The best automotive standing aids

Top pick

Stander HandyBar portable vehicle support bar

Great emergency and survival tool

The HandyBar is a compact and multipurpose emergency tool that is a must-have even for those without disabilities. In an emergency, the HandyBar can cut seat belts and break windows with ease.

The HandyBar attaches to your automobile’s door latch, acting as a temporary grab bar. It weighs about one lb and fits easily into a glove box or door compartment. The ergonomic, non-slip handle measures nine in on its longest end, so it should fit most grips. It also features a few practical additions; it functions as a seat belt cutter or window breaker in an emergency, and the high-quality materials support weights of up to 350 lbs.

This is one of the highest-rated automotive standing aids on the market, ideal for both caregivers and senior drivers. However, the HandyBar requires a U-shaped door striker latch; if your vehicle has a striker bolt, you’ll want to look elsewhere. With that said, this is a brilliantly designed product and an effective solution for most older adults.

Key Features

  • Novel design adds mobility by hooking into a vehicle’s door latch or striker, no installation required
  • Includes a built-in seat belt cutter and window breaker
  • Supports weights of up to 350 lbs
A great alternative

Emson car cane with built-in LED flashlight

A tool you can rely on

Trusted by millions, the Car Cane goes even further than other designs with a built-in flashlight along with its belt cutter and window breaker. The Car Cane is also great for added grip on car doors.

Like the HandyBar, the Car Cane hooks into a vehicle’s chassis, functioning as a temporary handle. The forged aluminum head also doubles as a window breaker in case of emergencies, and the handle contains a built-in seat belt cutter. As a bonus, a built-in LED flashlight provides up to 100,000 hours of illumination. Emson also offers a money-back guarantee.

Unlike HandyBar, the Car Cane features a straight head that is designed to stay in place as you or your loved one moves out of the car. Of course, every car is different, so finding the right design for the intended vehicle of use is key.

Key Features

  • Non-slip grip provides reliable functionality in all weather conditions
  • Forged aluminum construction can hold up to 350 lbs
  • Functions as an LED flashlight, seat belt cutter, and window breaker
A great support tool

E-cowlboy auto cane car grab handle

Let this handle give you a hand

Not as extreme as other items, this tool is more of a grab handle that is perfect for those who need help getting in and out of their vehicle. Nothing fancy, just a handy tool with lots of utility.

This ergonomic car handle slides over the top of a vehicle’s frame, providing a comfortable and secure grip for people with mobility issues. To install it, open the car door and lower the window, put the strap around the highest point of the window outline, then snap the buckle. The strap is adjustable to accommodate users of different heights.

E-cowlboy’s car grab handle is made from durable nylon with a non-slip PVC grip, but some automotive windows may cut into the strap over time. Be sure to replace the product if it shows any obvious signs of wear.

Key Features

  • Fits most cars easily and adjusts in seconds
  • Supports weights of up to 350 lbs
  • Non-slip ergonomic grip
Easiest to install

Seat Belt extender pros car mobility aid auto hand grip

Get a grip and some peace of mind

Installing in seconds and without tools, this easy to use grip has invaluable usefulness. The tool's soft-grip gives users added leverage while its heavy-duty construction ensures stability.

If you’re looking for something that doesn’t attach to the car’s door latch, this auto mobility assist attaches to a car-seat headrest, adding a comfortable point of leverage for backseat passengers. Of course, it’s not as useful for drivers and front-seat passengers, but the high-quality materials make it an excellent option for worry-free use.

It installs in seconds without any extra tools; remove the headrest, then hook the loops around the posts on the base. Reinstall the headrest, and you’re ready to go. Since the aid can be left in place for as long as needed, it is ideal for traveling. Before ordering, make sure that your headrest can be fully removed from your car seat.

Key Features

  • Soft grip provides comfortable leverage
  • Installs quickly without any tools
  • Heavy-duty materials for added peace of mind
Simple design

Maxsa 20120 grab handle headrest mount

A simple solution to a common problem

This low profile handle won't disturb backseat passengers and will be an added bonus for those who need extra help getting in and out. We like this grip for its rigid design and ease of installation.

Sometimes, simpler is better. The Maxsa 20120 is a basic handle that fits onto the back of a vehicle’s headrest. It’s available in two colors (black and grey), and it attaches firmly to provide secure leverage.

For obvious reasons, this handle is only compatible with vehicles that have removable headrests. It installs semi-permanently in seconds without any additional tools, but it’s only really useful for backseat passengers. The hard plastic material is sturdy, though it lacks padding—that will appeal to some buyers, but others might prefer a more comfortable grip.

Key Features

  • Low profile handle doesn’t disturb backseat passengers
  • Made from strong plastic for a firm grip and provides stability while entering/exiting car
  • Fits onto any removable headrest post
Brian Thomas

Brian Thomas is a professional writer with over 15 years of experience. He’s traveled extensively during that time, frequently touring the American Southwest as both a musician and a tourist. In 2019, he visited Japan and Mexico, and he’s become passionate about spreading a simple message: Traveling isn't necessarily expensive, and it's one of the best paths to self-improvement.