-
A wheelchair accessible van
I am not a rich man by any means living on disability but the vehicle I have now is not right for my condition.My doctor does not think I should drive any more and my wife agreed with him and so do my boys well that is fine except I cannot get into the right side of the vehicle because I cannot lift my left leg into the vehicle and the back seat has no room so I am having a issue finding and buying a wheelchair accessible van or something bigger and not government shuttle’s or cabs I want my own transportation so any idea’s guys I am looking into grants or fund raising of some kind I don’t know I am probably out of luck I hardly go anywhere now because of it hate it
-
13 Replies
-
That would be frustrating, Steven. It’s good you are checking into grants and programs. I know there are “Gofundme” accounts that people can set up. Other than that, all I know is that there are shuttles that will pick up people in their wheelchairs. You would just have to check and see what is available in your city.
I hope more people have ideas to share !
-
Oh yes, that ” heavy leg ” syndrome, mine is the right leg, quite embarrassing really having to lift it up to get into the car, I think I have the knack to it now.
-
Hi Steve,
I too use a Hoveround. To go out, my friends would have to assist me (lift legs into car). A van or SUV-no way, except for my son who will basically lift me up and “throw” me onto the passenger seat.
Since my friends are older or have physical limitations themselves, was nervous about going with them lately. So-last Friday I got a used Dodge Caravan minivan with a ramp so I can just drive my power chair right into the minivan. Actually went out Saturday! so much easier and less stressful for everyone.
I got it through Mobility Works, they are nationwide and can arrange for transport if the vehicle you want is in a different state (mine was in WI). Inventory on line, new and used (I saw some from 2010) so much less than a new accessible vehicle.
-
Hey Mary –
Good for you! I’ve used a scooter for years and it’s been on trains, and boats and planes, as well as in the back of my SUV. I’ve ridden it in 15 or 16 countries. There’s no reason we can’t be as mobile as possible.
Ed
-
Steven Whitson, my father has the same issues. We’ve got him a scooter, and it kinda resolved an issue.
-
Good luck paying for that. Maybe with your wife working you can afford it. Wishing you luck from West by God Virginia
-
Feel bad as I live in UK and we have ‘Motability‘ charity that leases scooters/cars/vans to the disabled.
It has its limits thou – had to pay circa £20k for the adaptations needed for my van. Has a wheelchair lift. Also spent a good proportion of that on specialist movable seat so I could drive it. Hit by pandemic & MS relapses so now can’t. Hey-ho.
Think UK Gov provides funding to the charity. -
I had to reopen this one too, because I’m in the market for a new wheelchair accessible van. The family has been getting around in a minivan with lowered floor and a slide out ramp, but my three boys have outgrown the small bench seat in the back.
We’re looking at full size vans, but the mobility dealers don’t seem very keen on the idea. Sometimes, it even feels like they seem almost taken aback.
“The average full size van is for commercial use. Wouldn’t you be happier in another van just like you have only newer? Sure it’s uncomfortable and inconvenient for your family but handicapped people can’t be picky.”
I don’t think I need leather seats or luxury in any way, but I’m tired of hearing all the road noise through a lowered floor, scraping over every tall speed bump, and making anything over 20 minutes uncomfortable for everyone. I’m also tired of the you get what you get be happy attitude from the dealers, so I’m looking at custom options.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
-
As a quick update, I’ve settled on a full size Ford Transit van for the family. It will have to be modified but fortunately for me the Department of Veterans Affairs is picking up the tab for the modification. There have been a few delays because I’m also getting a new wheelchair from the VA this year and the modifiers are rightly not wanting to order anything or do any work until they know exactly the model and specifications of the chair. It’s hard to be patient, but that just makes good practical sense.
-
Here’s my 2 cents. I bought a used 2012 mobility van about 5 years ago. It only had 12,000 miles which is y I bought something so old. I did some research but in the end I still felt ripped off. So… my advice is to start with, find the least expensive option you can. Use it and ,learn what will and won’t work for you. Could you use a drive on hitch and still drive the car? Could you add hand controls to the vehicle you have? Everyone s situation is different. They also have leg lifters that you can use to pull your left leg up. Eventually, a mobility man is a great thing, I’m just saying, don’t rush. And when the time comes, I would try to buy one online or through a disability community rather than a dealership. Good luck!🍀
-
That’s a lot of good information for two cents😀
I started off with a hitch-mounted lift and use that and still drove for several years. I’ve since had to move on to wheelchair accessible vehicles and give up being the driver, so I totally forgot about that option.
-
Someone mentioned Mobility Works. The one by me rides vehicles that’s how I started with chair accessible vehicles.
-
I met
-
Log in to reply.