Evaluation of a Drive Assistance Function for Older Adults

Assistive technologies for older adults are getting more and more attention because of changes in demographics. Mobility is one of the biggest issues for people with degenerating physical and mental abilities, such that they are able to live independently. Therefore, this paper deals with the development and the evaluation of a drive assistance function for a mobility scooter to help keep older people mobile. The implemented drive assistance function reduces the challenging control of the vehicle and provides supports for the operator. The assistance function analyses the driving commands of the operator and controls the mobility scooter according to these commands. Finally, an evaluation of the assistance function with odler people shows the less challenging control and the increased safety.