Carrying a Wheelchair Passenger in a Car – Scooter Hoists and More

Are you looking for the best ways to transport a mobility scooter or wheelchair passenger in a car? Navigating the world of accessible vehicles and finding the right solution can be a daunting task. Whether you’re in search of cars with ramps for mobility scooters, vehicles suitable for mobility scooter hoists, or simply the best car to carry a mobility scooter, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the help and advice you need.

For anyone who has ever found themselves in a position whereby they need to transport a person in a wheelchair in a vehicle, this can be a daunting prospect.

2 Popular Questions we’re asked about carrying a passenger in a wheelchair:

  • If I get them into the car what do I do with the wheelchair?
  • Are they confined to a wheelchair and unable to get into a normal car – can they travel while still in their wheelchair?

The good news is both are possible.

If the wheelchair passenger can transfer from their wheelchair into the vehicle as normal, then it might be a simple question of doing this and putting the wheelchair in the boot of the vehicle and off you go.

You may also like to read: What makes of cars can take a wheelchair

So, let’s dive in and explore the world of carrying a wheelchair passenger in a car. Discover the best vehicles, gain valuable advice, and equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure safe and convenient transportation for those with mobility needs. Read on to learn more and unlock the secrets to hassle-free mobility scooter transport.

Adapted Cars and Vehicles for Wheelchair Accessibility and Travel

If this is not possible or the thought of transferring the wheelchair passenger to a normal seat and putting their wheelchair in the boot fills you with dread then the easiest solution is to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. These are traditional vehicles that have been adapted by a specialist company to allow wheelchair passengers to easily access and travel in a vehicle safely while remaining in their wheelchair.

The procedure for putting a wheelchair passenger into your wheelchair accessible vehicle is very simple and with a little bit of practice should only take a few minutes complete. Below is a brief description of what is required.

How to load a wheelchair passenger into a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

  1. Open Tailgate
  2. Lower rear ramp.
  3. Align the wheelchair at bottom of the ramp facing forward.
  4. If fitted to the vehicle and required attach the winch to the front of the wheelchair
  5. Push, drive or activate the winch to bring the wheelchair up the ramp and into the vehicle.
  6. Apply brakes on the wheelchair.
  7. Attach the front and rear wheelchair restraints.
  8. Put the dedicated seat belt around the wheelchair passenger.
  9. Fold up the ramp.
  10.  Close tailgate.
  11.  Drive off and begin your journey.

There are different makes and models of wheelchair accessible vehicles to choose from in various sizes, but many are based on MPV-type vehicles such as Citroen Berlingo Peugeot Partners, or VW Caddy Maxi and are available in both manual and automatic transmissions.  So, the good news is you are not limited to a one style fits all when it comes to deciding on a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Adaptations for carrying a wheelchair in a car or vehicle

Another nice thing about these adapted vehicles is they look pretty much the same as the standard vehicle that they are based upon. A lot of the adaptions are not visual from the outside, so unless you have a trained eye you may not even know the vehicle has been modified for a wheelchair passenger. They will also drive the same as the standard vehicle with all the comfort and convenience features you have been used to such as Air Conditioning, Power steering, Electric Windows etc.

Many people still purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles even though the wheelchair passenger can transfer into the vehicle as normal. The reason being that they find lifting the wheelchair into the boot very awkward or in some situations not possible. A wheelchair hoist can be fitted to existing cars, these hoists are quite expensive to fit and some people find them quite cumbersome to use, so the ramp option offered in a wheelchair accessible vehicle is far easier and quicker with the added advantage that should the wheelchair users condition deteriorate and can no longer transfer then they can still use the vehicle for their needs, some people call this future proofing.

For more information on helpful blog articles:

Check Current Stocks of Used WAV Vehicles in Bristol

At Michael Haraway Cars we have a range of quality used wheelchair accessible vehicles in stock. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements or ask any questions regarding wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Our showroom and forecourt are open 6 days a weekMonday to Friday 9:30 – 18:00, Saturday 9.30 – 17:00.

Alternative hours available on request for Sunday/Bank Holidays so Contact Us or phone us and leave a message on 01934 820077.

Used Peugeot Partner WAV Cars For Sale Bristol Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Used For Sale Somerset Devon Dorset Bath SF67 BZT 19

Transporting a Mobility Scooter in a Car

If you have a mobility scooter, it’s likely that you’ll want to take this out with you in your vehicle. Knowing which cars are the best for this can be confusing. All scooters are different, with some folding and others being quite large and difficult to manoeuvre choosing the right vehicle is important.

Our blog post about What’s the best vehicle to transport a mobility scooter?

The fundamental design of a wheelchair accessible vehicle with its fold down rear ramp and large internal area it makes the perfect vehicle for a variety of different uses. We published an article Which are the best WAV car manufacturers? a little while ago.

Over the years I have sold many used WAV vehicles to customers who use them for all sorts of things including transporting push bikes, motorbikes and even dogs. But by far the most popular alternative use is for transporting a mobility scooter, and if I am honest, it probably accounts for 25% of my sales.

How do I get the mobility scooter into the back of the car or WAV vehicle?

  1. Drive up to the vehicle open the tailgate lower the rear ramp and drive or push the scooter in
  2. Attach the wheelchair restraints to secure the scooter
  3. Close the ramp, shut tailgate
  4. Get in the vehicle and drive off

Some people stay on the mobility scooter and drive in the vehicle, then twist the seat 180 degrees and step off the scooter and walk down the ramp.

Others prefer to stand beside or behind the scooter and operated the scooters controls to drive it in the vehicle or even reverse it in. It is just a case of doing what works best for you.

Used Wav Vehicles for sale UK Nationwide, Bristol and Somerset Showroom

By far the best and easiest way to transport a mobility scooter is to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Just because the vehicle is called a wheelchair accessible vehicle or WAV it does not mean it cannot be used for other purposes. Read more about the Click and Collect a WAV Car offer that’s currently live, call for details and free, friendly advice on 01934 820077 or send a message online today.

In this article, we delved into the world of mobility scooter transportation, exploring various options and highlighting key considerations. Our aim was to provide you with valuable insights to make informed decisions when it came to selecting the right vehicle. We explored finding used cars suitable for mobility scooters, discovering the best vehicle for your needs, and gaining expert advice on how to transport a mobility scooter safely and efficiently. As you read on, you learned more about the intricacies of mobility scooter transport, unlocking essential knowledge for hassle-free journeys.