Finding The Right Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle For You

 

Shopping for a new car is always a lengthy process. If you are buying a new car you have to think about warranties, what kind of fuel does it take, how many miles to the gallon does it do? If you are looking for a used car you have to think about how many miles has it done, how many previous owners it had and what’s its history like….The same applies to buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle, except there is a whole other list of questions you have to ask yourself.

We have compiled a quick check list of these questions and why they are important in the process of finding you the best wheelchair accessible vehicle possible.

Like the universe, it’s all about space!

Investing in a wheelchair accessible vehicle is a big commitment. You are going to be spending a lot of time using your vehicle so you have to remember two things:

1. Is access to the vehicle easy?
2. Is there enough space for you to accurately position your wheelchair?

Both of these questions apply whether you enter your vehicle from the side or from the back. It’s going to be something you are going to have to do almost everyday, so make sure it is as easy as possible.

Travelling Companions

There are two kinds of wheelchair accessible vehicles, those where the wheelchair user is a passenger in the rear of the vehicle and those where the wheelchair user is the driver. Wheelchair accessible vehicles where the wheelchair user is the passenger means there is traditionally at least the space for 2 other passengers in the front. However in situations where the wheelchair user is the driver there may be no extra space for passengers. This of course depends on the access you need. Before deciding on a vehicle you need to establish how many people are likely to use the vehicle as transport at any one time.

Don’t Forget The Bags Darling!

The third thing to establish when assessing which wheelchair accessible vehicle is for you is to think about luggage. I’m not talking the holiday kind, although that is important, but think about what you will need to transport in your vehicle and if you are alone what would be the best means of you getting it in and out of the vehicle.

Parking

Before deciding on a wheelchair accessible vehicle, take the time to think about where you will be using the vehicle. Parking is certainly something you need to consider, if you enter through the back, does your parking space allow for your ramp? If you frequent NCP car parks, what are the height restrictions?

I know this may seem like a lot to take on board, but trust me the more you plan, the more likely it is you will find the right car for you. Once you have an idea of what it is you need give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call they offer home visits meaning you can test out the vehicle in your own environment. Call today on 0330 555 999 or make an enquiry.