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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide - Loading A Wheelchair / Scooter Into A Vehicle
ILC Reference NO 51:23:601
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
When selecting a method of storing a wheelchair or scooter in a vehicle the appropriate choice depends largely on the weight of the wheelchair or scooter and the carer's or user's ability to handle the equipment.
Three methods of loading wheelchairs / scooters are ramps, hoists and carriers.
More Details
Unoccupied wheelchairs and other loose accessories should be secured within vehicles, preventing them becoming loose projectiles in a vehicle impact. A cargo barrier is recommended for station wagons.
RAMPS
When choosing a ramp consider the following features:
- weight of the ramp
- load capacity of the ramp
- length of ramp required to ensure a manageable gradient
- the width of the ramp should not be less than 760 mm
- edge barriers
- surface of the ramp (slip resistant)
- ease of folding and carrying
- storage space available once the wheelchair is in the vehicle
- safe and secure attachment to the car / van surface
Ramps can be purchased in a track or platform style. The track style is more difficult to negotiate, however the weight of the platform style may be too great for some people. The track style tends to be easier to store as it has two separate parts.
Generally a hatchback, station wagon or van are the most suitable vehicles that can accommodate a portable ramp.
WHEELCHAIR HOISTS / LIFTERS
Hoists require less manual handling than portable ramps or tow bar mounted carriers. There are two main styles of hoists that are designed to lift a wheelchair into or onto a vehicle.
ROOF MOUNTED HOISTS are designed to lift manual wheelchairs on to the roof of a car. Consider:
- protection of the wheelchair in bad weather
- load capacity of the vehicle's roof
- affect on the stability and performance of the car
- additional noise created by the load
- safe installation of the hoist
It is also important to ensure the load is strapped securely. In the event of rapid braking of the vehicle the load may be dislodged. Owners of the vehicle need to seek advice from their insurance firm in regards to the coverage they receive in the event of an accident.
BOOT MOUNTED HOISTS
- powered by the vehicle battery
- able to lift motorised wheelchairs and scooters into the boot or hatch of a vehicle
- the scooter seat will need to be removed or the overall height of the wheelchair reduced to fit into the rear of the vehicle
- a boom / lifting arm slots into the main body of the hoist and the wheelchair or scooter is attached by a hook or strap mechanism
- a push button control switch controls the movement of the hoist
WHEELCHAIR CARRIERS
There are a number of tow bar mounted stowing devices available. Some have a fold down ramp to eliminate the need for lifting the wheelchair, while others require manual handling to lift the wheelchair in place. The main factors to consider with this piece of equipment include:
- extra length it adds to the car when parking
- the ease of removal of the device
- protection of the wheelchair in bad weather
- load capacity of the tow bar
- the visibility of the number plate, lights and turn indicators
- access to the boot
- protection of the wheelchair against theft
- suitable restraint of the wheelchair while the vehicle is in transit
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
Additional /images
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