The Canta is a two-seat vehicle from the Netherlands specifically created for, but not exclusive to, disabled drivers. It was developed in 1995 by

Waaijenberg Waaijenberg (pronounced ''ʋɑjøʏnbɛrɣ'') is a Dutch carmaker of micro cars, especially low-speed neighborhood-vehicles for wheelchair users and handicapped drivers. Founded in 1966 by Kees Waaijenberg, the firm is headquartered in Veenendaal, ...

together with the Delft University of Technology. 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 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 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 "Class III bikewa ...

s as well as sidewalks and footpaths; in addition a

driver's license A driver's license 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, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public ...

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 gun, chair, swivel caster, or an anchor rode to rotate horizontally or vertically. Swivel designs A common design for a swivel is a cylindrical rod that can turn freely wi ...

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 chair with wheels, used when walking is difficult or impossible due to illness, injury, problems related to old age, or disability. These can include spinal cord injuries ( paraplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia), cerebr ...

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. History The Dutch National Ballet was formed in 1961 when the Amsterdam Ballet and the Nederlands Ballet merged. The company h ...

that choreographically features the microcar. It is part of ''Het Nationale Canta ballet'', which in turn is an initiative of actress-director

Maartje Nevejan Maartje Nevejan (born in Utrecht, Netherlands) is a Dutch documentary filmmaker, best known for multimedia productions like ''14 and one stations'', ''Couscous & Cola''. and ''The National Canta Ballet'' Background Nevejan performed in theat ...

. It was choreographed by

Ernst Meisner Ernst Meisner (born 27 January 1982, in Noordoostpolder) is a Dutch dancer and choreographer. He trained at the Nationale Ballet Academy in Amsterdam and at the Royal Ballet School in London. Career He joined the The Royal Ballet, English Royal ...

of the Dutch National Ballet, with the music written by composer Robin Rimbaud. 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