Choose the Right Vehicle
There are a number of important things to consider when choosing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, some more obvious than others. No worries—we’re here to make it easy.
An EZmobility Direct™ professional will call you before you finalize your purchase to help make sure you’re choosing the right vehicle for your unique needs. In the meantime, here are some key considerations that will affect your purchase decision.
- Side entry is the more common option, allowing more seating configurations, including front seating to allow the wheelchair user to sit in the front as a passenger or driver. Disadvantages: Side entry is less desirable in tight spaces such as in a general parking lot or residential garage.
- Rear entry is best for larger wheelchairs and usually less costly. This option also offers easier access in more situations, including non-handicap parking lot spaces or one-way streets. One disadvantage: Rear entry can make it more difficult for the wheelchair passenger to sit toward (or in) the front.
- Driver
- Front Passenger
- Middle-row Passenger
- Middle-row Passenger
- Rear Passenger
Manual ramp or power lift?
Another consideration is whether to choose a vehicle with a manually operated ramp or powered access.
- A manual ramp is a simple, low maintenance solution, unlatched and lowered to the ground manually for the user to be wheeled into and out of the vehicle. It requires a certain amount of physical strength to operate.
- A powered ramp or lift requires little or no physical strength to operate, but adds cost and requires regular maintenance to ensure smooth, problem-free operation.
Will the vehicle fit your equipment?
A vehicle that doesn’t have enough room for the wheelchair user is not just uncomfortable—it can be a safety issue. It’s important to know that the vehicle’s entry and interior dimensions are adequate to accommodate the width and height of the occupied wheelchair.
How many passengers?
A consideration that affects other decisions is the number of passengers in addition to the wheelchair user. Side entry, for instance, generally offers more seating configuration options to accommodate additional people and cargo.
Driver or passenger?
Will the vehicle be driven by the wheelchair user? Does the wheelchair user prefer to sit in the front passenger position? In either case, there are vehicle conversions designed to accommodate these options based on wheelchair type and other factors.
Driving aids
Especially if the wheelchair user intends to drive, there are a number of accommodations available, including power transfer seats, hand controls and more.
We’re here to make sure you make the right choice.
We want you to be happy with your vehicle. That’s why a key part of the EZmobility Direct purchase process is a phone conversation with a highly experienced product specialist after you make a deposit. In the call, we’ll make sure you’ve got the right vehicle for your needs before you make the purchase.