Wheelchair accessible vehicles have come a long way since they were first introduced. These days, there’s a wide range of models on offer, along with a long list of features to choose from. So, if you’re on the lookout for a wheelchair friendly vehicle, it’s important to consider which features you need.
Here, you’ll discover just some of the top features to look out for when choosing a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Understanding the different types
There are actually several types of wheelchair accessible vehicles available on the market. The type you should choose will ultimately depend upon your mobility level.
If you only have basic mobility issues for example, you’ll largely want to focus on boot space. You’ll find estate cars or MPV’s tend to be popular for this purpose. The boots can store the wheelchair easily, but you will need to be able to get from the wheelchair into the car seat, as well as lift the wheelchair into the boot.
Another option is to choose a vehicle with a wheelchair hoist. These are actually fitted into the vehicles and operate either electronically or manually. Again, these types of vehicles tend to be better for those with good mobility.
If you have poor mobility, you can buy vehicles which allow you to drive while sitting in your wheelchair. These types of vehicles tend to be custom made and they can be designed to fit your exact mobility level. You’ll need to head to a specialist company if you do require a custom-built model.
Top things to consider
When you’re choosing a wheelchair accessible vehicle, you’ll want to consider a few factors before deciding which one to buy. As well as your mobility level, you also need to think about whether you’d prefer a manual or automatic transmission, whether you’ll be using it for long or short journeys, and whether you need to be able to store other equipment in it too, such as an oxygen tank.
You may find it useful to talk through your requirements with a specialist company such as Allied Mobility. They will be able to advise you on which vehicle is right for you. Buying from a specialist company also gives you peace of mind that the vehicle will be well-suited to your needs.
Overall, wheelchair accessible vehicles have come a long way over the years. These days you’ll find a huge number of models available to choose from. So, it helps to take the above considerations into account when choosing the best wheelchair accessible vehicle to suit you. No matter what level of mobility you have, there is sure to be a vehicle to match it, allowing you to keep your independence.