Personal Use Mobility Equipment

Where do I begin?

The world of mobility transport solutions can be intimidating and complicated to many consumers. “Where do I begin?” is an exclamation we hear all the time. Understanding the major product categories and options will help you as you assess your own personal mobility situation.

At the highest level, mobility products and solutions are grouped into three main categories; Assistive/Adaptive Equipment, Wheelchair Vans and Adaptive Driving Aids. If you want more information, see our Consumer Center, Vehicle Inventory, Wheelchair Van Buyer’s Guide, or Warranty Information.

Adaptive Equipment

Adaptive equipment is generally, although not exclusively, geared towards people with slight to partial mobility loss more so than to the full-time wheelchair user. As such, these products help people get in and out of their vehicles more easily and with greater comfort. Applications in this category include; special seating/lift seats, lifts for stowing wheelchairs and scooters, various grab handles and supports. Very often, the modifications and approach are focused on working with your existing vehicle or acquiring a low cost solution that can be further modified later if the need for mobility support increases.

Often, this equipment can be more of a discretionary purchase because many conditions cause mobility loss to occur over a longer period of time. Even if a person is not quite ready for the equipment, the potential exists that the need will arise in the future.

• View our Adaptive Equipment section
• View our Equipment Manufacturers
• Find out about Conversion Needs by Disability

Wheelchair Vans

If you have determined that you need the ability for someone to enter and exit your vehicle while seated in a wheelchair or scooter, then you need a wheelchair van. Wheelchair vans have been modified to increase the interior size of the vehicle and to equip it with a means of wheelchair entry such as a ramp or lift.

Wheelchair vans are available as full-size vans or as minivans and, while they accomplish the same goal of accessibility, they are very different products. If you have a large number of people in the family or the person with a disability is exceptionally tall/large, you will most likely find your needs are best met by a full-size wheelchair van. People who like to take long road trips and like to have extra space and amenities will also find great options in full size vans.

However, the majority of wheelchair van consumers are choosing lowered floor wheelchair accessible minivans to meet their accessible transportation needs. Minivans equipped with lowered floors and ramps are available and will work with most consumers, although height, weight and width of the individual in the wheelchair may be an obstacle. Accessible wheelchair minivans are smaller, drive like cars, will fit into most garages and are more fuel efficient than full-sized vans. In many instances, people just simply prefer to drive an accessible wheelchair minivan over a full-size accessible van.

• View our Wheelchair Vans
• View our Conversion Van Manufacturers
• Find out about Used Conversion Vans

Adaptive Driving Aids

Adaptive Driving Aids are products such as hand controls and transfer seats that allow wheelchair users and people with disabilities to regain the independence of driving. There are a wide variety of products and models that are selected and fitted for each individual.

If you are considering driving with adaptive driving aids for the first time, the first step you should take is to call VCI Mobility. We can put you in touch with an accredited driver rehabilitation program such as Moss, Bryn Mawr, or Good Shepard. The driver rehabilitation specialists will evaluate your situation and make a specific prescription for equipment and training that is best for you. VCI Mobility will then work with you and the rehab program to implement the prescription and work out the fine details of fit and adjustment.

In summary, there are a wide variety of auto-mobility options available to you. For this reason, we recommend that you contact a VCI Mobility Specialist today to begin determining the best auto-mobility solution for your unique situation.