Finding The Right Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle For Your Needs
We all know that shopping for a new car can be a long drawn out process. When buying a new car you have to think about warranties, the kind of fuel it takes, as well as how many miles to the gallon it does. If your thinking of buying a second hand car, you should think of how many miles it has done, as well as the previous owners and it's history.
Remember that the same applies to buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle, however when buying one of these there are many other factors you also need to think about.
We have created a quick check list of these questions and why they are important in the process of finding you the best wheelchair accessible vehicle for you.
Just Like the Universe It's All About Space: If you invest in a wheelchair vehicle you know that it's 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 when you enter your vehicle from the side or from the back. It is something that you are going to be doing almost everyday, so make sure it's as easy as possible.
Travelling Companions There are two types 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 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 you want to establish when assessing what wheelchair adapted vehicle is for you is to think about luggage. I don't mean the holiday kind, although that is important, however think about what you will need to transport in your vehicle. Also you need to remember if you are traveling alone or with somebody else.
Parking Before deciding on what wheelchair accessible vehicles suit your needs, take some of your time to have a think about where you will be using the vehicle. In these busy city roads, parking is something you will need to consider.
If your wheelchair enters through the back, does your park space allow for a ramp to be deployed? If you frequent NCP car parks, what are the height restrictions?
Remember that the more you plan the more likely it will be that you get the right car for you. Southern Mobility Vehicles provide the best quality wheelchair vehicles, we also provide home visits so you can test out the vehicle in your own environment.
Call us today on 0330 555 999 or visit our website and make an enquiry.