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30.01.2025

Moby Dick becomes Enterprise

mobile for more than 16 years thanks to drive-by-wire technology

For drivers with disabilities like Sabine, access to adapted vehicle technology is the key to a self-determined life. Customized electronic driving and steering systems based on drive-by-wire open up new possibilities for barrier-free and sustainable mobility. They not only promote independence, but also create access to social participation and professional fulfillment. The story of 51-year-old Sabine, who has been safely and independently mobile for over 16 years thanks to Space Drive, shows how such technologies can change lives.

After 16 years and more than 208,000 kilometers, it's time to say goodbye: Sabine and her faithful Kia Carnival, affectionately known as "Moby Dick," are going their separate ways. But the 51-year-old will remain mobile - with a new companion she has christened "Enterprise": a VW T6.1 equipped with the second generation of the innovative Space Drive drive and steering system. In addition to many modern vehicle features that will make driving easier in the future, the input devices have also changed. Instead of a mini steering wheel and an accelerator/brake lever, Sabine now uses two joysticks. She accelerates and brakes with her left hand and steers with her right. "It was strange at first," says Sabine, "but after a bit of practice, especially on the challenging, narrow and winding roads around the Aichelau Mobility Park, it worked beautifully.”

New Technology, New Driving Experience
There are even more innovations in her new vehicle: the Paravan Touch and the "Voice Control" system for operating the auxiliary functions provide additional comfort and increased safety. "It is a real relief," says Sabine. She is particularly proud of finally being able to operate the sun visor independently again - a function she had been unable to use for years. "It was either up or down and I always had to ask someone to help me. Now I can do it myself - it's a great feeling!"
Key vehicle functions such as turn signals, lights, horn and windshield wipers are also much more intuitive to operate. In the past, Sabine used the so-called bleeper - a button installed in the vehicle that triggered commands by pressing it several times. Up to ten different functions could be controlled in this way; for example, pressing the button twice meant "turn right". The new technology greatly simplifies operation and ensures an overall more pleasant driving experience with added safety. Since 2017, Sabine has also been using the PARAVAN PR 50 power wheelchair as a driver's seat - another milestone in her personal mobility. The power wheelchair, which is approved as a driver's seat, allows her to sit directly in front of the steering wheel. With a simple "click", the PR 50 is securely and firmly anchored to the vehicle via the docking station. This seamless integration gives Sabine maximum flexibility and comfort without compromising safety.

Freedom behind the wheel: self-determination and independence
The combination of innovative technology and accessible mobility gives Sabine the freedom to do her job at the job center and her many volunteer activities without the help of others. "For me, mobility means freedom and independence. When I drove myself to the registration office with the papers, it was an overwhelming moment," she recalls. "I do everything in my daily life by car!"
Saying goodbye to her trusty Kia was difficult: "The first few trips were challenging and I really missed my old car," Sabine admits. But after a good two months, her enthusiasm has won out: "I have to say that the bus is really fun. I've found the ideal seating position and now I'm driving the car - not the car driving me! She adds with a smile: "I'm practically the pilot in my own cockpit." For Sabine, Space Drive 2 is a huge step forward. "I can now operate the steering joystick with two fingers," she says proudly. Her gut feeling for driving has also changed - a feeling of safety and control that she enjoys every day anew.

Moby Dick becomes Enterprise. After 16 years and 208,000 kilometers, Sabine is changing - not only from the Kia to the VW T6.1, but also from Space Drive 1 to Space Drive 2. For her, mobility is a guarantee of self-determined participation in life. Photo: Paravan
Trying out the new car. After 16 years, Sabine gets a VW T6.1. Not only is the car new, but also her input devices for steering, accelerator and brakes. Photo: Paravan
A comparison of two cockpits - 16 years between them. Where previously many buttons were needed to operate the secondary functions, today there is voice control and the PARAVAN Touch. This means a huge increase in comfort and safety. Photo: Paravan
With the new car, Sabine's input devices are also changing. She controlled her first car with an accelerator/brake slider and a mini steering wheel. Now she uses two joysticks for steering, gas and brake. Photo: Paravan
Getting into the vehicle is also new. Instead of the popular underfloor ramp, Sabine now uses a cassette lift to get into the car comfortably with her PARAVAN PR 50. Photo: Paravan
Directly in front of the steering wheel with the PARAVAN PR 50. With the wheelchair approved as a driver's seat, Sabine can drive directly in front of the steering wheel without having to move. The docking station secures the wheelchair in the vehicle with a click. Photo: Paravan
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Press release
Pfronstetten-Aichelau, January 30, 2025, Moby Dick becomes Enterprise

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Press & PR
Anke Leuschke

Fon: +49 (0)7388 9995 81
Fax: +49 (0)7388 9995 999

 

 


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