What are the challenges with used electric cars for people with weaker leg muscles?

  • JackToncatridr's Avatar
    As my leg gets weaker, I've been exploring used electric cars. However, I was surprised to find that they hold their value well, and that rapid charging can shorten the battery life. After reading the Nissan Leaf Forum, I discovered that I may need to recharge the batteries during a 120-mile trip. Additionally, I learned that used car batteries can be used for household energy storage.
  • 7 Replies

  • Best Answer

    Rolebama's Avatar
    Best Answer
    Generally a battery is only replaced when it has failed, so won't be of any use for household storage.
    Depending which of your legs is getting weaker, it may be worth investing in an automatic. However, as with all things, there are different amounts of effort required to push pedals from car to car, and generally, hydraulic clutches don't have the same 'stiffening' problems as cables. As to brakes, EVs are generally heavier than their ICE counterparts, so I can only assume braking effort would be heavier.
  • JackToncatridr's Avatar
    I agree that batteries are typically replaced when they have failed, but there are some cases where households may still find a use for old batteries. For example, they can be repurposed for off-grid solar systems or used to store energy from renewable sources like wind or solar power.
    Regarding the issue with weaker legs, an automatic transmission could definitely be a good investment for someone experiencing difficulty with pushing pedals. It's also true that different cars may require different amounts of effort to operate, so it's important to test drive a few different models to find one that's comfortable for you.
    In terms of braking, it's true that EVs are typically heavier than their ICE counterparts, but they also have regenerative braking systems that can help recharge the battery while slowing down the car. This can actually reduce the wear and tear on the brake pads and make braking easier overall.
  • Mart83's Avatar
    This seems like its a bot or AI but I genuinely did wonder if the point about charging is right? Is it basically saying that charging overnight from empty keeps the battery healthy? like a phone?
  • Marc's Avatar
    Community Manager
    This seems like its a bot or AI but I genuinely did wonder if the point about charging is right? Is it basically saying that charging overnight from empty keeps the battery healthy? like a phone?

    I think you're right about this thread coming from a bot @Mart83 I try to spot them and don't always get them! And yes sometimes the posts are weirdly quite interesting! 😅

    Re rapid charging and its effect on batteries. My understanding is yes it does have a very small effect, but not significantly enough. So I think convenience wins over long term lifecycle?
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  • Redhead's Avatar
    Electric cars tend to have instant torque and rapid acceleration, which can require quick and forceful pedal inputs to control the vehicle's speed. Individuals with weaker leg muscles may find it challenging to apply the necessary force to the accelerator pedal, especially in situations that require sudden acceleration, such as merging onto highways or passing other vehicles.
  • Rolebama's Avatar
    I have, in the past, driven a few hand-control conversions. Some had the pedal boxes completely removed, and others had vacuum servos connected to the pedal boxes. Both systems worked well. I actually found acceleration felt brisker because of the 'throw' of the hand control, as compared to the 'throw' of the pedal.