USA: Hyundai & Kia offers wheelchair-accessible SUV service

The new 'EnableLA' service is currently conducting a pilot program; said to be the first WAV service in the Los Angeles county to use modified SUVs.

Hyundai & Kia have launched 'EnableLA' - a new wheelchair accessible mobility service, in Los Angeles, USA.

As part of the new service, both companies will be providing their flagship models, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride which will be modified to allow wheelchair access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The two modified SUVs will be operated by drivers who have been trained to assist its users. The vehicles will also come with UV-free antimicrobial lighting for better sanitisation.

Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with ButterFli - an LA-based service provider for people with accessibility challenges. The wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) will be provided to ButterFli, allowing users to book rides via their app, phone or web during the weekdays, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The new 'EnableLA' service is currently conducting a pilot program; said to be the first WAV service in the Los Angeles county to use modified SUVs.

The program is said to be part of a larger project, called 'Universal Mobility Project'. This has been created by Hyundai Motor Group with the aim to better serve people with physical, social and economic barriers, by implementing various solutions.