Handicapped Equipment for Cars

Filed under Handicapped Cars

People with medical disabilities need handicapped equipment for cars. Anyone who is in a wheelchair, or that wears prosthetic limbs can attest that it is necessary to have equipment on their cars in order to make them more useable to them. Handicap aids for cars will ease that transition for entrances and exits.

Handicapped equipment for cars can also be used for anything from lifting a person in a wheelchair up into a vehicle, to making a vehicle more drivable. For instance, people who wear prosthetic legs can have hand controls put on the control panel or steering wheel of their vehicles that enables them to operate that gas pedal and brakes with their hands instead of their feet. A wheelchair lift for people who are in a wheelchair attaches onto the side of the vehicle and enables the person in the wheelchair to be able to be lifted up into the vehicle. There are also simple handicap items for cars that helps those who may need additional support entering or exiting a vehicle.

Car Exiting and Entering Assistance

Here are some simple and affordable car assistance devices that can be easily installed but still provide a lot of stability and support when exiting or entering your vehicle. The elderly and seniors will find entry and exiting out of cars much easier with these tools.

Recommended Vehicle Aids

• Car Door Latch Grab Bar – If your vehicle has that “U” shaped loop or car door latch, you can insert this handicap vehicle aid in that opening and have a support device as you enter or leave a car. It is like a car door latch grab bar for your car.
• Trapeze For Car – For a trapeze looking car assistance device, you can purchase this simple to use vehicle aid that attaches to the window metal frame of your car door.
• Car Swivel Cushions – This is a seat cushion that swivels in a circular motion so you can turn your body and legs out of a car without twisting or strain.

With these three handicapped equipment for automobiles, you will no longer need transferring assistance in entering or exiting a car. It is perfect for achieving independence when driving your vehicle.

Handicapped Cars

The benefits offered by handicapped equipped vehicles are those of freedom. First of all, the person who is handicapped has more freedom to go to local places (such as the grocery store), or the ability to go far places (such as on vacation.) The person can also visit relatives near and far away when they have the mobility available that handicapped cars provides.

There is no doubt that handicap equipment for cars improves a handicap person’s life by giving them more freedom, but it also makes things easier for them to do. Like, in the case of someone who wears leg prosthetics and can operate the gas and brake controls with their hands instead of their feet. Without such controls, the person may not be able to drive at all. Many cars, vans and vehicles are capable of undergoing a handicap conversion with costs considerably lower than buying a new fully equipped handicap vehicle.

Handicapped Cars Costs

The cost of handicap equipment for cars varies, but typically costs from around $800 to as much as $10,000, depending on the type of equipment requested. Insurance may or may not cover these things, but it is definitely advisable for the person wanting the equipment to check with their insurer to see if it is covered. Many times, the insurance company covers the items requested (as long as the need for them can be proven.) If you cannot afford this option, there are also transportation vans that are available for rental whenever you need to travel further than your mobility vehicle can take you.

Tags: Car Exiting and Entering Assistance, Handicap Cars, Handicapped Vehicles

Handicap Van Conversions

Filed under Handicapped Cars

Handicap van conversions are vehicles tailored to fit the needs of the disabled. Most of these vans come with scooter accessibility and wheelchair conversion. Disability vans are important for handicap individuals because they come with a rear and side entry along with wheelchair lifts and ramps. This makes it easier for the handicapped to be lifted in and out of the vehicle without ever having to be taken out of their wheelchair.

Most of the time, family members or caregivers can have a hard time lifting a person in and out of their wheelchair. This also goes the same for scooters. Since the vehicle is relatively higher than the wheelchair, it can cause strain and stress on the person’s back who is doing the lifting. In most cases, there is only one caregiver or family member who may assist the handicap. Handicap van conversions can save anyone time and effort by being able to lift the disabled person without ever having to physically move the patient in and out of the vehicle. Sometimes, the van may have a lifter or crank. This is when the wheelchair or scooter is driven on a platform as it is raised and then rolled into the sitting position. In some cases, there will be a ramp that lies on the ground. The handicapped person can then drive their scooter or wheelchair directly into the vehicle on an elevated slope.

Rear Entry and Side Entry Van Conversions

There are different entrances to handicap van conversions. The most popular is the rear entry wheelchair van. Most of the time, they have a sloped ramp for the wheelchair to be driven or rolled into the vehicle. Some of the vans come with custom-molded plastic panels along with a ramp design. Most of the handicap ramps can be folded and made from powder coated aluminum. Assistance handles are added in order to make operating the ramp a lot easier.

For the seating, chairs can be flipped and folded. When they are being used, there is still a nice amount of room in the rear area for another passenger who may also be in a wheelchair. Newer handicapped equipped vehicles come with rear suspensions, making the ride smoother and less bumpy for the passenger. The rear entry vans are better for parking as well, especially if the vehicle is in a cramped spot where cars are close together. Tie down tracks along with a belt system secures the wheelchair or scooter into place.

Handicap Minivan and Van Options

In addition to the rear entry and side entry door conversions of the van, you can also convert the insides of the vehicle.

• Lower Floors – Lowered floors allows for easier ramp access from the ground to the entrance.
• Raised Roofs – For taller individuals in a wheelchair and the ability to fit scooters and wheelchairs
• Wheelchair Van Lifts – Raises the wheelchair or scooter so they can be placed into the vans with ease.
• Wheelchair Ramps – Allows the individual to roll into the handicap vans by themselves or with the assistance of a caregiver.
• Handicap Hand Controls –  Allows the driver to use only their hands to control the acceleration and braking without the use of their legs.
• Wheelchair Restraint Systems – Locks the wheelchairs in place so when the minivans hit bumpy terrain, the wheelchair individual can remain in one safe spot.
• Transfer Seats – Helps those who are driving or sitting in the passenger seat by simplifying the wheelchair to van seat transfer.

If these are the van conversions you are interested in, find a reputable dealer to assist you in this process and get a conversion van price guide.

Costs of Handicap Van Conversions

It can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 and up for a fully converted van. Used van conversions will be cheaper but they may be 10+ years old and have many miles racked up. When looking for used handicap vans, a good measure to follow is to buy only those 3-5 years ago. Older van and minivan models have parts that will be difficult to find if you ever need a replacement.

Tags: Handicap Van, Handicapped Vehicles