Mechanical and electric steps for wheelchair-accessible cars

Mechanical steps are a reliable technology that is operated by simple manual mechanisms. These steps are usually fitted underneath the vehicle doors and are folded out manually when the doors are opened.

Functions and advantages

Everything you need to know about the features and benefits of the Mechanical and electric steps for wheelchair-accessible cars need to know.

Mechanical and electric steps for people with disabilities and senior citizens:

Mechanical steps are a tried and tested technology that is activated by simple manual mechanisms. These steps are often fitted underneath the vehicle doors and are folded out manually when the doors are opened. Here are some advantages:

 

  1. Cost efficiency: Mechanical steps are generally cheaper to purchase and maintain than electrical systems.
  2. Reliability: Due to their simple mechanics, mechanical steps are less prone to technical problems and failures.
  3. Manual operation: Manual operation allows the user to retain control and use the steps as required.
  4. Lower energy consumption: Since no electricity is required, energy consumption during operation is low.
  5. Ease of maintenance: Mechanical steps are often easy to maintain and require less complex repairs.

 

In contrast, electric steps offer a more advanced solution that is powered by an electric mechanism. Here are some of the benefits associated with electric steps:

 

 

  1. Automatic activation: Electric steps are automatically activated when the vehicle doors are opened, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle.
  2. Barrier-free access: Electric steps provide a virtually flat surface, which facilitates barrier-free access for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities.
  3. Comfort: The automatic activation and gentle operation ensure greater comfort during use.
  4. Adaptability: Electric steps can often be adapted to individual needs and height requirements.
  5. Modern technology: With advanced sensors and controls, electric steps are part of modern car technologies for the disabled.

 

When selecting the right step option, individual needs, budget, maintenance requirements and automation requirements should be taken into account. This helps to find the right solution that best meets the specific requirements.

Mechanical step:
  • Manual, door-combined step
  • The step retracts and extends mechanically when the door is opened and closed
  • Length 100 cm

 

 

ACM series

 

  • Load capacity: 500 kg - can be used by several people at the same time
  • Including vehicle-specific mounting material
  • 100% mechanical - connected to sliding door by lever arm
  • Extends automatically when the sliding door is opened
  • Ideally suited for continuous use
  • Maintenance-free

 

 

AKF series

 

The open structure ensures safe use - even in dirt, snow and ice. The step is available in both double-sided and single-sided versions. The stainless steel step has a 6-year surface guarantee thanks to the special final treatment!

  • Universally applicable
  • Stainless steel tread - for a good look
  • Split step - for AHK clearance
  • Non-slip safe surface
  • Quick and easy installation

 

 

Series AKT

 

The AKT rear step combines a safe step with clearance for the towbar. It is quick and easy to install thanks to its attachment to the tow bar. The stainless steel steps are bolted to a robust, corrosion-protected tubular steel frame and are non-slip and UVV-compliant thanks to the special perforated profile.

 

 

  • Universally applicable
  • Stainless steel tread - for a good look
  • Split step - for AHK clearance
  • Non-slip, safe surface
  • Quick and easy installation

 

 

 

AXE series

 

The Easystep step series AXE was developed for vehicles with a high access height. The non-slip aluminum surface and high load-bearing capacity have made this step a reliable companion for continuous daily use. When the door is opened, the step is swung out by the robust electric motor and returned to its original position when the door is closed.

 

  • Low maintenance
  • Robust construction
  • Non-slip aluminum tread
  • High load capacity
  • With installation kit and door contact switch Option: switch for dashboard

 

 

GT series

 

  • Load capacity: 150 kg
  • Very universally applicable
  • Weight saving due to extra light construction
  • Can be pushed in at full depth in the event of contact with an obstacle
  • Better slope clearance angle, as it yields on contact with the ground (goes upwards)
  • Robust construction

 

 

HER series

 

The rear step of the Easystep HER series has been designed so that it can be aligned to fit the trailer coupling in cases where there is not enough space for a full step width. The design of this step is based on the HTE series, but is made up of two parts. These parts can also be purchased separately for mounting on the left or right side.

 

 

 

HQ series

 

This extendable rear step is ideal for assembly and delivery vehicles, preferably in conjunction with a trailer hitch. The extendable design provides a sufficiently large step surface across the entire width of the vehicle. When retracted, the trailer coupling can be used without restriction. The front step edge does not protrude beyond the trailer coupling. The step is automatically and securely locked in both end positions. To move it to the desired end position, the step is unlocked by simply lifting the step edge. Once the step has been moved, it locks again automatically.

 

 

 

 

HTE series

 

The Easystep series HTE rear step made of stainless steel impresses with its light weight and durability. Usually consisting of a single component, the design can be fitted under the bumper with little effort. As the step is mounted in the middle, it ensures safe entry and exit even for vehicles with a trailer coupling. The step has a good grip thanks to its open profile. No maintenance is required even under heavy loads and the good looks are retained.

 

 

Series HTF

 

The Easystep HTF rear step series is a very good entry-level solution for trade and delivery traffic. The HTF series step is available in three widths. It can be quickly attached under the rear bumper using vehicle-specific brackets. These brackets are fitted to the existing mounting points on the chassis. The HTF step series is made entirely of hot-dip galvanized steel and is therefore very robust and indestructible. There are also versions that can be combined with towbars.

 

  • Ergonomic loading and unloading
  • Wide tread for maximum step-in comfort
  • Also available for vehicles with tow bar
  • Highly resilient
  • Non-slip surface in accordance with UVV regulations
  • Simple installation without special tools
  • Corrosion protection: hot-dip galvanized
  • Step depth: 220mm

 

Folding steps:

The folding step is operated manually when the side door is open. When folded up, it provides additional floor space in the passenger compartment as it closes off the entire entrance cut-out. It is characterized by simple installation and easy handling.

 

 

THESE POINTS COUNT

 

  • Mounting on the side door
  • Load capacity 150 kg
  • When folded up, closes the entire entrance cut-out - thus creating additional floor space for the wheelchair
  • Quick and easy handling
  • Convenient entry
  • Non-slip aluminum ribbed surface
  • Absolutely noiseless storage while driving

 

 

Electric step:
  • The step retracts and extends automatically when the door is opened and closed
  • Safety circuit: step retracts automatically in the event of an obstacle
  • Drive motor splash-proof
  • Length 100 cm

 

 

AXM series

 

  • Basic equipment: vehicle-specific installation kit/warning light, option: warning buzzer
  • Left foot pedal operation
  • Non-slip aluminum tread, with yellow marked tread edge
  • Maximum ground clearance - only 3 cm installation height

 

 

ESE series

 

  • Load capacity: 250 kg
  • Basic equipment: integrated obstacle detection (Autostop)/vehicle-specific installation kit/warning light/cable set/door contact switch
  • Extends automatically when the sliding door is opened
  • Ideally suited for continuous use
  • Stainless steel cassette protects internal parts from environmental influences
  • Anti-slip coating ensures safe access even in wet conditions

 

 

 

ETB series

 

  • Basic equipment: integrated obstacle detection (Autostop), 2 holders, cable set, control unit, vehicle-specific mounting material
  • Option: LED lighting
  • Ground clearance is almost completely retained
  • Barely visible when retracted
  • Ideal access height thanks to swivel mechanism
  • Timeless design
  • Immediately ready for use thanks to automatic and fast extension
  • Tested for more than 100,000 folding and unfolding operations
  • Developed for temperatures from -30°C to +80°C

 

 

SCE series

 

The SCE electric swivel step is ideal for use in particularly tough conditions. The swivel mechanism does not freeze even in extreme conditions and is unaffected by dirt or sand deposits. This makes this step an ideal solution for energy companies, military vehicles and for use in regions with extreme weather conditions.

 

  • Heavy duty up to 500 kg
  • Fully automatic
  • Developed for temperatures from -30°C to +80°C
  • Low installation depth
  • Basic equipment: integrated obstacle detection (Autostop)/vehicle-specific installation kit/warning light/cable set

 

 

Electric step (sliding side door)

The eStep is installed under the vehicle by the side door. It is either operated via a rocker switch on the B-pillar after the side door has been opened or it extends automatically when the door is opened. An acoustic warning signal indicates that the eStep is extended.

 

THESE POINTS COUNT

 

    • Mounting on the side door
    • Load capacity 150 kg
    • Operation via rocker switch
    • Non-slip stainless steel
    • Absolutely weatherproof
    • Convenient entry
    • Acoustic warning signal when the step is extended
    • Optional: fully automatic version

 

  • Electric step for the sliding side door
  • Operation via rocker switch
  • Drive motor splash-proof
  • Length 70 cm

 

Fixed steps:

The fixed step is mounted on the side door under the vehicle. The hot-dip galvanized steel construction makes it particularly robust and weather-resistant. Installation is carried out without further TÜV testing.

 

THESE POINTS COUNT

 

  • Mounting on the side door
  • Step with general operating permit (ABE), installation without further TÜV inspection
  • Load capacity 150 kg
  • Robust steel construction, hot-dip galvanized
  • Absolutely weatherproof
  • Convenient entry
  • No electrical connection necessary

 

Stepladders:

MLM series

 

Suitable for use in a wide variety of areas, the high-quality MLM series stepladder is ideal for bridging large differences in height. Available with one or two steps, the robust design with open profile ensures lasting safety when climbing on.

 

  • Better boarding with large height differences
  • Easy folding and unfolding
  • Can be used in many installation situations
  • Open profile for maximum safety
  • Robust construction

 

 

MTE series

 

Sometimes a single step is not enough. For these cases, there is the Easystep MTE series - the electric multiple step for safe access to high-floor vehicles. MTE series steps are available with 1, 2 or 3 treads and various tread widths, making them extremely versatile. Designed for use in tough conditions and with a high-quality construction for loads of up to 250 kg, these steps provide reliable access for heavily used vehicles. When folded and stowed underneath the vehicle, the MTE series steps take up minimal space.

 

  • for large height differences
  • universally applicable
  • Robust construction
  • Non-slip step covering
  • loadable up to 340 kg
  • Tread depth: 200mm+

 

Premium treads:

TEA series

 

  • Load capacity: 450 kg - can be used by several people at the same time
  • Basic equipment: integrated obstacle detection (Autostop), vehicle-specific installation kit, warning light, cable set, door contact switch
  • Fully automatic - extends electrically when the sliding door is opened
  • Developed for temperatures from -30°C to +80°C

 

 

TCE series

 

The TCE electric telescopic step has been designed for intensive use in a wide variety of conditions and situations. The load capacity of the TCE step is over 400 kg and the generous width means that several people can access the vehicle at the same time. Thanks to these properties, the TCE step is ideal for use in cabs, shuttle buses and for transporting the disabled.

 

  • Loadable up to 400 kg
  • Protected drive
  • Fully automatic
  • 100% waterproof
  • Basic equipment: integrated obstacle detection (Autostop)/vehicle-specific installation kit/warning light/cable set

 

 

Series WE

 

The WE series electric step extends and retracts automatically with door contact. The gear motor and the robust micro magnetic switches are compactly housed in a flat cassette, making the step suitable for a wide range of vehicles. This step can be used in the sliding door area as well as on the driver and passenger doors.

 

  • Fully automatic, with switch-off option
  • Compact design - can be used on various vehicles and maintains ground clearance!
  • High-quality components - suitable for continuous use
  • Also suitable for driver and passenger door
  • Basic equipment: mounting kit / warning buzzer / cable set / door contact switch / on/off switch / dirt protection rubber strip underneath the step
  • Weather cover under the tread protects the mechnics from dirt

 

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

How do mechanical steps work in wheelchair-accessible cars?

Mechanical steps are folded out manually, often by a simple lever mechanism, when the doors are opened.

What are the advantages of mechanical steps?

Mechanical steps are cost-effective, reliable, can be controlled manually and consume less energy.

Are mechanical steps adjustable?

To a limited extent, some models can be adjusted in height, but their adaptability is more limited compared to electric systems.

How expensive are electric steps compared to mechanical ones?

Electric steps are generally more expensive to purchase and maintain than mechanical steps.

What automatic functions do electric steps offer?

Electric steps activate automatically when the doors are opened, making it easier to get in and out.

Can I adjust electric steps myself?

In some cases, electric steps can be adapted to individual needs, but often by specialists.

Do electric steps provide barrier-free access?

Yes, electric steps provide a virtually flat surface for barrier-free access to the car.

Can electric steps still be operated in the event of a power failure?

Some models have emergency mechanisms to enable manual operation in the event of a power failure.

How much space do I need to install mechanical steps?

The space required varies depending on the vehicle type and model of the mechanical steps.

Can I have electric steps retrofitted in my car?

Yes, in almost all cases electric steps can be retrofitted to vehicles, depending on the vehicle configuration.

How are electric steps operated?

Electric steps are activated automatically when the doors are opened and can often also be controlled manually.

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