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Getting a wheelchair into a car (view report contents)

Specialist Trailers

The main advantages of a trailer are that you don’t have to fold or dismantle the wheelchair, and you still have use of the car’s boot. Trailers can take large scooters with ease. All full car driving licences allow you to tow a trailer as long as the weight of the trailer and its load is not more than 750kg.

When you are towing, there is a 60mph speed limit on dual carriageways and motorways and 50mph on single carriageways (unless lower speed limits apply locally). You must not travel in the right hand lane on motorways. You will need insurance for the trailer and for the wheelchair. Trailers need to have a number plate, light and indicators if these cannot be seen from 6m with the trailer in place.

A few cars cannot be fitted with a tow bar - check with the car’s maker or a tow bar fitter.

Non specialist trailers

non-specialist trailer

You can buy trailers at camping and outdoor centres. Or look under Trailer manufacturers and suppliers in the Yellow Pages. You will need some method of securing the wheelchair and a ramp (an adaptation firm may be able to fit one). You may also need a raincover - some trailers have rigid or canvas covers, but you may not be able to fit the chair underneath them. See the summaries for details of specially designed trailers, which overcome some of these problems.

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Report Contents

Introduction
Which type?
Wheelchair hoists

Wheelchair hoist summaries

Rooftop Hoists

Rooftop hoist summaries


Other ways of carrying a wheelchair
Racks and containers
Buying guide

Specialist trailers

Ramps
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Suppliers