Tesla has announced new features for its Robotaxi service that will help people with disabilities. There’s a new section in the Robotaxi app that tells users wheelchair-accessible rides will be available soon.
Tesla is building its own wheelchair-accessible vehicle, also called a WAV. This plan is now a key part of Tesla’s Robotaxi expansion.
If someone in Austin needs a wheelchair-accessible ride using the app, Tesla gives options for local services like CapMetro Access and Lone Star Medical Transportation. CapMetro Access is Austin’s paratransit system and offers door-to-door rides for people who qualify. Lone Star Medical Transportation arranges wheelchair and medical trips in and around Austin.
Focus from leadership
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed these new accessibility features by replying “Absolutely” to a post online about the plan. Tesla wants to give disabled riders access to Robotaxi just like everyone else. Many ride-hailing companies have had trouble doing this. Tesla has chosen to solve it themselves, not just rely on outside partners.
Tesla’s new in-house WAV is expected to be the Robovan, first shown in 2024. The Robovan will have a large interior, sliding doors, and equipment for wheelchairs or mobility devices.
All these changes help Tesla follow U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Service area and growth
Tesla’s Robotaxi service started in Austin and has expanded to cover more major roads, including the airport and the Giga Texas factory. Tesla now has permission to test Robotaxi cars in Nevada. The company is working to grow in Arizona and the Bay Area too. Tesla says it plans to remove all human safety monitors by the end of 2025 to make the service fully driverless.
With Tesla’s wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), Tesla is making a move to help people with disabilities get true door-to-door service. This can be difficult in places where regular rides are hard to find. Tesla’s plan makes accessibility part of its main Robotaxi program, not something extra.
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