Citroën, the renowned French automaker, made waves in 2019 when it unveiled a compact, electric, license-free pod car at the Geneva Motor Show. The charmingly designed Ami, which went into production in 2020, has already taken on a variety of roles, from delivery vehicle to city adventurer. In an exciting new development, Citroën showcased an Ami prototype with enhanced accessibility features at the 2023 Paris Autonomic trade fair. This model, developed in collaboration with conversion specialist PIMAS, aims to “restore autonomy to those who have lost it.”
The Ami for All, an offshoot of Citroën’s internal idea incubator, features modifications that make it more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Controls for acceleration and braking are conveniently positioned at hand level, and a knob on the steering wheel facilitates one-handed driving.
Accessibility enhancements also include the alteration of the rear-mounted driver-side door hinge to increase the angle for easier access. The interior of the car now includes secure mounting points for a dismantled wheelchair, and a fold-away shelf with straps has been incorporated to assist the driver in independently transferring from their wheelchair to the car seat.
The car also features an aluminum luggage rack on the rear, designed to securely hold a wheelchair and shield it from the elements using a tarp. Once the wheelchair is stowed, the person who assisted with the task can join the driver inside the vehicle.
In line with previous Ami models, the Ami for All falls under the ‘electric quadricycle’ classification in Europe, which means it can be driven without a license and is accessible to individuals as young as 14 years old.
The prototype retains the same dimensions as the original Ami, measuring 2.41 m long, 1.39 m wide, and 1.52 m high. With its 14-inch wheels and 6-kW motor capable of reaching a top speed of 45 km/h, the vehicle remains a perfect fit for inner-city driving. The under-floor 5.5-kWh Li-ion battery provides a range of up to 75 km per four-hour charge from a standard 220-V socket, ensuring adequate coverage for most urban commutes.
Citroën’s Ami for All is still in the concept phase, but the company has stated its intent to bring the project to fruition in the near future. Although the date for production and the specific pricing details are still under wraps, the tone of the press releases suggests the cost won’t significantly exceed the €8,000 base price of the original Ami. This indicates that the much-needed mobility solution for individuals with disabilities may soon become an affordable reality.
Source: Citroën
