For many people, the hardest part of a car trip isn't the driving — it's getting in and out. Low seats, deep footwells and awkward angles can make it difficult for anyone with reduced strength, sore hips or knees, or balance concerns. It's also one of the most common frustrations we hear from carers and family members.
The good news is that a few simple, low-cost aids can make car transfers noticeably easier. This guide explains the main options and how to choose between them.
Why car transfers are hard
Getting out of a car asks a lot of the body at once: you need to swing your legs out, lean forward, push up from a low position and steady yourself — often with nothing solid to hold. Getting in reverses the problem, with a controlled lowering into the seat.
Most car transfer aids work by solving one of two problems:
- Nothing stable to hold while standing up or sitting down
- Difficulty turning the body and legs in and out of the seat
Car door support handles
A car door support handle (sometimes called a car assist handle or portable car handle) is a removable grab handle that slots into the U-shaped striker plate on the car's door frame — the metal loop the door latches onto.
It gives you a firm, stable handhold at a useful height, so you can push up to standing or lower yourself down with control, rather than pulling on the door itself (which can swing) or the seat.
Points to consider:
- Compatibility — most handles fit standard U-shaped striker plates, but door designs vary. Check the product notes for compatibility, and check your own vehicle before buying.
- Weight capacity — always check the stated capacity on the product page.
- Portability — these handles are removed after use and stored in the door pocket or glovebox, so they can be moved between compatible cars easily — your own, a family member's, or a friend's.
- Extra features — some models include a built-in torch or seatbelt cutter. Useful, but the core job is stable support.
A support handle suits people who can stand and transfer themselves but want something solid to hold — for example, after a hip or knee replacement, or with general age-related strength changes. See our Car Door Assist Handle for an example of this style.
Swivel cushions
A swivel cushion sits on the car seat and rotates, so instead of twisting your body to get your legs in and out, you sit down facing outward and the cushion turns you into position.
These suit people who find the twisting motion the hardest part — common with hip stiffness, back pain or after surgery. Check the cushion's weight capacity and whether it suits your seat shape.
Support handles and swivel cushions solve different problems, and many people use both together: the cushion for the turn, the handle for the push up.
Other options worth knowing
- Leg lifters — a simple strap that helps lift a leg into the car when hip or leg strength is limited.
- Transfer boards — for people who transfer from a wheelchair to the car seat. This is a more involved transfer; if you're supporting someone with this regularly, guidance from an occupational therapist is worthwhile.
- Handybar-style handles and vehicle-specific supports — designs vary; the striker-plate handle above is the most universal style.
Choosing for a parent or family member
If you're buying for someone else, the most useful questions to ask are:
- Can they stand from a low chair on their own, or do they need to pull up on something?
- Is the hard part the standing, the turning, or both?
- Which car (or cars) will they be getting in and out of?
- Has anything changed recently — surgery, a fall, new stiffness? If so, an occupational therapist or physiotherapist can help match the right aid to their needs.
Frequently asked questions
Will a car support handle fit my car?
Most fit the standard U-shaped striker plate found on many vehicles, but designs vary between makes and models. Check the compatibility notes on the product page and your own door frame before purchasing.
Does a support handle damage the car?
When fitted correctly to a compatible striker plate and used as intended, these handles are designed not to damage the vehicle. Always follow the product instructions.
Can these aids be used in taxis or other people's cars?
Portable handles and swivel cushions aren't fixed to the vehicle, so they can be moved between compatible cars easily.
Are car transfer aids covered by NDIS or aged care funding?
Some customers may be able to use NDIS or aged care funding, depending on their plan and circumstances. Check with your plan manager, support coordinator or provider before purchasing, and keep your invoice.
Browse car transfer aids
See our Car Door Assist Handle and the wider daily living aids collection, or contact us if you'd like help choosing.