Buying a new car can be a daunting task for anyone. When that person has special physical needs -- from minor mobility concerns like normal aging to major disabilities -- it can seem an almost impossible task. Whether driver or passenger, owning a vehicle is like owning a pair of wings. It brings the freedom to go where you want, when you want.
Vehicle ownership is important to retaining independence -- perhaps even more so to those with special physical needs. Often people who have lost their ability to drive (their mobility) become depressed and then reclusive. This does not need to happen. People with special physical needs can use and enjoy a personal vehicle and the active lifestyle that vehicle affords. With proper assessment, many people can become mobile.
These articles are a starting point for assessing individual mobility needs and determining which vehicle best addresses those needs. Feel free to print these articles and write down whatever ideas come to you. Take time to gather information and feel confident in your purchase decisions.
Many vehicle accessibility and mobility options are available today. Unfortunately, the options are not available everywhere and require research. This search is complicated by the unavailability of cohesive information about mobility products -- who offers what, how the products work and what the enhancements cost.
This ongoing series will compile a list of vehicle adaptation resources that enhance mobility -- product lists, explanations of their use, information on manufacturers and how to contact them, federal and state mobility programs, financial aid, automaker programs, training, licensing and lots more. Additionally, there is advice regarding the evaluation process and guidelines for determining which products are right for which situations. First, I'll tell my story. It is similar to what many people experience when they choose to add a vehicle to their lives, and that vehicle requires enhancements to meet special needs.
When I started to think about getting my own car, the first question was whether or not I could drive a car by myself. I was born with Spinal Muscular Dystrophy which means my muscles are very weak and I must use an electric wheelchair. I cannot get out of the chair during the day, so I knew I needed to roll into my vehicle. The best choice for me was some kind of van -- either a minivan or a full-sized one. I could decide that later.
I went to a local Rehabilitation Center near my home in New Jersey for a driver evaluation. I underwent a battery of tests to assess cognitive processing, sensory motor function and general knowledge of the rules of the road. After that visit, I needed to obtain a driving permit so that I could have an on-road driver evaluation. When I returned with my permit, we went to a nearby parking lot to practice. After trying many different types of vehicles, we determined that I needed a full-sized van, enhanced with the Digi-Drive System. This system works like the joystick on a computer game. There is no steering wheel. All actions are performed with the hands. The feet are not involved. The problem was that this equipment cost $10,000 -- and that did not include the other necessary devices such as a wheelchair lift for entering the van and a tie-down system to keep the chair in place.
The next step in the process was driving lessons, where I drove the customized van. This was when I really began to think about how I would pay for this system. If I had been able to use a steering wheel, the van would have been affordable, but at this point I realized money was a problem.
Also, deep down I knew I could not handle a big van. When the rehab professionals were testing me in the parking lot, I was not comfortable with such an unwieldy vehicle. So, it was on to the next option -- seeking a driver. Now knowing that someone else would be driving, I reassessed my needs. I still needed a van but I had to consider the person who would drive and what they would find the most convenient -- given that they had both the responsibility to drive and to help me. I talked to my father. He was thinking about our new vehicle purchase and also about our future vehicle needs. We wanted to purchase a vehicle that would serve our current needs as well as any changing needs that may arise in coming years. Together, we looked at every type of van, evaluating configurations and costs.
Finally we opted for a Chevy van with a manual pull-down ramp and simple Tie-Down System tie-down system. This was the most cost-effective choice and fulfilled my needs. The cost of the enhancements was only $1,100 and I got a $1,000 rebate from GM's Mobility Program. For me, this was the perfect solution.Thank you, General Motors and Chevrolet!
The first step in the decision process is determining the general vehicle type and features that best suit the needs and lifestyle of the driver/passenger. It is a long-term investment -- a vehicle should provide use and enjoyment for many years.
It is a common mistake to purchase a vehicle that fits current needs but not those to be encountered in coming years. I live in a building with many senior citizens. Many of them sell their cars because they are no longer comfortable with them as age changes their physical needs. As physical capabilities diminish, high ground clearance becomes a barrier and large vehicles become difficult to maneuver. It is common for women who have become widows to sell their cars because they are simply too big to drive. This is unfortunate because many of these elderly people could still be driving if they had planned ahead. It seems that once people relinquish their vehicles, they begin to lose interest in going out -- just one more facet of a changing life.
Thinking ahead to changing physical needs can be difficult. Although the individual physical changes that accompany aging cannot be predicted, they can be considered in a general manner. This is not much different than buying life insurance or making a will. We cannot know precisely what the future holds, but there is no reason to fear looking ahead. This is particularly important when planning ahead affects mobility. The ability to remain as independent as possible can directly impact the overall quality of life.
Step Two: Ask Yourself These Questions
Consider these questions when starting a search for a vehicle or vehicle enhancements to support mobility. Answer each questions in relation to yourself or the person for whom you are researching mobility options. These answers are a starting place for product evaluation -- a laundry list of vehicle requirements. Review each question and answer those that pertain to your situation on paper.
- What is the present physical condition of the driver or person(s) to be transported? Consider these factors:
In what ways might the condition change?
Can the driver/passenger walk to a wheelchair?
Will the driver/passenger be changing from a non-electric wheelchair to a motorized wheelchair or scooter as physical needs change over time?
Does the driver/passenger use a non-electric wheelchair? If so, can the driver/passenger load the chair into the vehicle without assistance? Is a driver required?
Will others travel with the primary driver/passenger? Does the vehicle need to accommodate more than one person with special needs? For example, when a friend bought her lift-equipped vehicle, I purchased a second set of lock-downs because we had been going places together and wanted to continue to do so. Buying a second set of lock-downs was a simple solution.
What vehicle features need to be electric? Is it necessary for the doors or ramps to open and close automatically? How important are these electric features? Prioritize them. Which features can be eliminated if the cost is too high?
Is the driver/passenger able to walk? If able to walk a short distance, the driver/passenger may only need a wheelchair carrier on the back of the car or a lift to load the chair into the trunk.
Buying a vehicle with the capacity to expand beyond current needs is another consideration -- providing the option to carry more or larger people, tote an extra wheelchair or carry medical equipment. This also leaves room to install other devices should needs change in the future. A four-door vehicle (sedan) instead of one with two doors (coupe) might make sense. Look for a vehicle with a roomy trunk and a low liftover height. These two features alone make loading a walker or wheelchair much easier.
Passenger Cars Can Accommodate: non-electric wheelchairs, some electric wheelchairs (if they can be taken apart), walkers and walk-ons.
Station Wagons
Station wagons can be an excellent option as they are less expensive than most mini- and full-sized vans and they are easy to drive. They are especially good for the older driver, because they are generally low to the ground -- no stepping up is required. If the driver or passenger tires easily when walking, a wheelchair or walker is easily carried in a station wagon. Station wagons are also a good option for people who use an electric scooter.
If the driver uses a non-electric wheelchair and is able to lift it, it is easier to load a chair into a wagon than into a coupe or sedan. There is no liftover in the cargo area of a station wagon. The size of the required equipment determines what size station wagon is needed. For instance, if using a regular wheelchair, a smaller wagon such as the Ford Escort is fine. If using an electric scooter, a larger wagon like a Ford Taurus is probably best.
Station wagons are also a good option for people using electric wheelchairs that disassemble. These chairs are a relatively new product. Approach this option cautiously until more people have experience with them. Little is known about how easily these wheelchairs come apart and how difficult they are to reassemble. In my opinion, an electric scooter is a better option since wagons are easily fitted with a rear lift or one that loads it into the car. There is no need to assemble or disassemble an electric scooter.
If you like sporty cars, there are a number of mid-sized wagons to consider. These are both stylish and fun to drive. Some of my favorites are the Audi A4 Quattro and the Subaru Outback.
Station Wagons Can Accommodate: non-electric wheelchairs, some electric wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers and walk-ons.
Minivans
A minivan may be a better choice than a full-sized van or passenger car. Minivans are easier to maneuver than full-sized vans, get better gas mileage, and offer more enhancement options than other vehicle types. They are roomier than most passenger cars and ride like a car. It is interesting to note that many full-sized vans and some minivans are in fact trucks. However, more and more minivans are being built on car platforms or unique platforms that meet passenger car safety standards -- the Ford Windstar for example.
If stepping up is a problem, minivans can be equipped with a kneeling feature. With the push of a button, the side of the van drops down to provide access. There is even an option that allows a passenger in a wheelchair to sit up front next to the driver. It is really nice to feel more like a regular passenger. There are also minivans with back doors that open for access should the side doors become blocked.
Minivan adaptations can be expensive. In fact, minivans can be more expensive than full-sized vans. There are, however, ways to minimize the total cost of a minivan and adaptive equipment. Features can be mixed and matched to specific needs -- for example, a kneeling feature (expensive) and a front-side tie down (inexpensive). Buying only needed items can save a lot of money. It is common to find minivans equipped with one needed feature -- such as a rear-door entrance versus a side entrance -- but also packed with other unnecessary options such as electric locks and the kneeling feature. Try to buy only what you need.
Ask the dealer to describe each minivan option and its cost. The cost of these options can be surprising. When visiting dealers, there are usually three or four minivans with different feature combinations on the lot. They may be equipped with unnecessary or unwanted options. Ask the sales representative for a ride in each minivan. This helps to determine which features are needed and which are unnecessary. Remember that minivans can be custom built. Ask what is involved in special ordering a vehicle. This takes longer but it is well worth the wait. Buying only what you need can save thousands of dollars and ensures that the vehicle is equipped with the features needed, rather than those the dealership wants to sell.
Minivans Can Accommodate: non-electric wheelchairs, some electric wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers and walk-ons.
Full-Sized Vans
Large vans are my personal favorites because they accommodate anyone from a wheelchair user to someone who simply has difficulty walking. After deciding that I would not drive myself, I started looking for other options and configurations that would simplify my life. As I mentioned earlier, my Dad and I discussed my situation. My Dad, who is 71, active, and healthy, also realized how quickly vehicle needs can change. We talked about the future -- how our lives and related vehicle needs may change with time. We both knew it was likely that the van would become mine eventually. I wanted to make sure that both of us were comfortable with the choice. He was hesitant about buying too large of a vehicle, so we ultimately settled on a Chevy van.
A significant problem with larger vehicles is that many "for hire" drivers are hesitant to drive them. Full-sized vans make it more difficult to parallel park, to judge distance, and to maneuver in parking garages. However, if a helper is hesitant to drive a full-sized van, then that person is probably not suited to drive in this type of situation. I have encountered many travel situations that would not affect someone who could walk normally, but were made quite challenging by my physical condition. A driver must be able to do more than simply drive.
Once, when returning from a trip to Cape May, N.J. with a disabled friend, our van broke down. When we tried to get out, we realized that the van had stopped up against a metal railing. The exit door was blocked and we were trapped. Our driver had to walk miles to find a phone and call for assistance. Meanwhile, there we were, two young women in a broken-down van, in the middle of nowhere. After sitting in the van for four hours, help finally arrived. The very next day, I bought a cellular phone. That was an important part of preparing myself for any similar situation in the future. A driver has to be prepared for whatever comes along, and be willing and able to do whatever is necessary in a professional manner.
Full-sized vans can hold lots of people, allowing the owner to bring friends along on trips or out to dinner. Many people forget to consider friends and family members when buying a car. Able-bodied people cannot be expected to make car purchase decisions based on whether they occasionally carry friends with special needs. Those of us with special vehicle needs, however, should consider both our disabled and able-bodied friends and family members when purchasing a vehicle. Many of my able-bodied friends have said to me, "If only my vehicle could carry you, we could go many places together". I don't expect anyone to customize their vehicle so that I can accompany them. Nevertheless, I sometimes feel sad seeing friends go out with other friends, knowing I can't go along. One of my friends said, "The next time I buy a car, it will be a minivan so you can come along." Whether she does or not remains to be seen, but this is a step in the right direction. At least she has begun to consider her disabled friends and when she buys a vehicle she may think about what she can do.
Often times, very little is needed to make a vehicle accessible and, with many automakers providing rebates, it can be affordable. It would be great if everyone considered their friends with physical disabilities when making vehicle purchase decisions. This is another important barrier that needs to be removed so that everyone can live a normal and mobile life.
Full-sized Vans Can Accommodate: non-electric wheelchairs, some electric wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers, and walk-ons.
