Mobility Vehicles

Importance of using load ramps

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   I need ideas for wheelchair ramp vehicles, other than mini-vans...?
   my son is 5 and has a steel frame pediatric wheelchair. he's light enough that I can maneuver him around, but I want a new vehicle that I can add a ramp to.. (im so tired of the mini-van ive been driving for 8 years)... any way a Mom and her kids can look cooL driving an SUV... AND it be functional enough to transport my son??

   • ANSWER:
     I have considered getting a Ford Edge it can be ramp equiped. The new Taurus X can also be ramp equiped. I have a Ford Focus and my son gets my scooter into the back of it with the assistance of a Braun lift.

     Check out Ford Mobility Marketing
     http://www.fordmobilitymotoring.com/programfaq.mob

2. QUESTION:
   Which is the best Indian SUV/MUV for a wheelchair bound person using a rear entry ramp. Kindly advise.?
   My son is physically handicapped and confined to wheel chair. I want to purchase a vehicle, which has a provision to put the child along with the wheelchair, using a ramp. Rear entry is preferred to avoid traffic problems.Kindly advise.

   • ANSWER:
     I think you are missing something.

     Most wheelchair vans are not rear entry, most are side entry. The major decision is between Full Sized Van (typically rear entry and typically with a lift) and Mini Van (typically side entry and typically ramp)

     Have a look at the article below and you will see this issue discussed in the section "Minivan versus Full Sized Van".

     If you anyway decide on Full Sized Van, the most commonly sold van is Ford E-250 as you will see discussed in the article.

     Good luck!

3. QUESTION:
   Can a wheelchair ramp be added to a vehicle OTHER than a mini-van?
   I've driven a mini-van for 8 years and I'm going insaneeeeeee.
   My husband thinks the only option we have for our son's wheelchair is a wheelchair ramp for a mini-van and I dont think I can drive one for the rest of my life!! Please... any suggestions on this would be appreciated.. before this causes a divorce.. lol
   BESIDES getting my disabled son from Point A to Point B, I have to get my daughter to school and back every day, drive the van to work, take co-workers and clients to lunch in it, and if we go out for dinner as a family, we take it as well. So yes, my son's disability is primary, but we also have a life. Who says you cant have a vehicle that's classy AND functional? It's not fair that we are limited by a vehicle too, as well every other aspect of our lives because of disability. Instead of complaining about it, I'm trying to DO something about it.
   He can be easily transferred from chair to carseat now, he's only a child. But I want a vehicle that will last us awhile. I dont wanna have to buy another car in 6 years. I'm not looking to put a wheelchair lift on it. I have another vehicle with a lift for emergencies. My primary vehicle is for all uses, work, family, fun, travel.

   • ANSWER:
     Lots of cars can have a wheel chair ramp installed. check out the picture of this one at http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/car/552600200.html.

     Also Honda Elements can easily be converted. See a sample at http://www.fminow.com/element/Element_Exterior.htm

4. QUESTION:
   Wheelchair accessible vehicle wanted-leads welcome?
   reliable vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp wanted. no fixer-uppers, please.

   • ANSWER:
     Try Gowrings of Wokingham, and also the following:-

     www.brotherwood.com

     http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_world/travel/transport_options_for_disabled_people.htm

     http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/directory/adv_lineage_cars.htm

     I hope this is of some help to you

5. QUESTION:
   Is there any type of funding for kids with multiple disabilities?
   I have a grandson who's 4 yrs old with cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis, chronic lung disease, etc. He has a tracheal diversion, feeding tube, etc. I'm looking for any information on information about funds that are out there to help, with putting in a ramp, getting a vehicle for a wheelchair, etc.

   • ANSWER:
     It depends where you live. In CA, we have Regional Centers. Other states should have similar agencies to help. The Regional Center here has paid for hot tubs, wheelchair ramps, home construction to widen doorways for wheelchair access, etc.

     Check with Easter Seals, or United Cerebral Palsy. They will have info. to guide you along in your search. Good luck.

6. QUESTION:
   Does anyone know of any assistance programs for wheelchair lifts?
   My niece was very sick as a baby and had several strokes because of this. This has impaired her ability to walk. She is having another surgery that will further delay her therapy because of recovery time. So, she will have to remain in chair. It takes the whole family to care for her and supply her needs. We are almost financially and emotionally depleted. In the area we live in if you don't get a fancy lawyer to advocate you miss out on alot of things like modifications for transportation. I've gone to every agency in the area that I know of. The most they have to offer is a wheelchair ramp. This is no good for a power chair. The vehicle has to be completely modified. I know there are services out there for this. Does anyone know of any? Please help. She deserves to get around like everyone else who walks.
   I live in a state where all assistance comes from referals. If you don't know what to ask you don't get help. She is on medicaid and it works on approval from your doctor. If the doctor or therapist doesn't approve it she can't have it. She is 13 and needs to not have people carry her around. What will she do when we are too old to do this? If we had money to buy a van I wouldn't be asking this question.
   SSI does not solve anything. Welfare is not a pot of gold. We are trying to leave her in position to get herself around so that she can got to college and not have to depend on anyone or the poverty enabler that people call government assistance. Did you know you are only allowed to have so much in assests or you don't get SSI? You are not to have more the approx. 00 combined in bank accounts and assets. This means no saving for the future. We can't allow her to get used to that. It's fine now for the medical costs but she doesn't deserve any less out of life than a person with full abilities.

   • ANSWER:
     Contact the nearest Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). They should be able to give you the type of informtion that you want.

7. QUESTION:
   Can a Land Rover be made into a handicapped accessible vehicle?????
   Want upscale vehicle but am in wheelchair. Need a ramp or lift in order to get into car. Are there any other cars that can be be converted? I presently have a minivan which I dislike.

   • ANSWER:
     if you are totally wheelchair bound, then you're pretty much stuck with the van-style vehicles... you need something with a flat floor that will allow you to roll into position behind the wheel.

     You could go upscale with a newer custom van...

8. QUESTION:
   I am in the process of starting a vehicle hire business?
   I am in the process of starting a vehicle hire business,the vehicles will have wheel chair access via a fitted manual ramp (disabled person will normally be a passenger remaining in their wheelchair-secured into vehicle)It will be a self drive hire vehicle.
   The first vehicle I have purchased is a Suzuki wagon r +
   Jubilee ( engine size is a 1.2 )

   I anticipate having at least three more vehicles,but want to test the water with one

   Does anybody know of a u.k insurance company that would take on a one vehicle business

   • ANSWER:
     Most motor insurance companies will also offer business motor insurance. They cover taxi drivers, self-employed delivery drivers, mobile valets, etc. Many will be one vehicle companies.

     Contact any of the major insurance companies and explain your requirements. They should be able to help.

9. QUESTION:
   what is this road marking and how can it be used?
   It is a solid double ended white line...like an elongated I. it is on the road outside a wheelchair ramp access to a residential house. Is it enforceable?....I ask this question because my neighbours use it as reserved parking and shuffle their three 4 x 4s through it (leave two and line open) ensuring that they can always park all their vehicles outside their house. My dad who is an OAP currently can't even park outside his own house as they have blocked his drive. Can we park on it??

   • ANSWER:
     Depending on your state laws concerning the disabled and wheelchair accessibility. If no one in the house is confined to a wheelchair, then it sounds like someone is trying to pull a fast one.
     I can see where some states would allow a disabled person confined to a wheelchair special privileges, but I'd think that the state would allow a standard handicap parking sign.
     If it is valid, the vehicles parking within those painted lines would be required to have handicap plates or a plaque.
     Something doesn't sound right.
     Hope this helps. Christopher

10. QUESTION:
    my aunt is disabled can i secure her wheelchair (with her in it) in our van if i remove the back seat?
    my aunt is disabled can i secure her wheelchair (with her in it) in our van if i remove the back seat?
    we have a ramp i could put on to allow us to wheel her into the vehicle.
    it is a 1994 plymouth voyager
    thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I have a friend that has taken seats out of a van like yours. He uses a complicated set of cables and tighteners to keep the chair in place. Not only does the chair need to be held in place but the person in the chair has to be fastened to the chair. The rider is held in by straps on her wheelchair and the wheel chair is secured to the rails that the seats were held in by.