The ins and outs of choosing a car (view report contents)
Staying in your wheelchair
Passengers
Some vehicles can be converted to carry a passenger in a wheelchair. Sometimes the floor is lowered and or the roof is raised to give more headroom. With most you get in by going up a ramp into the back of the vehicle, although lifts can be fitted to some vehicles. Some vehicles have a system which lowers the back of the van so only a very shallow ramp is needed.
Once in, your wheelchair is clamped into position – usually behind the front seats although a few vehicles are designed so you sit beside the driver in front. Make sure you use a seat belt or restraint as well. From vehicle conversion firms. Around £12000–£30000+, including the vehicle and conversion.
The Ricability guide People lifters gives details of specially designed wheelchairs which fit into a car to become the front seat. It lists the main suppliers of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Drivers
Some cars and vans can be adapted so that you can drive them from your wheelchair. Around £15000 - £25000+ for the vehicle and conversion, plus any adaptations you need to enable you to drive. If you want an assessment to find out if you are able to drive and what equipment you may need, contact a Mobility Centre.
Report contents
Introduction
Car design
Choosing a car
What to look for -
- Useful built-in features
- Getting in and out
- Seats and seating
- Major controls
- Secondary controls
- Accessories
- Loading and stowing
- Wheelchair users
- Staying in your wheelchair
- Buying second hand
Checklist
Techniques
Who can drive?
Getting insurance
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Useful publications
Addresses
