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Purchasing a new vehicle can be confusing and difficult because there are tons of things people need to know and tons of factors that they need to consider. It is true when purchasing a vehicle with good wheelchair access. It is imperative that the WAV or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle check as many boxes as possible, which is why this article wants to try and point people in the right direction so that they know where to start looking, as well as what they should look for.
Some companies are proud suppliers of WAC and have been providing mobility cars for many years. Their extensive experience means that they know exactly what their clients need, and they are more than happy to share what they learn in this industry.
The most vital thing to remember is that this business has a limited market. That is why individuals should be prepared to compromise when looking for the best WAC for them and their needs. Some requirements are more vital compared to others, so individuals should be able to prioritize. Striking for the perfect balance can help a lot in finding the right vehicle for the client’s needs.
This article has compiled a list of things people need to know when purchasing an accessible car. It is the perfect guide for buyers to accessible vehicles, including all of the tips and advice garnered through years and years of experience, as well as industry knowledge.
To know more about Accessible Automobiles, click here for more info.
Automatic versus manual vehicle
People can choose between automatic and manual transmissions when looking for vehicles with wheelchair access. Manual vehicles have three pedals (the clutch, the brake, the accelerator) which drivers move between, while automatic automobiles change gears by themselves, according to the driver’s current speed.
While drivers’ preferences largely dictate the individual’s choice, they can influence the cars that are readily available to them. A significant deciding factor is whether the user will be operating the car or if they will be the one using it as a passenger.
It is because the adaptations that individuals need could change, and there are not as many adaptations readily available for vehicles with manual transmissions. For instance, hand controls are not possible on vehicles with manual transmissions. Still, they are pretty useful if they are wheelchair users because they allow drivers to brake and accelerate using their feet. If this is something that people are interested in, they may be better suited to automatic systems.
Vehicle size
WACs are readily available in different sizes and shapes, and this dictates the storage, accessibility, possible adaptations, and purpose of the vehicle. All the factors mentioned above will be covered in this article. When considering the automobile’s size, individuals also need to consider how many seats they need and how many individuals they should transport in a very comfortable and safe manner.
There are four sizes of cars available in the market today: extra-large, medium-large, medium, and small. The sizing should be taken with a grain of salt, as there is no guide for set sizes and no requirements for storage or seating. People should consider their future and current needs since this is more likely an automobile they will keep for many years. They should also consider their parking options. It should be able to fit in their driveway or garage and still allow for more convenient access for all individuals using it.
Small
A small WAV usually fits at least two individuals, plus the mobility scooter or wheelchair user. They are excellent for general use, but their limited number of passengers can be inappropriate or inconvenient for people with large families or people. They do not like to be constricted to small spaces.
Medium
Medium WAVs can usually accommodate at least three (maximum of five) individuals, plus the mobility scooter or wheelchair user, depending on the layout of the car seat. This size offers more space, which is pretty useful for extra storage and outings, although the positioning of seats can be pretty restrictive.
Medium-large
Medium-large WACs usually fit at least five passengers. It is a controversial automobile size, as additional seats mean that the user wheelchair user will be behind other passengers. The van or car can have a solid lift or ramp to aid functionality and accessibility.
Extra large
These vehicles don’t have a set number of seats; the additional size could hold at least seven passengers or offer additional internal space. It allows more excellent maneuverability and flexibility compared to smaller cars. It is useful if the user needs specialist equipment, further or more complex adaptations, or extensive travel.
Storage
Something else people need to consider when purchasing mobility cars online is the type of storage space that is readily available. People will need to think about the necessary storage space for both mobility cars and for everything else they may need to bring within their automobile, from suitcases to shopping bags.
Trunk storage is the most readily available type of storage, but it is also dependent on the user’s physical capabilities. It is because people would need to be able to lift their wheelchairs to the boot and get into the automobile themselves or have someone strong enough to do that for them.
Wheelchair hoists can be a very convenient middle ground. It relies on the user having the right mobility to walk from the trunk of their automobile to the passenger seat. Once there, the boot-mounted hydraulic or electric hoist will lift the chair into the vehicle.
Rooftop storage is considered one of the most effective types of wheelchair storage, particularly if the user is also driving the vehicle. This type of storage uses electric or hydraulic hoists that can be used from inside the automobile so that once the user is within the car, they can load the chair a lot easier. Swiveling seats can also make the transition between chairs more convenient. When finding a good auto, storage is one of the first things people are looking for, that is why it is important to always measure the storage space to make sure it suits your needs.
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