Home
Help & Support
Wheelchairs
Scooters
Chair Accessories
Buying Online
Accessible Vehicles
Wheelchair Lifts
Mobility Ramps
Wheelchair Sports
Accessible Travel
Recreation
Aids & Supplies
More Resources
Dog Wheelchairs
Contact / Advertising
Donate Wheelchairs
Orbit Electric Chairs
Mobility Blog
Site Search

XML RSS
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google

Equipment for Your
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

A variety of equipment is available for your wheelchair accessible vehicle, so research before you make a vehicle purchase. Your needs will dictate the items you buy to help you maintain your independence.

For example, will you sit in your wheelchair to ride or drive? Or will you transfer from your wheelchair into a seat? You have many choices. Things to consider include:
  • Ramps. There are manual fold ramps, sliding ramps, power ramps. Do they swing out of the way when you're inside the vehicle, or are they troublesome?

  • Lifts. Is the operation simple and straightforward? Is the lift low enough to ensure proper visibility? Are you comfortable with the platform?

  • Hand or foot steering controls. Are they clearly labeled and easily reachable? Do you require something special, such as a left-footed gas pedal?

  • Wheelchair tie down or docking system. Is this standard equipment, or does it cost you extra? Is the wheelchair secured in a safe place to ride? Can you see out the window?

  • Front seats. Are they removable? Removal is necessary if you plan to drive from your chair or accommodate other wheelchair passengers. Are they interchangeable? Do you require special tools to remove the seats or do they fold away? Are they too much for you to handle? Do you require a special passenger's seat that will help you raise or lower into position?
  • Other extras for your wheelchair accessible vehicle include rear footrests or benches for ambulatory passengers and extra lighting so you can see to make the lift work or to secure yourself into the vehicle.

    Don't forget basic comforts, like heating, air conditioning, and CD, tape or DVD players. Information about these accessories is available on the internet and at your mobility specialist vehicle dealership.


    Related Articles:

    More on Purchasing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
    Wheelchair Tiedowns
    Mobility Lifts

    footer for wheelchair accessible vehicle page