Handicap Accessible Vehicle

Most people find freedom by being able to drive themselves around town and to their appointments, shopping and other events. It can be difficult to give up this freedom as we get older or when we have a disabling condition. We may feel depressed and restricted because we no longer have the ability to get into the car whenever we desire. However, with a handicap accessible vehicle, you can get this freedom back and not have to rely on others for your transportation needs.

A handicap accessible vehicle provides us with many different options and solutions to fit each individual case. If you are able to walk short distances and still drive without the aid of hand controls or other special adaptive equipment, then you may only need to look at getting a chair lift on the vehicle. The chair lift can be added to the rear of the vehicle so you can park your scooter or wheel chair on the back while your drive to your destination. When you arrive you get out, and lower the lift, get into your scooter or wheel chair and move it off the lift. Lifts on the back of cars are often automatic and require nothing more than few button presses to operate.

Should you need the assistance of a wheel chair or scooter to get around in and are unable to walk, then you will need a handicap accessible vehicle which allows you access without having to stand up. Most minivans available on the market today are available with rear or side lifts for you to drive you chair up and into the minivan. You then can transfer to a turnout automatic set or park your wheel chair directly in the driver's position.

If you have problems pushing on the pedals in your car with your feet, you can obtain a handicap accessible vehicle which has hand controls by the steering wheel. The hand controls will operate the gas pedal and brake pedal by simply using the level on the steering wheel. The placements of the hand controls are within reach and do not take your eyes off the road to operate. There are two different types of car hand controls available and include mechanical and power-supported controls.

Mechanical hand controls found in a handicap accessible vehicle require you to manually operate the functions of the vehicle, such as gas, brakes, and steering. Secondary controls for the horn, wipers, climate control and radio can also be installed within reach. Power-supported hand controls provide electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic options with little resistance and offer a joy-stick control for steering the vehicle.

When you need a handicap accessible vehicle you have a few options available. You can look into modifying your current vehicle, such as when you just need a lift added to the exterior of the vehicle. However, if you need additional equipment, it is often more cost effective to trade-in your current vehicle and gets one which has all the needed equipment already installed. You can get help finding dealers in your area which offer handicap vehicles when you visit The Mobility Resource.