Transporting Wheelchairs and Scooters
Article for Your Hub
By Jeff Kraft, President, Freewheel Vans, 303-467-9981

Approximately one percent of Americans have a mobility disability that requires the individual to use a wheelchair or scooter all or part of the time. U.S. census information also shows that individuals needing a wheelchair or scooter increase among the senior population.

Once a person becomes a wheelchair or scooter user, important questions arise. The answers to these questions can have dramatic impact on the person's quality of life:

• How will I transport my wheelchair or scooter to the places I like to go, like a relative's home, shopping, or church?

• Considering my mobility limitations, where will I sit in the vehicle - in a regular seat or in my wheelchair?

• Can I continue to drive or will I be a dependent passenger when traveling in a vehicle?

There are several options to consider when answering these questions, and your automotive mobility dealer is there to help you determine the best available option.

Wheelchair and Scooter Stowage Lifts

Generally, if you can transfer from your wheelchair or scooter to a vehicle seat, then a device called a "stowage lift" will be helpful to you. A stowage lift is a device that lifts your wheelchair or scooter into the back of your vehicle, such as in the trunk, back of an SUV, or back of a minivan. Alternatively, you may use a platform that attaches to a trailer hitch to transport your wheelchair or scooter.

When exploring options for transporting a wheelchair or scooter, it is important to inform your automotive mobility dealer of the vehicle make and model, and the wheelchair or scooter make and model, to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is ordered and intalled.

If you cannot transfer to a vehicle seat and must ride in the vehicle in your wheelchair, then the only option is a wheelchair accessible van. Accessible vans are available as full-size vans or minivans.

Do I want a Full-Size or a Minivan?

Full-size and minivans come in many shapes and sizes. A qualified automotive mobility dealer will work with you to determine the type into which you will best fit, and which best suits your lifestyle and family size. Full-size van options include a lowered floor, or raised roof and extended doors for entry. Full-size vans will also require a wheelchair lift to lift the wheelchair and user into the vehicle. Because lowering the floor or raising the roof may involve fuel tank relocation or increasing the vehicle's overall height, it is best to consult your mobility dealer before making purchases.

With lowered floor minivans, the lowered floor allows a wheelchair user access to both driver and front passenger areas. Most accessible minivans include a system that automatically opens the entry door, deploys a ramp for entry and exit, and lowers the suspension to reduce the ramp angle and provide trouble-free entry and exit. Lowered floor minivans will fit into standard height garages, but will require approximately eight feet of access space on the passenger side to allow safe entry and exit . A discussion of the pros and cons of various vehicles with your mobility dealer can be invaluable.

Very important considerations are measurements of your size and weight in your wheelchair. You should know how tall you sit in your wheelchair, measuring from head to ground. You should also know the overall length and width of your chair. Finally, you should know the overall weight of you and your wheelchair. If possible, use the chair you intend to travel in when you visit your mobility dealer.

These dimensions will help your dealer determine the modifications you need. For example, the door height of a standard full size van is 48 inches, an unconverted minivan is about 44 inches. Most adults sitting in a wheelchair will require at least 52 inches of headroom. Knowing these heights and your height will tell the dealer whether you will need modifications such as a lowered floor or raised door.

Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. When you visit the mobility dealer, there should be several vehicles available for you enter and test for size and comfort. Automotive mobility is an ever-changing industry, and new products are being introduced everyday. Your local mobility dealer will be knowledgeable about today's products. Ask for references and examine the work that the dealer has done in the past. Ask if they have any customers with a vehicle that is similar to the one you are planning to purchase.

Ask about service and warranty programs. How long does the warranty last? Does the warranty include parts and labor? Have the mobility dealer's sales representatives and technicians attended manufacturer's sales and service schools with in the last three years?

Because an individual requires a wheelchair or scooter to be mobile doesn't mean that they can no longer enjoy the freedom and independence of an active lifestyle. Your automotive mobility dealer undertands that persons using wheelchairs and scooters need cost-effective, safe, convenient, and accessible transportation options.

For more information, please call Jeff Kraft of Freewheel Vans at 303-467-9981, or email him at jeff@freewheelvans.com. Since 1979 Freewheel Vans has provided a complete line of high quality mobility equipment and services.