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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 - Points To Consider When Choosing A Car For A Passenger With A Disability
ILC Reference NO 51:02:602
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
References used: "Cars for Disabled People - A guide to Choosing and Adapting a Car" and O.T. Driver Assessment Course - Reference Manual".
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
Some overall considerations should be remembered when purchasing a vehicle.
. The pasenger should be able to transfer easily into the car and have the wheelchair and/or other equipment stored with the least amount of adaptive equipment or modification necessary.
. The seating should be comfortable and supportive to both the passenger(s) and driver.
Other considerations include the individual's income, adaptabilitiy, safety and individual preference.
The following is a guideline of features to think about when selecting a vehicle:
Vehicle Style
. a two door vehicle has wider door openings enabling easier transfers especially if assistance is required.
. a station wagon has a lower tail gate without a sill and is therefore easier to load equipment.
Front Seat
. Bucket seats are generally lower and contoured and although they provide trunk support, can make sliding on or off the seat difficult.
. A high doorsill or deep footwell may make access difficult especially for sliding transfers.
. Head clearance between the seat surface and the top of the door frame must be sufficient for easy transfer especially is using a car hoist.
. The ease of moving the seat forward and back from outside the car as well as inside should be considered, as this may be used when transferring, and/or storing the wheelchair behind the seat. A powered or swivel seat may be an option.
. A seat with vinyl rather than fabric covering is easier to slide into, but also gets hot in summer.
Seat Belts
Seat belts and additional harnesses can be used to maintain support. A fixed seat belt may provide more support than an inertia reel belt as these may tend to give way particularly when the vehicle is moving slowly around a corner. Check with Technical Standards Division of Motor Registration for anchor point requirements.
Windows
Power windows may be an option for some medical conditions. If manually operated ones are used, it is recommended to adjust them to the required level before driving off.
Air Conditioning
This may be recommended especially for people with quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis and respiratory conditions. Check that the passenger can control air flow.
Storage of the Wheelchair
If storing the wheelchair in the boot:
. the wheelchair will occupy a space of approx 255mm x 965mm x 1040mm with the foot plates removed. Measure your own or better still try it out yourself.
. check the height of the rear lip of the boot, some models have no lip at all which makes loading the equipment easier.
If stored behind the front seats:
. check the gap behind the front and rear seat
. a removable platform to fill the rear floor well allows easier loading of the wheelchair, particularly where there is a high sill or a central ridge.
If the car is a station wagon:
. provision must be made for a cargo barrier to protect pasengers from equipment stored in the rear in the event of an accident.
. ramps can be used to wheel a wheelchair into the tail gate.
Other storage methods:
. use of a roof mounted wheelchair hoist may require special fitting, or roof rack. Check there can be installed.
. a tow bar is required is storing the wheelchair on a rear rack, or small trailer.
Note: Technical Standards of Motor Registration and/or an automotive engineer can advise on requirements or give other suggestions for medications.
REMEMBER: TRY
EVALUATE
EXPERIMENT
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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