Earlier this summer I had the misfortune of getting injured in a bicycle accident. I was biking with my 13-year-old son and somehow we got into a pile-up. He fell the right way on the soft ground and weeds by the side of the road. After a tumble or two, bounced back and declared, “I’m okay!” Following closely behind, I managed to fall the wrong way, on the pavement and ended up with two broken elbows. My left elbow is almost entirely healed, but my right elbow needs surgery and for now I’m wearing a bionic brace. Being chastised in the office goes without saying: “High performance antics on the track, testing Vespas and Ninjas, and then a bicycle does you in?” or “From now on, only motorized vehicles for you!”

Besides being incredibly grateful that my son emerged unscathed, I have come to a new appreciation, surveying our vehicle test fleet, of what everyday life must be like for people with physical challenges or limited mobility.

For me right now, the key is low-effort everything and minimizing movements requiring my right arm. I have a newfound appreciation for a quiet cabin, a comfortable ride, easy access, and a view out that doesn’t require straining or craning. Automatic transmission is a given for now.

Here are 12 more items that make my temporary limitation easier to live with:

1. Push-button start: Eliminates the need to twist the wrist to turn a key.
2. Electronic parking brake: Requires only push/pull finger action, and also saves space.
3. Adjustable armrest: Allows optimal positioning of the elbow.
4. Power adjustable steering column: No need to grope beneath the steering column and pry loose a stiff lever.
5. Power seat: Low-effort fore-and-aft and recline adjustments. Power lumbar support is a bonus. 
6. Automatic climate control: Set the temperature once and be done with it. No need to fumble for out-of-reach controls.
7. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls: Change volume and stations without having to lift a hand off the wheel.
8. Rain-sensing wipers: No grasping or twisting a wiper lever.
9. Auto headlights: No need to take my left hand off the wheel to turn them on or off.
10. One-touch power windows (up and down): No need to press and hold, leaving my left hand on the wheel.
11. Doors that unlock and open when you pull the inside latch: Takes away the need to look for the central lock switch.
12. Strong door detents: Doors that stay open on my slightly sloped driveway without the need to fight them back.

These may seem like small conveniences, or even outright frills—until you need them. How often have I heard someone say, “What the heck was wrong with just twisting a key?”, “That’s just a gimmick for the sake of being different,” or “That’s just another thing to go wrong?” Sometimes I’ve been one of those voices.

Clearly, as a result of my very close-up view of the pavement some weeks back, I now see and appreciate these as ergonomic assets and perhaps even essential ones.

—Gabe Shenhar