and many more. In addition, the innovative Space Drive technology from Paravan, a renowned conversion specialist and license partner of Sodermanns Automobile, can also be installed if required. The electronic steering and braking system dispenses with the mechanical link between the steering wheel and steering gear; impulses are merely transmitted electronically. The drive-by-wire system, which is also used in motor sports or the automated industry, also enables mobility for the disabled and benefits people with less muscle power and severe motor impairments. Very little muscle power is sufficient to drive the vehicle safely and independently.

“In recent years, the number of inquiries regarding the conversion of e-vehicles has increased continuously,” says Frank Sodermanns, managing director and greener at Automobile Sodermanns. “This also applies to small e-city vehicles like the e.GO Life. Due to the special design of electric cars, there are of course challenges when it comes to conversion. Here, it’s specifically about the battery, space, weight and integration into the vehicle’s electronics - challenges that we know how to overcome well, however, with 25 years of experience.”

“This makes a completely new category of mobility accessible to people with disabilities, namely that of sustainable, robust and modern vehicle concepts that are optimally suited for use in urban areas due to their size and equipment” adds Dr. Matthias Kreimeier, Sales Manager of Next.e.GO Mobile SE. “We also want to enable people with handicaps to be dynamic and agile in the inner city. A vehicle of this size with a robotic arm is unique.”

Sodermanns Automobile in Wassenberg specializes in converting vehicles for the disabled. The e.GO Life is ordered from e.GO Mobile itself or from one of its Germany-wide sales partners; the conversion is then carried out at Sodermanns in Wassenberg. There the e.GO Life is also registered and examined by the TÜV in the form of an individual acceptance. In addition, Sodermanns Automobile offers a nationwide pick-up and delivery service, with which the converted e.GO Life can also be delivered directly to the customer’s home or to another location.

The costs for the vehicle conversion can be eligible for subsidies of up to 100 percent, e.g. via the so-called motor vehicle assistance; here the experienced team from Sodermanns provides active advice and support. Independent of the handicapped-accessible conversion, the environmental bonus for electric cars can of course be applied for.

Copyright ® photo - Automobile Sodermanns