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Partial-disability products consist of a wide range of products that are designed to help us hold on to the freedom transportation provides, as long and as inexpensively as our mobility needs will allow. Partial-disability products range from very basic, inexpensive items, such as grab handles or running boards, to special seats that can help you in and out of your vehicle. Other products include lifts that can help you get your scooter or wheelchair inside your vehicle for transport.
Helping You Choose
VCI Mobility frequently finds that people aren’t aware of the many partial-disability product solutions that exist. We also find that for those who do discover these mobility-enhancing solutions, learning about all of the different options can be confusing and time consuming. Within this article—and with the assistance from other resources—we hope to alleviate confusion and help you to choose your mobility solution with confidence.
What’s Out There?
As we noted previously, partial-disability products range from very basic, inexpensive items, such as grab handles or running boards, to special seats that can help lift you in and out of your vehicle. Other products include lifts that can help you get your scooter or wheelchair inside your vehicle for transport. The type of product that would be best for you will depend primarily on the level of help you need or the degree of mobility you’ve lost. If you’re experiencing only a slight loss of mobility, a better way to get in and out of the vehicle may be all the help you need. However, if you’re able to walk only short distances or if you have a hard time transferring from your wheelchair or walker without assistance, then you will most likely need a seat that can lift and turn you in and out of your vehicle. Applications and products exist that will provide various levels of support and fit in different seating positions within your vehicle.
What Is the Cost?
Simple equipment such a grab handle or Handybar can be as inexpensive as $49 and still make a world of difference. As the level of support a product provides increases, naturally, the cost also rises. Entry-level assistive seats and wheelchair/scooter lifts range from $995 to around $3,600. Higher level products with more range of motion, creature comforts, and lifting capacity range from $3,000 to about $8,000. In addition, products can be combined to create a complete solution, such as pairing a scooter lift with an assistive seat. Such pairings can range from $3,000 to $12,000.
Keep in mind that most of the major auto manufacturers (i.e., Ford, Toyota, General Motors, Honda, and Chrysler) offer rebate programs to help pay for mobility equipment that is to be added to a newly purchased vehicle. Rebates range from $800 to $1,200, and although some restrictions do apply, most of the products we sell in this category are approved for the rebates. In some cases, the rebate can pay for the entire modification. In addition, you should speak to your tax professional about the federal-tax treatment of such purchases. In Pennsylvania, as well as many other states, the purchase of mobility equipment is free of sales tax. In addition, depending on where you live, you might find opportunities to finance mobility-equipment purchases at low interest rates and/or over extended time periods. All of these options should be explored to make sure that you get the best solution at the best price.
Can I Use My Current Car?
Maybe. If you need only basic support or equipment and you and your mobility device are small, then you may be able to use your current car. However, as your need for mobility support increases, the size, weight, and operating space required for you and your equipment will require a larger vehicle. Many good applications exist for the larger sedans and SUVs on the market, but you’ll find the most flexibility with minivans and full-size vans. Smaller vehicles have fewer applications available because they just don’t have enough space to accommodate them.
What If I Don’t Need The Mobility Equipment Anymore? What If I Get a New Vehicle?
In most cases, the equipment can be removed and your vehicle restored to its original condition. However, this is the case only if you still have the original seats and/or any other factory equipment that was removed when the mobility equipment was installed. If your mobility equipment is relatively current and in good condition, VCI Mobility will typically offer a wholesale price to buy it or exchange the equipment for the price of removal. If you want to keep the equipment or transfer it to another vehicle, we charge normal hourly service rates to remove the equipment, repair any marks or holes, and reinstall it in your next vehicle. The cost for removal and reinstallation in a new vehicle is often covered by the OEM.
Where Can I See More?
You can find out more about partial-disability products on our Web site, where most of the available equipment is explained and covered in more detail. You can also visit our showrooms and talk with our mobility consultants to see other demonstrations of equipment.