When searching for a new vehicle, there are many features to consider to ensure it meets your needs. However, if you're also accommodating a wheelchair user or someone with reduced mobility, there are additional features and adaptations to take into account.
Hello MotaClarity readers! Mobility in Motion returns once again, this time presenting a comprehensive guide aimed at assisting you in selecting the best vehicle for accommodating disabled passengers.
Within our article, we delve into all the advice needed to aid you in discovering the most suitable vehicles for disabled passengers, alongside highlighting the range of vehicle adaptations available, and considering different budgets.
The first thing to look at when searching for a vehicle to accommodate disabled passenger access is the vehicle’s standard accessibility features. A high roof, low vehicle floor, wide-opening doors and spacious footwells are things to look for that will provide easier entry and exit.
The more space within the aperture panel and footwell will reduce the amount of manoeuvrability required. It’s still an incredibly important consideration if you do require additional seating aids, as the more space there is, the more likely the adaptation will be compatible with the vehicle.
Advancements in technology have in turn improved the overall user-friendly design of standard vehicles, such as adjustable seating controls, in-car voice assistance, automatic sliding doors and automatic boot opening/closing functions.
These features enhance the overall accessibility and convenience for disabled passengers when getting seated, during their journey and also accessing the boot when parked up.
Although there have been some great advancements in technology that can assist with accessibility, the role that vehicle adaptations play is still hugely important to achieve full access for disabled passengers.
Person hoists offer safe and easy access into conventional vehicles via a fitted sling. This transfer method removes the requirement for a caregiver to physically lift the user as part of their transfer in or out of the vehicle.
Swivel seats enable easy access by turning up to 90 degrees outside the vehicle, lowering, and even transferring from the vehicle entirely onto a frame. Suitable for most levels of mobility, a swivel seat increases the safety and comfortability of getting seated in and out of a vehicle.
Transfer plates provide a stable temporary platform on the outer edge of the car seat to bridge the gap, enabling the user to pause and pivot. They are particularly beneficial for those who have difficulty lifting their legs or moving from a sitting to a standing position.
If your vehicle doesn’t have much space to accommodate a safe transfer, seat extenders can be installed to increase the range of movement that your seat can slide back and forth. This is particularly useful for those who have difficulties with bending their legs when getting in and out of their vehicle.
Another key consideration when travelling with a passenger who uses a mobility device such as a wheelchair or mobility scooter, is how to lift and stow it within the vehicle. A boot hoist is the most popular solution as it allows for easy loading, unloading, storage and transport of your mobility device within your vehicle.
A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is a van-derived vehicle that has been converted to enable a wheelchair user to travel within the vehicle whilst remaining seated in their wheelchair.
Typically, the floor is lowered with a fitted ramp so the wheelchair user can enter through the rear or side of the vehicle. This offers a great solution for passengers who find it more comfortable to stay within their wheelchair.
Of course, budget is an essential consideration when searching for a vehicle. When buying or leasing a car or WAV to accommodate a disabled passenger, there is often financial assistance available to help towards the cost.
The most notable being the Motability Scheme, a UK government-backed charity which allows individuals who receive certain qualifying Mobility Allowance benefits to exchange it for a new vehicle and many specialist vehicle adaptations.
Alternatively, subject to authorisation for those registered as disabled, they are eligible for VAT exemption when purchasing a new vehicle. Top tip, many people then use the money saved to buy their car adaptations!
Exploring all available options enables individuals to choose the most cost-effective and accessible solution for their needs.
Whilst conventional vehicles aren’t designed with full accessibility in mind, as we've highlighted above access can be achieved using advanced technology and vehicle adaptations.
Thank you again to MotaClarity for having us on your platform.
Find Out More About Mobility in Motion Discover Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)
If you’d like to know more about Mobility in Motion’s range of vehicle accessibility aids, funding options and how they can help you, contact their team of friendly mobility experts online.
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