The short answer is yes! Cars can be adapted to accommodate wheelchair users to gain further freedom and independence. It may come as a surprise that whose who have been paralyzed or have limited arm and hand function can have their motor vehicle and wheelchair adapted to be safe to drive.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are a great way for wheelchair users to travel further distances that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in their wheelchair. Wheelchair users can spend funds adapting their current motor vehicle, or they can purchase a vehicle that has been designed for a wheelchair user to drive. No matter which option they choose, the safety of the user is of upmost importance.
In order for a motor vehicle to be used driven by a wheelchair user, the following features must be installed/adapted before any driving can take place:
-
- There must be a way to anchor the wheelchair safely to the motor vehicle. For example, the Dahl Docking System is a safety feature that is installed on the wheelchair and in the motor vehicle. This ensures that in the event of an accident, the wheelchair user and their wheelchair will not move.
-
- The vehicle must include an adapted hinged door. The entrance for the wheelchair should be adapted to accommodate the wheelchair user, e.g. wide enough.
-
- There should be either a wheelchair lift system or space for a wheelchair ramp. In order for the user to safely enter and exit the vehicle safely, a wheelchair ramp can be used however, a ramp typically requires assistance. On the other hand, a wheelchair lift system can be used independently by the driver (the wheelchair user).
-
- There needs to be sufficient interior space to accommodate the wheelchair. If the wheelchair user is going to enter the motor vehicle via a lift or ramp (i.e. they intend to use their wheelchair as their seat v.s. Transferring into the driver’s seat) then there needs to be enough room inside the vehicle to comfortable maneuver to the steering wheel.
-
- The wheelchair must have passed a safety crash test. Not only is this imperative for the safety of the user, but also anyone else in the motor vehicle. This safety test ensure that the wheelchair won’t move in the event of an accident. In some countries, if the wheelchair has not passed the safety crash test, they are not allowed in any motor vehicle.