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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 Guide To Selecting Loading A Wheelchair Or Scooter Into A Vehicle
ILC Reference NO 51:23:998
Item sourced from ILC WA database
Short Description
When selecting a method of storing a wheelchair in a vehicle the appropriate choice depends largely on the weight of the wheelchair and the carer's or user's ability to handle the wheelchair.
Three methods of loading wheelchairs / scooters are ramps, hoists and carriers.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing
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
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.
1. 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
- effect 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.
2. 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
Caution
Ensure that the lifter or carrier complies with Vehicle Standards Regulations. Smaller vehicles are usually not suitable for attaching carriers, especially when being used for heavier powered wheelchairs and scooters. Contact Transport's Technical Section, Vehicle Safety, telephone (08) 9351 1680 for advice.
Refer to the Independent Living Centre of WA's information sheet: "Points to consider when selecting a wheelchair carrier fitted to the rear of a motor vehicle."
Licence & Insurance Requirements
In Western Australia, Transport's Vehicle Examiners (Licensing Division) must approve modifications to vehicles, including installation of lifters and carriers. Providing the modifications meet all requirements, a modification permit will be issued and the cost of the permit may be waived for passengers and drivers with disabilities.
To ensure Insurance cover, the vehicle owner should advise their Insurance company of the approved vehicle modifications.
For further information telephone Transport 13 11 56, or Transport's Technical Section, Vehicle Safety, (08) 9351 1680.
Australian And Other Standards
For some types of equipment, specific Australian Standards are applicable to the materials used in, and the manufacturing processes applied to products. Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of this item as to its compliance with the relevant Australian Standards. Stated compliance with a Standard does not guarantee that the product has been tested against that Standard.
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