For many families dealing with disability and mobility challenges, getting into a car can be a daunting task—often requiring multiple helpers and careful planning. In Bengaluru, a couple’s invention of a rotating car seat is changing that story, making vehicle journeys smoother and more accessible than ever before.
- Swivel seat turns 90 degrees for easy access
- Supports diverse mobility needs including spinal muscular atrophy and Parkinson’s
- Fits most Indian car models without permanent modifications
What happened
Rashmi Sampath from Bengaluru recounts how the travel experience with her daughter Deeksha, who has spinal muscular atrophy, was once filled with difficulty due to the physical effort needed to lift her into the car. The situation transformed when she tried TRUE Assistive Technology’s swivel seat, which rotates 90 degrees toward the vehicle door, greatly easing the boarding process. This innovation made a previously exhausting task much more manageable, even enabling the family to enjoy a long road trip of nearly 1,000 kilometers from Bengaluru to Kanyakumari with minimal breaks.
The Bengaluru-based startup TRUE Assistive Technology, co-founded by engineers Naina Padaki and Anand Kutre, has reached over 1,000 users across India with this and other mobility aids. The product line includes portable ramps and transfer systems designed to accommodate a range of physical challenges and fits in mostly existing vehicles without voiding warranties or impacting resale value. Their flagship swivel seat product, known as TurnPlus, was inspired by an earlier automotive project and adapted over several years for Indian cars and conditions.
Why it feels good
Beyond alleviating physical strain, the swivel seat addresses a deeply personal and often overlooked barrier for many people with disabilities or age-related mobility issues—the challenge of simply getting into and out of a car. By reducing the need for heavy lifting or awkward positioning, the product restores a sense of dignity, independence, and ease to routine travel.
Founder Naina Padaki explains that their vision was influenced by witnessing disability inclusion in the United States and wanting to replicate such independence in India. The longer, complex process of refining the design without heavily modifying existing vehicles means users can enjoy safe, convenient travel without worrying about insurance or warranty complications, contributing to peace of mind alongside practicality.
What to enjoy or watch next
Families and individuals interested in accessible mobility solutions can explore TRUE Assistive Technology’s products for their versatility and compatibility with most Indian car models. Their approach highlights innovation rooted in understanding users’ real-world experiences and creating practical solutions without sacrificing convenience or affordability.
As awareness grows, more people across India may benefit from such inclusive designs that open doors to new opportunities for travel and social participation. Keeping an eye on similar advances in assistive technology can inspire broader improvements in mobility and independence for a diverse range of needs.