11 replies to this topic

[little sis]

Hello all,

Here I am again asking for tips and advice for my brother - a new wheelchair user since June 2010 T5-12. He's a month or so away from leaving hospital and has been told he's eligible for maximum support regarding an adapted car.
He has been given a list of cars but I wondered if anyone has advice regarding cars that are better/easier than others for transfers etc please? Or even any websites that give adapted car advice.

Everyone's always been so helpful on here so many thanks in advance!

Ema

[Halfman]

It's a bit overwhelming with all the cars out there. The only way you can really tell what's best for you is by going to a garage and testing transfers which can be exhausting.

This website is very comprehensive although I found the measurements didn't really mean anything to me until I saw them in real life..

http://www.ricabilit...surement_guide/

[Edinburgh Colin]

Have a dig about on the motability website, there are links within the site to reviews of the vehicles and you can see what the pricing and deals are on the various models if you choose to go down that route.

Motability Website

[mellowgator]

the mv-1 looks like a great ride. you'd definatly would be the coolest thing out there in one.


mellowgator

[Denny]

Hi,
Here are few things I consider while buying a new car

• Check how easy it is to get the chair in and out of the car. Some chairs are easier than others, try with own chair. In general when you push the seat all the way back there must be enough space between you and steerning wheel.
  
• Car Seat height, ideally in level with your wheelchair, or what ever height difference you can manage with out too much effort.
  
• Get in to drivers seat, adjust seat to driving position, check that instruments are visible, and there is enough leg room for hand controls once you have positioned your legs.
  
• Consider what the car will be used for: Wheelchair can take lot of space in the car, if you expect more than 1 passenger, it may be worth considering a car that can fit your wheelchair in boot. Always check by placing the chair inside boot space and shutting the boot. Sometimes there may be plenty of boot space but chair + wheels may not fit in properly.
  
• Ensure that car door opens wide enough, not an issue in most of the car's now a days.

I had 4 cars in past few years and here is my openion
VolksWagon Golf Estate (1.6D) : Loving it, enough luggage space, fun to drive, easy to transfer, low initial deposit with Motability, good fuel eco. I had this car for few months now, so far very happy with it.
Honda Jazz (1.4) : Very good car, boot big enough for wheelchair, smooth drive, low maintenance.
Hyundai I10 Comfort : Very small, struggled to get wheelchair over steering wheels, too small boot space. good for small trips.
Ford Escort : Decent boot space, high fuel consumption. Would not recoment due to high maintenance I had for the car.

[Edinburgh Colin]

I have a Citroen C4 1.6 Diesel VTR+ 5 door and love it to drive, very economical (45 to 55 mpg) easy to get chair into passenger seat (although the roof id covered in wheel tracks from the casters!). 6 speed sequential gearbox can be driven auto or with flappy paddles on steering column. Pretty nippy for a diesel.

Boot just takes chair on no more, real squeeze which is a pisser.

Had it 6 months only done 2,500 miles but no problems.

[guido]

Mobilise are also a helpful charity: http://www.mobilise.info/

I have a Honda Accord. Been the most reliable and hassle free car I've ever had before or since accident.

Also, make sure you know the rules of VAT. They never bloody tell you this, but basically you can save paying VAT on new cars, get a 2nd hand car taken out of the VAT margin scheme with a VAT registered car dealer and so save money there too, AND if you've bought the car VAT exempt, all servicing is VAT exempt too. Over the years it can add up to a saving of £1000s.

Have a read of this page for some practical advice and good links (yes, sorry it's one of my own pages again):

Buying a 2nd Hand Car

Edited by guido, 20 January 2011 - 11:22 PM.

[jules]

It really is a case of trying to see what suits you best. I have got a volvo XC90 4x4 on Motability, I never thought I would be able to transfer into it, but it is fab. My chair sits on front seat when I am on my own or goes in the boot when I am with someone else

[Susanna]

Hi Sis...I'm doing research for a friend regarding wheelchair vans. You stated your brother has been told "he's eligible for maximum support regarding an adapted car". How can I go about finding out if my friend is "eligible" for support of any kind. Who provides the "support". Having a hard time finding grants/funding for her. Best wishes for your brother's recovery. Look forward to hearing from you.

[D. Smith]

Susanna,

Seeing as you're from alabama, here is my experience (I'm from TN, but its a similar experience I think). Go to Vocational Rehab. It will take them a while, 2 months for me just to find out I didn't qualify cause I didn't have a significant disability, but that is a good starting point. Its a lot of paperwork. Hopefully Bama has a better office than the one I dealt with. I think there are private organizations that will help too, but I have no idea where to start with that.

[baldfatdad]

Get a Koenigsegg. Leave the chair home.

[Jeramie630]

baldfatdad, on 02 February 2011 - 09:08 PM, said:

Get a Koenigsegg. Leave the chair home.

I agree!!! Ha ha ha