In 2017, there were almost 44 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1). This is a major increase at 63 percent, compared to 1999. And with seniors living longer and being behind the wheel more often, there must be safe ways to get in and out of their cars. So why do they need the best car handle for the elderly?
In prior years, approximately 37,000 people that were ages 65 and older were injured each year just trying to enter or exit a vehicle (2). Forty percent of those auto injuries were due to falls. With the help of a car cane, auto assist grab bar or car door latch grab bar, these can help seniors who are perfectly capable of driving have a far easier time rising and sitting down.
Additionally, a senior car lift handle for the elderly may also come in handy for senior passengers, who want to be able to get in and out of a car without waiting for the driver to come around. Check out these eight options below for ideas.
Best Car Handles for the Elderly
1. Able Life Auto Cane
Features
- Prevent Falls: The handle provides users with stability and balance when standing or sitting from the car; compatible with most vehicles, the grab bar fits parallel to your car when inserted into a U-shaped door striker or latch; no modifications required
- Lightweight and Portable: Store the 1-pound car assist handle in your glove box, door compartment, or purse; always have your assistive mobility handle within reach when traveling; the Auto Cane measures 6.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide
- Provides Independence: Perfect for the elderly, injured, or anyone needing mobility assistance; easily maneuver in and out of cars without caregiver assistance, preventing back pain from lifting and skin tears from pulling
- Fun Color Options: Choose from three bright colors and add personality to your auto grab bar; the comfortable, ergonomically shaped, non-slip grip handle is available in Blue, Lavender, and Red
- Heavy Duty: Safely supports up to 300 pounds; designed for everyday use, the durable car assist bar is the perfect travel accessory
This portable vehicle support handle ensures standing mobility aid for elderly passengers and/or drivers.
Key Features
- Available in three bright colors: blue, lavender, red
- Ergonomic non-slip grip handle
- 300-pound weight capacity
The grab bar fits parallel to a car when inserted into a U-shaped door striker or latch. The lightweight handle (1 pound) measures 6.5 x 1.5 inches, and is easy to use in the event caregivers are not available or to help seniors have more independence. This also prevents unnecessary back pain from lifting and skin tears from pulling upward.
Pros
- Small enough to store in purse, glove box, door compartment, middle console
- Compatible with most vehicles
Cons
- Not eligible for international shipping
- May stick out in the sitting area, according to one reviewer
There are no installations or modifications needed in order to make this car handle work effectively.
2. Stander HandyBar
Features
- Prevent Falls: The HandyBar provides users with stability and balance when standing or sitting from the car; compatible with most vehicles, the handle fits parallel to your car when inserted into a U-shaped door striker or latch; no modifications required
- Lightweight and Portable: Store the 1-pound car assist grab bar in your glove box, door compartment, or purse; always have your assistive mobility handle within reach when traveling; the handle measure 9 inches long and 1 inch wide
- Provides Independence: Perfect for the elderly, injured, or anyone needing mobility assistance; maneuver in and out of cars using the non-slip grip handle without caregiver assistance, preventing back pain from lifting and skin tears from pulling
- 3-in-1 Safety Tool: Includes a built-in window breaker and seat belt cutter for emergency escape; practical gift idea for loved ones, provides peace of mind when traveling
- Heavy Duty: Safely supports up to 350 pounds; designed for everyday use, the durable car assist bar is the perfect travel accessory
Although the goal is to have a spare set of keys somewhere nearby, this vehicle support grab bar can also be used as a car emergency escape tool (i.e. window breaker) and seat belt cutter in a pinch.
Key Features
- 350-pound weight capacity
- Ergonomic non-slip grip
- 9 x 1 inches
This heavy duty bar is said to fit 99 percent of cars, according to the manufacturer’s website. (Your U-shaped door striker latch should have two bolts or screws attaching the striker to the door frame.) The handle slides right into the striker.
Pros
- Easy storage in purse, glove box, door compartment, middle console
- Securely fits on driver’s side and passenger’s side
Cons
- Cannot close the door without removing it
- “Snapped in two, according to one user whose 200-pound father used it
Considering the tool’s extra perks, this comes in handy whether you’re having problems getting in and out of your car or just want to keep it for security purposes. It may make someone’s day as a handy gift.
3. PushOn Car Handle
Features
- Assistance with getting out of your car - Versatile and high quality material
- Nonslip grip for elderly, injured or disabled - Aid for exit and entering your auto
- No tools required - Installs easily in door catch and around window frame or roof handle
- Small and portable - Stores away in your bag, door or glovebox. Can be used on both driver side and passenger side
- WARRANTY - Upheld by Amazon A-Z guarantee so buy with confidence Today!
This grip strap handle should install easily in the door catch, around a window frame and/or a roof handle.
Key Features
- Versatile on passenger and driver’s side
- Built-in flashlight
- Glass breaker and seat belt cutter options
When you’re not using it, just store this handle in your glove compartment box, door pocket area and/or your purse.
Pros
- Nonslip grip
- No tools required
Cons
- Will not work with door striker bolt
- One user received a broken grip strap; another user reported it missing altogether
With an adjustable height of 7-16 inches, you can also strap it around your window frame and put the buckle in place.
4. E-cowlboy
Features
- ❤️Non-Slip — Ergonomic car handle to get in and out of vehicles without fear of falling. Perfectly fit the palm and finger outline so that you can grip naturally of comfortable hand feeling.
- ❤️Great Compatibility — Universal for most car, truck, van, SUV, etc. For the elderly, child, pregnant woman, injured or anyone who needs mobility assistance. Length adjustable nylon strap from 7"-17".
- ❤️Perfect Design — Easily put the strap around the window outline then snap the buckle. Small and lightweight, convenient to carry with pocket or handbag and provide security assistance at any time.
- ❤️Superior Material — Premium grade durable nylon with non-slip PVC grip, integral molding process, anti-wear and anti-tear for long-lasting reliability. Anti-deformation and anti-impact for safe experience. Support up to 350 lbs.
- ❤️100% Satisfaction Guarantee — If you're not 100% satisfied with our handles, simply return it for a full refund in 30 days. Support 18 months’ Warranty. Professional & Sincere Service allows you to take no risks to purchase in E-cowlboy!
This car handle is pretty easy to master. Just lower your window and put the strap around the highest point of the window outline. Snap the buckle in place, and adjust the height.
Key Features
- High-quality durable nylon
- Supports up to 350 pounds
- 66-17 inches x 4.33 inches (handle)
This adjustable handle can be used for the elderly, the injured, pregnant women, and children. Buy it in either red or black as one piece or buy a two-piece set to use on both sides of the car. It also perfectly fits the finger and palm area for a better grasp.
Pros
- Non-slip PVC grip (convex fringe)
- Provides extra grip on dry and wet applications
Cons
- One user complained that the two parts weren’t sewn on together properly
- Another user reported that the edge of the window frame cut down through the strap
This height-adjustable strap is convenient to carry in your pocket, purse or rest it between the seats in the cup holder. There is an 18-month warranty if faulty and a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
5. Signature Life Assurance
Signature Life Assurance
Features
- Prevent Falls: The handle provides users with stability and balance when standing or sitting from the car; compatible with most vehicles, the grab bar fits parallel to your car when inserted into a U-shaped door striker or latch; no modifications required
- Lightweight and Portable: Store the 1-pound car assist grab bar in your glove box, door compartment, or purse; always have your assistive mobility handle within reach when traveling; the car assist cane measures 6 inches long and 2 inches wide
- Provides Independence: Perfect for the elderly, injured, or anyone needing mobility assistance; easily maneuver in and out of cars without caregiver assistance, preventing back pain from lifting and skin tears from pulling
- Safety Flashlight: Includes a built-in LED flashlight for extra visibility at night; located at the bottom of the ergonomic, non-slip grip handle, simply turn the end of the auto handle to turn the flashlight on or off
- Heavy Duty: Safely supports up to 300 pounds; designed for everyday use, the durable car assist bar is the perfect travel accessory
Stick this grab bar in your glove box, door compartment, or purse. When you’re ready to use it, just pull out the 5 x 2 inch car accessory for an easier rise and sit.
Key Features
- Concealed key compartment
- LED flashlight
- Compatible with most vehicles
The grab bar should fit parallel to the car when inserted into the U-shaped door striker or door latch. The no-slip handle is not only built to grab onto tighter, but the LED flashlight attached adds extra visibility at night. This device can hold up to 350 pounds.
Pros
- No installation or modifications required
- Lightweight (1 pound)
Cons
- One user complained that the light comes on too easily
- Although another user said it works, his wife wasn’t strong enough to hold onto it
While you could always wait for your caregiver to assist you on the other end of the car, why not make the lifting process simpler with this easy-to-carry device?
6. Emson Car Cane 3 in 1 Mobility Aid
Emson 3 in 1
Features
- Nonslip grip is comfortable to hold^Gives you the leverage to lift yourself up^Forged aluminum construction can hold 350lbs^Stores away easily in your door or glove box
These three-in-one handles fit right into your car door’s handle for extra leverage getting out of your car. When you’re in a hurry or feeling particularly tired, this option may be just the pull you need.
Key Features
- Available in six colors (black, blue, gray, pink, purple, red)
- Forged aluminum construction
- Holds up to 350 pounds
The deluxe version of this handle has a handy light included on it, in addition to being a seat belt cutter and a hammer to break glass if the keys are locked inside.
Pros
- Nonslip grip
- Easy/comfortable to hold
Cons
- Double-check the color ordered; several users received a different color than originally chosen
- One user reported that it “fits too far back to help”
This sturdy handle shouldn’t slip or budge when you’re using it to get in and out of your car.
7. ZipSeven
Features
- Heavy duty car assist with non-slip soft pad is comfortable to hold up to 300lbs. Warmly notice: This handle is only for assistance, please don't lean your whole body or put your entire weight on the handle, thank you
- Multi-purpose Auto handle is not only use as an assistance handle but a window breaker, seatbelt cutter. Compatible with most of the cars
- Assistive mobility handle easy to insert into a U-shaped door striker or door latch when standing or sitting in your auto, no installation or modifications required
- Portable car assist handle is easy to store in your glove box, door compartment or purse, can be used on both driver and passenger side, perfect travel accessory.
- The auto assist aid help to transfer in and out of cars for the elderly, injured, disable or anyone needing mobility assistance without caregiver assistance.
This portable car handle has additional uses as a window breaker and seat belt cutter.
Key Features
- Holds up to 350 pounds
- Universal fit
- Soft-padded handle
Between the lock and the non-slip grip, this heavy-duty option (7-16 inches) is intended to make sure you can move around quickly and peacefully.
Pros
- Ergonomic non-slip grip
- Lockable buckle to keep handle in place
Cons
- Will not work on door striker bolt
- During winter months, snow may need to be removed to properly put the strap around the window frame
This adjustable handle should be compatible with all cars.
8. Spurtar Car Assist Handle
Features
| Part Number | Spurtar000023 |
| Is Adult Product |
As a seat belt cutter, senior assistance door handle and window breaker, this car assist handle works for driving assistance and emergency needs if roadside assistance isn’t available.
Key Features
- Holds a maximum of 350 pounds
- High-quality aluminum material
- Soft, non-slip grip
With the ability to fit most cars that have a U-shaped door striker, it should be easy to set up and then store away when not needed.
Pros
- Hand should not slide while gripping
- Three-in-one functionality
Cons
- May need to keep an eye on door handle to avoid potential frame flattening
- Double-check sturdiness during winter and rainy seasons to avoid the frame sticking
The texture of this senior car grip is intended to be both secure and soft when standing and sitting.
Bottom Line
How do you know which of these eight car door handles for elderly people works best for your needs or your loved ones? As with all devices, everyone has their pros and cons. But the best way to find out is to decide:
1) Where do you want the device to be located?
2) How often will you be traveling and at what times? (Is night vision important?)
3) Is your car equipped to fit this particular device?
4) How often do you plan to use it and/or have a place to store it?
While almost all of them can fit in a glove compartment box, a side door, a purse or bag, you want to make sure that you have an easily accessible area for it. Avoid digging around for it so long that you give up and just get out of the car without it, risking (another) fall. These door handles are intended to be safe and convenient, so make sure that the one you choose can meet both goals.
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References:
- CDC. Motor Vehicle Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/older_adult_drivers/index.html
- Anne Harding. 2008. Getting in and out of cars risky for seniors
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cars-risky-seniors/getting-in-and-out-of-cars-risky-for-seniors-idUSHAR36318220080423
The Review
Car Handle for Elderly
Ensuring the elderly person in your life can safely get in and out of the car is easy with a car handle!
Review Breakdown
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Able Life Auto Cane
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Stander HandyBar
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Push On
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Auto Cane Car Grab Handle
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Signature Life Assurance
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Emson 3 in 1
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Zip7
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SpurTar
Car Handle for Elderly DEALS
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