People lifters
(view report contents)
Wheelchair Systems
The idea behind wheelchair systems is that the wheelchair moves into the car to become the front passenger car seat – all while you are sitting in it. We’ve tested the Carony and the CarChair, but not the Baboulin. (See these sections for drawings / photos and how they work).
How easy to use?
The wheelchairs have to be backed against the car in the right position to hook on. This was fairly easy to do for both models tested but may be even easier on the Baboulin which does not have to be so precisely aligned. The electric controls (mechanical handle on the Carony) are used to raise the chair. They are pushed into the car and locked in place by hand.
The wheels of both the Baboulin and the Carony have to be manually lifted into the car. The levers on the version of the CarChair which did not have electrically retracting wheels could not be used by the person in the wheelchair. For these reasons you cannot use these systems without help. In our tests, helpers said that they needed to be fairly able – there was a lot to do and they needed some dexterity and strength and, as one tester put it ‘more than one pair of arms’. Whoever is likely to help you should try all this out before you buy.
Most people took between three and four minutes to get in and out of the car with the systems tested.
Interior space
All the wheelchair systems could be used as a conventional car seat if they were left fitted in the car, although the original CarChair might be too high and awkwardly shaped for some people.
Cambers and kerbs
Cambers can be a problem because they can make it difficult to align
the lifting points in the car with the wheelchair. High kerbs can also
cause difficulty, depending on the height of the vehicle.
The importers say that the Baboulin will work on a greater range of cambers
and kerbs because of the design of its lifting system.
Driving from the wheelchair?
The CarChair can be fitted to the driver’s side on some cars; the
Baboulin Duo Voyageur cannot. The Carony can be fitted to the driver’s
side of a 2-door car. It does not leave much room, and you still will
need help to stow its base in the car.
If you drive from your wheelchair, check that the fittings do not get
in the way of hand controls or other adaptations you have installed.
The CarChair with powered retractable wheels is designed to be used without
help. You need some dexterity and strength to get into position to hook
on and, with some cars, be able to lower your head as the chair moves
into the car.
Table of contents
Introduction
Hoists
How
they work
Fitting
Using
the hoists
Comfort
and dignity
Hoists
- summaries and verdicts
Lifting
seats
Wheelchair
Systems
Wheelchair
systems - summaries and verdicts
WAVs
Safety/reliability
Buying
guide
Finance
Helpful
organisations
Mobility
Centres
Suppliers
