For people with disabilities, wheelchair accessible vehicles are a necessary tool to help them get about and lead their lives as fully as possible. If you are considering buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle but have no idea where to begin, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about wheelchair accessible vehicles and other assistive and mobility equipment or simply visit Better Life Mobility http://www.betterlifemobility.com/ .
What makes a vehicle accessible?
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are named as such because they provide accessibility to people who are disabled and require a wheelchair to move around. A person can only go so far in their wheelchair. Does that mean they will have to stay within a certain area all their lives without going anywhere? Most definitely not. Wheelchair accessible vehicles allow a person to go anywhere they need to without leaving the comfort of their wheelchair.
The wheelchair can be bodily rolled in to the vehicle so that there is no need to seat the person and store the wheelchair separately. Not only is this convenient for the disabled person, but it is easier on whoever is helping them too.
Various types of mobility equipment can be installed in a minivan or van so that it becomes accessible. There are many kinds of conversions for varying needs and they are all supplied by dealerships that specialise in mobility equipment.
Mobility equipment for wheelchair accessible vehicles
• Securements – Vehicles that are converted for mobility are usually fitted with straps and securements for wheelchairs in order to fix them in one place to prevent any injuries and make the ride more comfortable.
• Transfer seats – Seats in the front of the vehicle can be replaced with rotating seats that allow a disabled person to sit on them directly from their wheelchair. This also enables those who have full use of their upper body to drive themselves around.
The most important equipment installed in the wheelchair accessible vehicle will be the device that allows the wheelchair to enter the van. Ramps and lifts are the two common modifications and each have their own place and merits.
Lifts
A lift is an ideal conversion for a full-sized van as it requires space for itself. Lifts can be installed in a wheelchair accessible vehicle so that the person is lifted safely and smoothly in to the van. Lifts are of two basic types – hydraulic lifts meant for heavy wheelchairs and electric lifts that are designed for lighter loads.
Ramps
The installation of a ramp in a wheelchair accessible vehicle is a permanent conversion as the floor of the vehicle needs to lower. Ramps can be controlled either manually or through remote control. They are a suitable installation in minivans only. You can have the ramp fitted in one of two ways. It can either slide out from the bottom of the van’s floor or it can be folded vertically against the door of the minivan.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles is a life-changing solution and you should get all the information you need to make the right choice.
Check full inventory of converted wheelchair vans from Better Life Mobility http://www.betterlifemobility.com/Accessible-Vehicles/Minivans at showrooms in San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Las Vegas.
Contact :
Contact Person: Mo Abusham
E-mail: [email protected]
BETTER LIFE MOBILITY CENTERS
Address: 8130 Parkway Dr.La Mesa, CA 91942
Tel/Fax: 888 540 8267
Website: http://www.betterlifemobility.com/