Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) offer opportunities, conveniences, and benefits that can improve a person’s life, including increased personal freedom and an enhanced quality of life. Additionally, it may need substantial investment and a commitment for the foreseeable future. Given the sheer number of possibilities, it might be challenging to determine how to get started.
Do you know how to choose a wheelchair accessible vehicle? So, we will discuss a few of the significant aspects to consider, as well as offer some advice to assist you in selecting the wheelchair-accessible vehicle that best suits your needs.
1. Which Vehicles Are Suitable For Wheelchair Travel?
When you first start looking for a car accessible for those who use wheelchairs, it may feel like an intimidating task. The good introduction is that you probably have many more choices than you now realize. When purchasing a wheelchair van, you do not have to settle for a regular van as your only choice. There is a nice chance that your current vehicle can be modified to fulfill your requirements.
1.1. Wheelchair Vans
The most famous form of transportation for those who use wheelchairs is the wheelchair van. Because of their roomy interiors and numerous standard safety measures, wheelchair vans are the vehicle of choice for many individuals who require accessible transportation.
These vans range from Toyotas with rear-entry wheelchair ramps to Dodge Pacificas and beyond. Wheelchair users can enter the vehicles either through the back or the side doors, and the vehicles typically have room for more than a wheelchair user at a time.
In addition, wheelchair vans allow wheelchair users to roam freely around the interior cabin to reposition themselves without assistance from the driver or other passengers.
1.2. SUVs that are Accessible for Wheelchair Users
Not everyone’s lifestyle or personal preferences may work with a full-size wheelchair van. You will be relieved that a mobility scooter SUV that satisfies your requirements for accessibility is not hard to obtain.
The BraunAbility Chevy Traverse and the VMI Honda Pilot are just two of the wheelchair-accessible sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the inventory at Ability Center. The Traverse and the Pilot are great options for people looking for a midsize car that will serve them well in their day-to-day lives and on longer journeys, such as road trips.
Accessibility features can be added to smaller SUVs like the Kia Soul if you’re searching for something even more space-efficient than that.
1.3.Trucks That Are Accessible To Wheelchair Users
Do not let the fact that you require accessibility equipment prevent you from buying a reliable vehicle if you have been looking for one or are already in the market.
There is a wide selection of pickups and trucks that are suitable for having wheelchair lifts and handicap platform lifts put in them.
2. Things Should You Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Vehicle That’s Accessible to Wheelchairs?
Our primary focus is on determining each customer’s unique requirements and delivering an answer that will be effective over the long run. Access to the vehicle, seating position, alternatives for storage, and safety restraints are just ways we hope to develop a car that will support and enrich your way of life.
So, if you are struggling with how to choose a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, keep in mind these things.
1. Will you be using your WAV regularly, and where do you anticipate most of your travels taking you?
2. What are the length and width of your wheelchair and its weight, and are you required to transfer any other types of equipment?
3. Who will operate the vehicle, and how many more people will routinely use the WAV?
3. How To Choose A Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle: Top Considerations
3.1. Used or brand-new merchandise
Although buying a used WAV could appear an easy and cost-effective solution, you should remember that the conversion features that come standard with some of these cars might not be suitable for your wants in light of your specific situation.
Always give the vehicle a test drive, and even try a few regular journeys you will frequently do, such as a visit to the grocery store, your family doctor, and your neighborhood park or beach.
This will ensure that the vehicle is suitable for your needs. It will immediately show you which functions and alternatives are essential to your situation.
3.2. Safety
Regarding quality and security, not all WAVs are made equal! Ensure that your van or car adapted to accommodate wheelchairs complies with Australian Safety Regulations and has been subjected to rigorous engineering and driving evaluations.
One question is whether or not the automobile was produced in the country where it will be used because adaptations made in other countries could not always conform with local legislation and safety requirements.
3.3. Ramps
Whether you choose a manual or electrical ramp will be determined by the type of vehicle you have as well as the ability of the driver or caregiver to operate the ramp. The rear of the car or the side of a vehicle are the two possible locations for installing wheelchair ramps.
3.4. Before you buy, make sure you read some customer reviews.
The past buyers and owners of accessible vehicles are the best sources of knowledge regarding these vehicles because they have the most first-hand experience with them.
Although not every post has to be favorable, you should be on the lookout for any trends of negative reviews since they could serve as a warning sign. These reviews will provide information that will assist you in determining the dependability and functionality of each accessible vehicle you consider purchasing.
3.5. Which make and model of automobile is right for you?
To ensure that the adaptation of a vehicle for wheelchair accessibility is carried out correctly and without incident, it takes several months of research, development, and testing. These include the brand-new model year 2021 Kia Carnival, the Volkswagen Caddy, Volkswagen Caravelle, Volkswagen Transporter, and Volkswagen Multivan.
Although there isn’t much of a distinction between these two automobiles at first glance, there are several significant factors to consider when deciding between a VW conversion and a Kia conversion. These factors include initial and ongoing expenses, fuel options, vehicle features, and requirements for wheelchair configuration.
Conclusion
Accessibility is of the utmost importance when your mobility or that of a loved one depends on using a mobility device.
Your vehicle must be prepared to accommodate all your requirements, whether you travel with a mobility scooter, a wheelchair, or a rehab chair. On top of that, you want a dependable, powerful, comfortable, and beautiful car. Still, it would help if you didn’t have to make any sacrifices in terms of quality so that it can accommodate your accessibility needs.
Never settle for anything below what you require when searching for the ideal automobile accessible to those using wheelchairs. The perfect vehicle will meet your needs in terms of dependability, comfort, and an excellent fit for your specific profile. When it comes right down to it choosing the right car can utterly revolutionize one’s life.