by Justin Stark
Whether you are newly injured and looking to purchase your first modified vehicle or just in the market for something different, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered, such as cost, vehicle preference, equipment needed, and functional limitation of the driver/passenger.
For those individuals who are newly injured, you might wonder where to begin when it comes to getting back on the road. The process typically starts with a driving evaluation with a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. The specialist will evaluate the driver to determine his or her needs and recommend the proper equipment and train the person on how to use the equipment. Currently there are a wide range of modifications that can be done to a vehicle to allow someone with a mobility impairment to drive. Here are some suggestions to guide you through this process.
Typically, when you think of a modified vehicle, an image of a van with a lift comes to mind. Although that is a widely popular choice of many disabled drivers, it isn’t the only option. A person’s level of function and type of mobility aid will be the biggest determining factor for the type of vehicle available. If you are a power chair user and need to remain in your chair to drive or require an easier transfer, then a van or modified truck/SUV will be necessary. If you are able to make a more difficult transfer, then options become more plentiful and less costly.
A van is obviously the more expensive choice. A new minivan fully modified will typically cost somewhere between $40,000 - $50,000 dollars. Some of the standard modifications you might need include having the floor lowered, an automatic door installed, a power seat or a mechanism to lock down your chair, and either a lift or ramp. A van definitely has its advantages. The transfer from your everyday chair to the seat will be easier than the transfer into a car because you will be able to get closer to the seat. A second advantage is that you don’t need to disassemble and reassemble your chair. The biggest disadvantage of a van is obviously the initial cost and the lack of fuel efficiency. There is also the stigma of driving a minivan and finding parking spaces large enough to accommodate the need to deploy a ramp/lift.
For those of you who are interested in driving a car, there are a few options. You first have to determine if you’re able to transfer into the vehicle and whether you can or want to regularly disassemble/reassemble your wheelchair. The only way to answer those questions is by trying it. Find a couple of vehicles that interest you and go to the dealership and try getting in them. Keep in mind 2 things while you go through this exercise, a) with practice, it will get easier getting in/out of the vehicle and b) remember that you’re going to have to do this multiple times each day, regardless of the weather conditions. If this is the route you choose to take, then you will likely just need hand controls which can be purchased and installed for under $1,000.
If the transfer isn’t an issue, but stowing the chair is, there are other options. For around $4,000, you can purchase a wheelchair car topper that will pick the wheelchair up and stow it in an enclosed shell above the vehicle. The drawback of a car topper is that it requires the person to have a folding wheelchair. If you are interested in purchasing a truck, then there are a few options. They make an automated driver’s seat that lowers to the ground for an easy transfer and then has a robotic arm that picks up the chair and places it in the bed of the truck. Recently, a company called GoShichi began modifying GMC extended and crew cab trucks by installing a lift so power chair users could remain in their chair and drive.
These are just a few of the considerations and options available. If you want to get behind the wheel, then there is certainly a vehicle that will meet your needs. Here are a few additional pointers and products you might find beneficial.
- When you are looking at various vehicles, don’t forget to try the in-car controls, like the radio, lights, air-conditioning, and cruise control. Some dials and controls may be more difficult to use than others. Also make sure you are able to open the trunk and maneuver the seat.
- For trucks and SUVs that are too high, consider having it lowered. Some drivers have even installed hydraulics or airbags that allow the vehicle to raise and lower.
- If you are going to look at purchasing a car, 2-door cars are typically easier to transfer into and pull your chair in/out because of the wider door base.
- For manual wheelchair users that lack the strength to push up a ramp and enter their van, there is a device called the Power Pull that can assist.
- Headquartered in South Florida, The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) is proud to introduce the new MV-1. The MV-1 is the first mobility vehicle that was designed from the ground up for wheelchair accessibility.
For many, funding a vehicle purchase or modification will be an issue. Veteran’s Administration benefits, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, alternative finance programs, and private grants are available for those needing financial assistance. For information on these programs and resources, download a copy of FSCIRC’s Vehicle Funding guide. Additional information on driving and vehicle modifications can be found under the Vehicle Modification section of our A-Z resource listing.
Ultimately, getting behind the wheel and driving post injury can do wonders for someone’s independence and successful community reintegration. Knowing the right questions to ask and the resources available to help can make the dream of driving again a reality. So go for it!