How to Install a Rotating Front Seat Car For Mobility Users

A rotating front seat car can be installed in both the passenger seat and the driver’s seat. Depending on the use case and requirements, one can choose an appropriate rotating seat and then install it, or get it installed.

Table of Contents

The elderly, disabled, or those who have mobility issues benefit the most from the rotating front seat car. As the seat rotates and pivots towards the door, it gets rid of the awkward movement of bending back and lifting legs to get inside the car. It not only gets rid of the joint discomfort, but also makes the vehicle accessible for mobility users.

Let’s have a look at the different types of rotating front seat car, and how to install it in your vehicle.

Different Types of Rotating Front Seat Car For Mobility Users

The rotating front seat is majorly differentiated depending on the automation of its operation. Other factors that differentiate them are the rotation angle and comfort features.

Another way the seats can be differentiated is whether they are OEM or aftermarket. Let’s have a look at the different types of rotating front seats.

Manual Rotating Front Seat Car

One has to physically rotate and pivot this kind of rotating seat both inside and outside the vehicle. It requires upper body movement for the owner or a third party to pivot back inside the vehicle. Additionally, these have a manual locking system to secure the seat.

Automated Rotating Front Seat Car

An automated rotating seat features an electric motor incorporated into the base. Consequently, the seat pivots either automatically when the door is opened or simply by pressing a button on a control panel. Pressing the button causes the swivel seat to revolve back inside the vehicle in the desired position after a passenger is seated on it.

Compatibility Check before Installing Rotating Front Seat Car

Not all the rotating front seats will fit the model of your car. One must refer to the product description of the seat to check whether it is compatible with your vehicle. It is also advised to consult a professional to get the best possible option available for your vehicle. The checklist for ensuring compatibility is as follows

Vehicle cabin space & layout
Door opening width
Seat mounting compatibility
Floor structure and mounting points
Airbag system, sensors & seatbelt compatibility
Electrical system compatibility
Weight capacity of the vehicle seat base
Rotation clearance
Ease of entry and exit after modification
Vehicle warranty implications
Compatibility with wheelchair transfer needs

Tools Required For Installing a Rotating Front Seat Car

A simple rotating seat, or just the swivel base, can be installed DIY style. However, for a fully automated rotating front seat, a professional consultation and installation is preferred. Regardless, if one wants to install it, the tools required for the installation include,

Socket wrench set
Torque wrench
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips),
Allen key set
Pliers (standard and needle-nose),
Pry bar
Wire crimpers and connectors
Multimeter
Swivel seat base/mechanism,
Mounting brackets and hardware (nuts & bolts)
Seat rail adapters
Jack stands or lifts
Safety equipment (work gloves & safety glasses)
Product manual, which includes a wiring diagram and installation instructions

Steps to Install a Rotating Front Seat Car

Disconnect the battery to avoid electrical faults or accidental airbag deployment
Unbolt the factory seat from its floor mounts
Disconnect any OEM seat wiring, which includes the seat belt sensor and power seat controls
Remove the OEM seat
Remove OEM seat rails if needed (depending on the model of the rotating seat)
Position and align the swivel base mechanism with the floor bolt holes.
Secure the mounting brackets and torque all bolts as per the product manual
Reconnect electrical wiring
Attach the seat to the swivel base (either the OEM seat or, if the base comes with a new seat)
Reconnect the battery
Test the rotation mechanism and make adjustments if required
Check the seat belt sensor, airbag light, and power seat functions

Testing the Rotating Front Seat Car and Making Adjustments for Mobility Users

The higher-end fully automated swivel seats usually come with the option of electronically adjusting the height and the ability to move the seat forward or backward. However, in case this adjustability isn’t built into the seat, one has to manually adjust to ensure maximum comfort for the mobility user.

Various points to keep in mind while adjusting are to ensure that the legs don’t hit the dashboard or the car door. Make sure there is enough headroom, as swivel-based seats usually increase the height of the OEM seat. Check the rotation system and the locking mechanism with the mobility user seated. Make sure the seat belt works properly with the rotating seat.