Transporting Your Wheelchair

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“A powered or heavier wheelchair is too heavy for an ordinary car boot and usually needs a hoist, a ramp or a vehicle set up to carry it.”

Says a custom power wheelchair cannot simply go in a boot or on the back of an average-sized vehicle because of its weight, and then sets out the usual answers: a wheelchair-accessible van, an external lift, or a long external ramp.

Custom power wheelchairs are bulky and weigh around 300-350 pounds.

Transporting Your Wheelchair

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✓Supports this

“Which of a hoist, a ramp or an accessible vehicle will work depends on the weight and type of the particular wheelchair, so it is worth asking before choosing.”

Says to check the exact model and dimensions of the chair and what the vehicle can carry before buying anything, and to consult the assistive technology professional, equipment supplier and therapist first. It gives a concrete reason: families have lost large sums on vehicles and lifts that then could not carry their chair.

Unfortunately, some families have lost a significant amount of money by purchasing new or used vehicles or systems that were then unable to transport their power wheelchairs.

Important Money-Saving Advice

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✓Supports this

“An accessible vehicle lets you get in by ramp or lift and travel while still seated in your wheelchair, secured in place, so you do not have to transfer.”

Describes exactly this, and gives avoiding transfers as the reason many people prefer it. It adds that converted vans have extra headroom and a system that holds the chair in place while the vehicle is moving.

With a conversion van (often a minivan), you can drive your wheelchair straight inside (using a lift or ramp) and stay in your wheelchair during the ride, thus avoiding the stress and hassle of transferring in and out of your wheelchair every time you go somewhere.

Wheelchair-Accessible Vans

Used across the whole answer

Used across the whole answer

Further reading

Transporting a wheelchair and vehicle access

Further reading

Getting advice on driving assessment and vehicle adaptations

Further reading

Options for transporting a wheelchair and accessible vehicles

Further reading

Questions to ask about driving and vehicle options

Further reading

Planning vehicle access and wheelchair transport ahead