http://www.mobilitydisabled.co.uk - In the past, wheelchair accessible vehicles, although functionally operational, were extremely unsightly and sacrificed style for affordability and functionality. Now, however, there is an ever-growing market for wheelchair cars and other disabled vehicles. Prior to today’s technologies, disabled cars were limited to the aftermarket, with standard model cars being retrofitted to handle handicap capabilities. Now, today’s major auto companies including Nissan, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Kia, and Fiat all offer wheelchair vehicles.
For the first time in history, wheelchair accessible vehicles are not limited to minivans. Disabled cars now come in the form of SUVs, crossovers, and other popular body styles of today’s automobiles. The fact that companies are now offering standard models of cars with handicap capabilities opens new doors for disabled customers.
For able-bodies consumers, purchasing a car includes considering price, design, size, performance, reliability, comfort, and also resale value. However, consumers on the market for disabled cars must also consider an extended set of parameters. These parameters include, but are not limited to, quick and effortless entry and exit, durability of safety mechanisms, price of customization, and durability/ruggedness of stability mechanisms. If you’re not positioned centrally and low down within the wheelchair car, the resulting ride will not be comfortable.
A compromise in any of the safety or securing mechanisms results in an uncomfortable, and more importantly, unsafe ride. There are two main options when considering wheelchair car customization. The first option is called adapted front passenger seat. This option usually will require a standing transfer. The partner also needs to be free of back, heart and shoulder problems because it required a lot more physical lifting for the primary care giver. This option also requires the wheelchair to be dismantled then loaded into the vehicle. To average transfer time is eight to twelve minutes.
The second option is to have a vehicle that is made for wheelchair access. The main difference between the two options is that the disabled passenger remains in the wheelchair. Therefore this option depends on a simple lift ramp or a reliable hydraulic lift. Regardless of the specifics, it is important that disabled passengers become aware of the new technologies available for disabled cars and that nowadays functionality does not need to mean cutting corners on style.
