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What to look for when purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle
A lot of wheelchair users find it difficult to find an accessible vehicle to meet their specific requirements. Some of the problems facing a disabled driver include access to the vehicle itself. This can mean being physically lifted in and out, which can put a tremendous strain on elderly people especially.
There are a number of ways that a vehicle can be adapted to accommodate easier access. The use of a remote controlled winch can enable a driver or passenger to be lifted in and out without any strain on any back muscles. Another common way of providing access is to incorporate a retractable ramp facility, which allows full wheelchair accessibility. This enables the wheelchair to be ridden into the vehicle with passenger on board.
This kind of adaptation of a vehicle could in theory have a detrimental effect on the design and appearance of the vehicle. This is not so though. Accessible car companies work with vehicle manufacturers to incorporate accessible features into existing models. This means that there is very little compromise on the design and appearance of the vehicle. An example is the Peugeot Horizon, which is based on and adapted from the Peugeot Partner.
Another factor to consider is whether or not you can use your motability allowance to help fund your vehicle. If the car dealer is a motability partner then there's a good chance you will be able to. As well as providing room enough for a wheelchair you also want to consider whether the vehicle can fit in a good number of passengers comfortably. Due to the need for a lot of space within the vehicle vans such as the Fiat Doblo and the Renault Kangoo are often a popular choice for adapting.
About the author: Allied Mobility are a wheelchair accessible vehicle provider and Motability premier partner
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