As you age, one of the tasks that you may find increasingly difficult to perform is getting into and out of your vehicle.

This can increase the need for assistance from others, increase the burden on family and friends, and reduce your functional independence and quality-of-life.

What if I told you that there was a device you could use to help you get in and out of your car, without needing any assistance, and can get you back on your feet driving, shopping, running errands, and out-and-about in no time.

As a physical therapist, I was first introduced to the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle from a patient of mine, who had been using this device to help her transfer in and out of her vehicle since she lived alone.

Since then, I have taught numerous patients how to get in and out of their vehicles independently, and have had much success. This device is inexpensive, it’s simple, and just about anyone can use it without difficulty.

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The Emson Portable Car Cane can be used by individuals who are:

• Elderly
• Disabled
• Pregnant
• Have had recent surgery such as:
  • Total Hip Replacement/Hip surgery
  • Total Knee Replacement/Knee surgery
  • Head/Neck/Spine
  • Amputations
• General weakness/debility

Based on my experience as a physical therapist, and working with the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle with numerous patients of mine, I have decided to provide a brief review in the paragraphs below of the pros and cons of using this device. So without further ado, let’s dive in.

PROS

#1 Assist with Independent Transfers

One of the functionalities and major pros to using this device is that it assists individuals, particularly those who are elderly or those who have had surgery or illnesses, be able to transfer in and out of a vehicle safely.

The additional handle that fits securely inside of the door latch acts as a lever to use when standing. In order for an individual to transition from sitting to standing effectively, there are (3) basic steps to keep in mind:

• Scoot forward to the edge of your seat
• Keep your trunk forward over your feet (ie: nose over toes)
• Push down onto a stable armrest or lever closest to you

The design of the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle allows the user to be able to achieve all (3) movements for a successful transfer into and out of any sized vehicle.

The handle also comes with a non-slip grip, making it easier to stand without losing your handhold.

Not to mention that it also increases the user’s independence and decreases their reliance on others. (Click the image below for more information or to purchase–affiliate link)

#2 Light-Weight and Portable

Another pro to using the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle, as the name implies, is that it is very light-weight and portable.

The car cane weighs roughly 6.7 ounces, and can easily store in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Although the car cane is light-weight, it is also very durable.

The inner base of the car cane, which is made of forged aluminum, can hold up to 350 lbs. In addition, the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle comes fully intact, with absolutely no assembly needed making it easy for anybody to use.

It is relatively inexpensive; therefore the user can have multiple car canes for different vehicles.

Not to mention, that it is universal and fits securely in the door latch of most vehicles.

#3 4-in-1 Multipurpose Use

Lastly, what makes the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle stand out from the other car canes are its multipurpose features.

Most people fail to realize that the Emson Car Cane comes with other handy features in addition to helping the user get into and out of their vehicle. Other features in the Emson Car Cane include:

• Window breaker
• LED Flashlight
• Seat belt cutter

The window breaker is located on the end of the car cane and is the same piece that fits securely into the door latch of the vehicle. This portion of the car cane is made of forged aluminum, and can easily break through windows if an emergency were to occur.

Located just slightly above the steel window breaker are (2) small LED flashlights. The LED flashlights take (2) X 3V Lithium CR 2032 batteries, which are included in the package and can last up to 100,000 hours. The flashlights are best used to assist with either locating the latch of the door or for other purposes.

**ALLEY TIPS: It’s important to note that the (2) CR2032 batteries are needed to use the flashlight feature only, and is not needed for general use of the product**

The seat belt cutter is located on the opposite end of the car cane from the window breaker and LED flashlights. The seat belt cutter fits deep inside the handle of the car cane making it safe to use without cutting oneself. 

As the name implies, the seat belt cutter can be used to cut through the seat belt to allow the user to exit the vehicle if an emergency were to occur.

CONS

#1 Unidirectional

Although the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle has numerous great features, there are a few cons to note and be aware of. Firstly, this particular car cane is unidirectional and can only fit into the door latch of the vehicle one way, which is horizontal.

If you try to turn the car cane vertically through the door latch, perhaps to give yourself more room to stand, the car cane is not as secure in this direction, and may pop out of place.

In addition, the Emson Car Cane can not be left inside of the latch and must be replaced and removed after each use in order to open/close the car door.

**ALLEY TIPS: Some customers report having success using the car cane in the vertical direction instead of the horizontal direction. It is important to note that there are some safety concerns with using this technique due to the fact that the car cane is not as secure**

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#2 Difficult For Those With Shoulder Injuries/Larger Individuals

The second con, which goes hand-in-hand with the first, is that because the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle only fits through the latch safely in the horizontal direction, it may be difficult for individuals with dysfunction of the shoulder joint including shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, and rotator cuff tears to use.

The horizontal position of the car cane places the shoulder in internal rotation (basically palm facing down), for use.

Individuals with an acute shoulder injury may not have the ability or range-of-motion necessary to use the car cane in this position.

Also, the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle may be difficult for larger individuals or individuals with wider hips to use because it does not provide as much room for standing.

As previously stated, some customers have had success turning the car cane in the vertical position; however, it is not as stable or secure, and therefore is not recommended.

**ALLEY TIPS: Rehab Alley suggests the circular version of this cane that can provide additional room for larger individuals or those with wider hips. Click the below image for more information and purchase–affiliate link**

#3 Fits Most, but Not All Vehicles

Lastly, the car cane was designed to fit inside of the door latch of a vehicle. As stated above, this allows the car cane to fit universally in just about any vehicle. However, the Emson Car Cane may not work in older vehicles, and will not fit in vehicles that do not have a u-shaped door latch.

These are my top pros and cons of using the Emson Car Cane Portable Handle. As a physical therapist with several years of experience in a hospital setting, I highly recommend this device.

I continue to train patients daily how to transfer safely into and out of their vehicles while using this device. I have experienced first-hand how it can improve their independent function, and I am confident that it can do the same for you.

If you enjoyed this blog and would like similar content on general rehabilitation, physical therapy, and the uses for durable medical equipment, then feel free to check out some of my other articles at rehaballey.com/blog. GOD BLESS YOUR ENDEAVORS!!