Why Should I Get A Wheelchair Lift?

There are two reasons why you may currently, or one day, need a wheelchair lift in your vehicle. The first is that you may be elderly or have a disability that requires you to use a wheelchair, and the second is that you may be the carer for someone who is wheelchair bound.

For many people, a wheelchair lift can give them a new lease on life. If you yourself are wheelchair bound, a lift would give you the opportunity to get out of the house more and to do so in comfort. If you care for someone who is elderly or disabled, a lift can reduce the physical strain placed on you as it minimises heavy lifting and allows you to easily assist a disabled individual. This can be especially significant as people who may have before needed help to transport a wheelchair (such as the elderly, or pregnant women) are now able to do it themselves at the touch of a button.

If you have decided that you should invest in a wheelchair lift, you have two options: to buy a pre-modified vehicle, or to have your existing vehicle (if it is suitable) fitted with a wheelchair lift mechanism. Most mini-vans, buses and 4-wheel-drive type vehicles are suitable for such an installation.

Lifts can also be fitted in a way that best suits the vehicle and the type of wheelchair needing to be transported. A single-arm platform lift is only used for side-entry to a vehicle and is handy for cars that have minimal interior space (as it doesn’t take up much room). On the other hand, a dual-arm platform lift takes up a lot of interior space and, so, is often mounted in the back of the vehicle.

The purchase of a wheelchair lift is an important decision that anyone who is in a wheelchair or who cares for someone needing one should consider.

How Big does Your Wheelchair Van Need to be?

These days, wheelchair vans come in all shapes and sizes. With modern ranges giving you a much more varied choice than the traditional bulky accessible vehicles, you can choose a vehicle to suit your needs and wants exactly. Before you buy an accessible van, however, you should probably put some thought into how big your vehicle needs to be.

The smaller accessible vehicles have an instant appeal because of their stylish, compact look. Driving a compact wheelchair van allows for a more 'normal' driver and passenger experience and removes the stigma of the traditional accessible vehicles. The very small wheelchair vans, however, may compromise on comfort and spaciousness in favour of style, and will only be able of carrying one mobility challenged passenger. That said, if you want to drive your own accessible vehicle, a small vehicle will give the most liberating feel.

If you will regularly, or even infrequently, need to drive more than one mobility challenged passenger, a larger accessible vehicle is a more appropriate choice. There are many models available which comfortably fit a few mobility challenged passengers at a time, as well as some more able bodied passengers. With larger accessible vehicles it is important that you ensure each passenger space allows a clear window view for the passenger, so that they don't feel boxed in.
Another crucial feature in large wheelchair vans, as well as in accessible vehicles generally, is easy and quick loading of wheelchairs. This is important in making every journey more enjoyable, whether it is a major trip or just a run to the shops.