The simple inventions are often the best, and door latch grab bars are a great example of this. These supportive tools attach to the door’s latch and give the user something to lean on and something they can use to propel themselves off the chair and out of the car.
Getting out of the car is one of those things that you take for granted until you can’t do it anymore, and the lower the car is the harder this task becomes. With this simple tool, seniors and disabled users can minimize the strain placed on their limbs and joints and climb out of the car with ease.
What to Look for in a Car Handle Support
Although they are relatively simple tools, car door latch bars are available in many shapes and sizes. To make sure you get the best support for your needs, look for the following features:
A Solid Grip
The more disabled you are and the more support you need, the greater pressure you will place on the bar. It’s important, therefore, to choose one that features a solid, easy-grip, non-slip handle.
A Good Fit
Look for a universal latch support, one that fits all vehicle doors from SUVs to sedans and more. You’re not just looking for something that will fit your car, it also has to fit the cars of your friends and family members, as well as taxis.
Portability
Can you carry the tool around with you? Is it small and lightweight or is it large and heavy? You want something that you can drop into your pocket, handbag, or into the side of the car door itself.
Weight Capacity
The weight limit should always be considered, especially for larger individuals. If you’re obese, look into heavy duty alternatives, as exceeding the weight capacity puts the device, car, and user in danger, it could lead to slips, breaks, and other accidents.
Value
The best car door latch grabs are available for around $20 to $30. There may be cheaper options out there, but you have to ask yourself whether it’s worth opting for a cheaper alternative. It may sacrifice quality, strength, and durability, costing you more money in the long run.
Extra Features
Many manufacturers add additional features to their tools to differentiate their products from their competitors and provide extra assistance in your time of need. These can include hidden compartments built into the handle, LED lights added to the tip, and seatbelt cutters and window breakers to use in the event of an accident.
You can always keep them in the glove compartment, grabbing them when you need them.
The Best Car Door Latch Support Handles
If you struggle to get out of your car or are constantly hearing complaints from parents and/or grandparents who have this issue, you should look into a car door latch support. We have evaluated the best products in this category and have highlighted them all below with consideration for the features outlined above.
The Original Emson Car Cane – All-in-One Mobility Assistance
One of the best-selling products in this category, the Emson Car Cane, has multiple features built-in, yet it’s still one of the most reasonably priced options on this list. It’s available for around $15 to $20 on Amazon.com.
The door latch handle support is obviously one of the main benefits here. Just slip it into the door compartment and get some extra support as you climb out of the car. It features a stylish red and black design and has a very comfortable grip.
Additional features include an LED light to help you if you drop anything on the floor or if you need to use the device at night, a seatbelt cutter, and a window breaker. It is guaranteed to be compatible with all cars, is very compact, and even comes with batteries.
What more could you ask for?
Able Life Auto Cane, Portable Vehicle Support Handle
A very strong mobility aid from a company known for producing high-quality products. The Able Life Auto Cane features a comfortable ergonomic handle and promises a universal fit and a capacity of up to 300 lbs. It is non-slip, compact, and can be stored in your pocket or the car’s glove box.
Stander HandyBar, Portable Vehicle Support Grab Bar
With a stylish and comfortable grip, an incredibly sturdy design, and a couple of extra features, this product is a steal at just $30.
Those additional features include a seatbelt cutter and an emergency window breaker. It fits into a latch or u-shaped door striker and provides extra support for users up to 350 lbs.
It’s an ergonomic, non-slip auto assist handle that will last for years to come.
Able Life Auto Assist Grab Bar
Another Able Life product and one that’s built to the same high standard with the same non-slip grip. The only difference between this standing aid and the one outlined above is the color/design and the inclusion of a spare compartment.
The Able Life Auto Crane is available in three bright and bold colors, while the Auto Assist bar is darker and more stylish. The hidden key compartment can be used to store a spare key without comprising the comfort of the grip.
Customer reviews are very positive for both products and the prices are also the same, so it all comes down to the colors you prefer and whether you need that extra compartment or not.