After buying a house, the next most expensive purchase the average family makes is buying a car!
For able-bodied people this is relatively straight forward. They must consider price, size, design, performance, comfort, reliability and resale value.
However, if a wheelchair user has to travel in the vehicle then other vital parameters must also be considered. I know - I've been a powerchair-user for over 25 years and have to stay in my chair when travelling by car. I know because I've travelled in many converted wheelchair vehicles that are unsuitable for the job and would have been an expensive mistake.
So what are these extra parameters?
First, entry and exit from the mobility vehicle must be quick and effortless. Once inside you and your wheelchair must be well secured for safety. Good visibility is essential and smooth suspension for a comfortable ride is vital.
If you are not positioned low down and centrally in the vehicle then the ride will be uncomfortable - not to mention having to shout to talk to other occupants. Compromise on any of these and the wheelchair-user could have an unpleasant ride. When you have taken all these factors into account then of course consider price, performance, reliability, resale value and the aesthetics of design and finish.
An converted wheelchair accessible vehicle for disabled-users represents a major financial investment. These guidance notes have been produced to help you make that investment a sound one in the knowledge that you have purchased the most suitable vehicle for your needs.
John Lambert
- Transport Options
- Dimensions
- For the Driver
- Purchasing Options
- Final Considerations
Does one of your family use a wheelchair?
Is transport becoming difficult?
Solution 1
- Adapted front passenger seat
- Usually requires standing transfer.
- Carer/partner needs to be free from back, shoulder or heart problems.
- Wheelchair has to be dismantled and loaded into the boot (average transfer time 8 to 12 minutes).
Check: Is the seat in the car original and comfortable?
Solution 2
- Converted Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
- Either with hydraulic lift or simple ramp.
- Entry from either side or rear of vehicle
Before making your choice, have a demonstration and check that the passenger travels COMFORTABLY and SAFELY.
Try to speak to another customer who has the wheelchair accessible car conversion which interests you!
Dimensions: Does The Car Fit Your Needs?
The 3 most important dimensions are:- TOTAL HEIGHT, TOTAL WIDTH and TOTAL LENGTH
These should be checked against your chosen vehicle, in particular with regard to the ENTRY HEIGHT and INTERNAL HEADROOM
Check wheelchair position:
- The position of the wheelchair in relation to the driver
- Eye level, visibility of the wheelchair passenger for communication or attendance
- Is the position in relation to the wheelbase the safest and most comfortable?
- Have restraint and safety belts been TESTED to a recognised standard?
- Do all four wheels of the wheelchair travel on a level surface?
- Is loading simple?
- Is there an option of a winch for heavy wheelchair and passenger?
- Does the converter offer a buy back service (which he will put in writing)?
Check:
- Is Loading Simple?
- Is there an option of a winch for a heavy wheelchair and passenger?
- Do you like the look of the car?
- Does the size suit your needs ?
- Will it fit in your garage?
- On your drive?
- Under a barrier?
- In a supermarket parking space?
- In a multi-storey car park?
- Is power steering standard or available at additional cost only?
- Is air conditioning standard or available at additional cost only?
- Do you require manual or automatic transmission?
- How many seats do you really need for everyday usage?
- For holidays it may be more convenient to hire a larger vehicle for two weeks a year!
Purchasing Options
1. Outright purchase or finance - Reputable companies should be able to offer hire purchase at very competitive rates on new and used vehicles with deposits from 10% and remaining balance over 2 to 5 years. (Typical interest rate 6.5% P.A.F as of July 2011 - prices and rates vary on a monthly basis)
2. Used
- Private purchase - you take your chances - look very carefully
- From original converter - vehicle is usually refurbished and comes with warranty and after sales service.
3. MOTABILITY - The government backed national mobility scheme offers a Contract Hire for a fully converted vehicle. An advance payment is required and the mobility allowance covers the monthly lease rental. Usual lease term: 5 years or 3 years for nearly new vehicles.
4. Hire or lease for specific duration
- By the week
- For a few months
- Longer term up to 4 or 5 years
Final Considerations
- Don't confuse mobility and MOTABILITY
- Will the transport you choose be suitable for the everyday popping and shopping trips?
- What are the guarantee and servicing arrangements - ie. local dealer?
- What is the cost of insuring a converted wheelchair accessible vehicle?
- Does the converter offer a buy back service?
- Will the vehicle suit your needs for the next 5 years?
Comments
- Ronald [Ronaldo]
-
Can you convert my Citroen C4?
- 10 August 2011, 14:17
- Admin [admin]
-
Ronald
Thank you for your question. We constantly review the choice of vehicles we convert, looking at a whole range of things, most notably the available space available to accommodate the wheelchair in a comfortable position. Unfortunately the C4 does not meet our criteria and so is not available as one of our conversion options.
We do however have an extensive range of other vehicles with the express aim of being able to supply as wide a choice to customers as possible.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs in the hope of being able to provide a vehicle that will satisfy them.
- 10 August 2011, 14:32
- Edna [Roy Shefford]
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I am looking for a front seat wheelchair car for my husband Roy. He has MND and I need him beside me. I at present have a Peugeot 807 with Constables Carchair system which is not now right for him. I would ideally like to find someone who could convert this car as it has the space I need but I have not heard of anyone who could do this. I am looking for a new or used car such as the Kia Sedona and I thought the Sirus was offering a front seat system but this seems to have fled from the system now. I would be pleased if you could give me some suggestions.
Thanks
Edna Shefford
- 28 October 2011, 14:31
- Admin [admin]
-
Mrs Shefford
Thank you for your question. The Peugeot 807 lends itself to conversion but unfortunately it is not a vehicle we have considered for our current range. Generally it takes 12 to 18 months to develop our conversions and although we do undertake bespoke conversions I suspect that it would not be practical in this instance. You have identified the Kia Sedona as an alternative and I am pleased to say that is something we can help you with.
Please call us to discuss further; alternatively if you would like to use our Contact Form on this website we would be only too happy to call you at a time convenient to you.
- 29 October 2011, 11:36
- BRIAN [MOSSYBOY]
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please send brochures of used vehicles
- 03 February 2012, 13:07
- Admin [admin]
-
Apologies for not replying sooner; we aim to respond within 24hrs, but staff absence has prevented us from doing so on this occasion.
The most up to date information on our Used Vehicles is on this website, particularly with regard to providing additional interior photographs and an up to date list of currently available stock. Please follow the ‘showroom’ link at the top of this page.
We can however send a brochure if that is more convenient to you, but we would need to know your address. Please either contact us using this website’s Contact Form or phone 01935 872603 and we will be pleased to help you further.
- 08 February 2012, 12:46
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