At the core of the "Ami for All" prototype lies a host of technical advancements designed to cater to the unique needs of disabled individuals, particularly those utilizing wheelchairs. The concept incorporates a range of features such as an increased door opening angle, specialized equipment for easy transfer from a wheelchair to the seat, mechanical and manual controls for acceleration and braking, a user-friendly steering wheel knob, and an ingenious solution for transporting the wheelchair within or outside the cabin.
The compact size of the "Ami for All" model ensures exceptional maneuverability and easy parking, leaving ample space to comfortably navigate a wheelchair. Its heightened stature facilitates easy ingress and egress, allowing individuals to embark on their journeys with utmost ease. With a maximum speed of 45 km/h and a range of 75 km, this vehicle proves to be perfectly suited for daily use. It guarantees stability and comfort while ensuring a secure and enclosed environment for passengers.
Operating the "Ami for All" is as straightforward as using any other everyday electrical appliance. This mobility solution eliminates the need for a special charger, offering quick and effortless recharging options. The vehicle incorporates a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, discreetly housed flat under the floor, and can be conveniently recharged using the onboard electric cable located in the passenger-side doorway. Plugging the cable into a standard 220 V socket completes the recharging process in less than four hours.
The adaptability of "Ami for All" for disabled individuals is both standardized and straightforward, regardless of the specific Ami model chosen by the customer. Developed in collaboration with PIMAS, a renowned leader in vehicle conversion for Persons with Reduced Mobility, this design caters to the needs of individuals with leg impairments, ensuring easy cabin access and driving capabilities. The modifications include enhanced driver's door accessibility, on-board transfer assistance, relocated accelerator and brake controls within reach of the driver's hand, and interior space alterations to accommodate a dismantled wheelchair.
Citroën “Ami for All”
Once inside the vehicle, the driver benefits from a specially designed knob on the steering wheel, enhancing grip and maximizing the excellent handling of the "Ami for All." Instead of traditional pedals, an intuitive mechanical lever has been incorporated to offer manual control of the accelerator and brake. These intuitive controls simply require pulling or pushing, ensuring a smooth and intuitive driving experience. Notably, the conventional pedals remain operational for users who may still utilize them.
The "Ami for All" further emphasizes ease of access. Its wide door, rear-hinged and opposite-opening on the driver's side, allows customers to position their wheelchair parallel to the passenger compartment threshold once the driver's door is open. For independent transfer from the wheelchair to the passenger seat, a removable and retractable shelf is unfolded, while a strap fixed to the top of the interior door frame facilitates the process. Within minutes, individuals can seamlessly transition from their wheelchair to the driver's seat, unlocking unparalleled autonomy.
When it comes to transporting the wheelchair, two options are available. It can be placed inside the passenger compartment, utilizing the generous storage volume present in the Citroën Ami model. By removing the wheelchair's wheels and securing them in the footwell using a specially designed strap, individuals can safely store the wheels in the designated space. The folded wheelchair itself can be securely positioned on the passenger seat, further enabling independent travel.
Ami is easy to handle because it is ultra-compact at 2.41m long. Electric, it can be recharged in four hours with a simple 220V socket, just like any other household appliance.
In scenarios where an additional passenger accompanies the driver, a dedicated space at the rear of the "Ami for All" accommodates the wheelchair. Here, an aluminum luggage rack simplifies wheelchair placement, allowing the passenger to install it easily. To protect the wheelchair, a customized tarpaulin can be employed. This configuration optimizes passenger space within the cabin, offering utmost comfort and flexibility. By utilizing the "Ami for All," disabled individuals reclaim their independence, transforming themselves into companions for everyday journeys and social occasions, no longer reliant on a third party.
Source: Citroen
