The Canta is a two-seat vehicle from the Netherlands specifically created for, but not exclusive to,

disabled Disability is the experience of any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or have equitable access within a given society. Disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physica ...

drivers. It was developed in 1995 by Waaijenberg together with the

Delft University of Technology The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft; ) is the oldest and largest Dutch public university, public Institute of technology, technical university, located in Delft, Netherlands. It specializes in engineering, technology, computing, design, a ...

. In addition to the standard petrol-engined production models, an electric Canta was designed for the German market and is currently available for sale. In the Netherlands, it is classified as a

mobility aid A mobility aid is a device designed to assist individuals with impaired movement. These devices help people walk, maintain balance, or get around more easily. Mobility aids include walking supports like canes, crutches, and walkers for those w ...

because the width of the vehicle is only 1.10 metres, thus it may – unlike larger microcars – be used on

cycle path A bike path or a cycle path is a bikeway separated from motorized traffic and dedicated to cycling or shared with pedestrians or other non-motorized users. In the US a bike path sometimes encompasses ''shared use paths'', "multi-use path", or "C ...

s as well as sidewalks and footpaths; in addition, a

driver's license A driver's license, driving licence, or driving permit is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, ca ...

is not required. Each Canta is built with the adaptations required by the customer, such as locating controls and switches on the left or right side, or all on the steering wheel. Seats have a wide range of adjustment and can

swivel A swivel is a connection that allows the connected object, such as a swivel gun, gun, swivel chair, chair, Caster, swivel caster, or an anchor rode to rotate horizontally or vertically. Swivel designs A common design for a swivel is a cylindr ...

to ease entry and exit. Instead of having a driver's seat, the "Ride-in Canta" () model is designed so that a

wheelchair A wheelchair is a mobilized form of chair using two or more wheels, a footrest, and an armrest usually cushioned. It is used when walking is difficult or impossible to do due to illnesses, injury, disabilities, or age-related health conditio ...

user can enter by a ramp at the rear and drive while seated in their wheelchair. The rear of the vehicle is lowered to the ground when parked and is raised pneumatically when the engine is started.

''De Canta danst!''

''De Canta danst!'' is a television co-production by Viewpoint Productions and NTR in cooperation with the

Dutch National Ballet The Dutch National Ballet ( Dutch: Het Nationale Ballet) is the official and largest ballet company in the Netherlands. Its forerunners were Ballet Der Lage Landen, Ballet of the Nederlandse Opera, Amsterdam Ballet, and Netherlands Ballet (Nederl ...

that choreographically features the microcar. It is part of ''Het Nationale Canta ballet'', which in turn is an initiative of actress-director Maartje Nevejan. It was choreographed by Ernst Meisner of the Dutch National Ballet, with the music written by composer

Robin Rimbaud Robin Rimbaud (born 6 May 1964) is a British electronic musician who works under the name Scanner due to his use of cell phone and police scanners in live performance. He is also a member of the band Githead with Wire's Colin Newman and Malka ...

. The project was financially supported by Stichting Doen and the SNS REAAL Fund. The performances took place on 28 June 2012 at the Westergasfabriek.

References

External links

* {{official website, http://www.waaijenberg.com/canta Microcars Mobility devices Cars introduced in 1995 Cars of the Netherlands