Vehicle Access Modification & Adaptations Guide
Accessing a vehicle as a driver or passenger can offer greater independence. It gives you the freedom to reach more places normally made too difficult traveling solely by wheelchair or mobility scooter.
This guide aims to provide options currently available on the market and some handy hints to help you choose.
Modifying options
A number of options are available to you:
A Smart Transfer hoist that can transfer you from your wheelchair in and out of the passenger or driver’s seat.
A Smart Lifter that can lift your mobility scooter or wheelchair into a vehicle; usually a roomy SUV, MPV, Estate or Van.
AMF Bruns has designed a platform that is able to lift you and your wheelchair into the rear or side of a vehicle, normally a van. The Linear and Panarama models are designed for rear access.
The Cassette K90 allows side access to your vehicle.
Vehicle restraints for occupants and their wheelchair.
A full van modification including a rear cut sloping floor.Finding a solution
We recommend the following steps as a guide to help you through this process:
- Familiarise yourself with the options available to you by:
- consulting your Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Going online or
- Phoning a reputable Vehicle Access Modifier (VAM) dealer, like us.
- Consider the sort of vehicle you’ll need before purchasing anything. Sedans are rarely suitable, except when installing the Smart Transfer. Choose a roomy SUV, MPV, Estate or Van. We have the rear entrance measurements and colour picture installation guides for over 350 different vehicles. We are happy to provide you with the guides you require, just ask us.
- Above all, consider quality. Will your solution work long term? We deal only with the worlds two leading VAM manufacturers from UK and Germany.
- Is the installer reputable? We only deal with reputable installers, located nationwide.
- Consider cost and funding for your vehicle modifications. More on Funding Schemes below.
- Organise a demonstration and ensure your OT attends so you can have an expert opinion and he/she can apply for funding if applicable.
- Is the modification transferable to your next vehicle? We try hard to find a solution that can be transferred at a later time if required.
- How long will the installation take? Most installations take up to a day but expect longer times for larger modifications.
Funding Schemes
Did you know that you may be eligible for state funding which can reduce or fully fund your vehicle modification?
Vehicle Modifications Subsidy Scheme (VMSS) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are examples of funding schemes that may be available to you.
Find out more about VMSS and NDIS.
To see which funding schemes are applicable to you and your state, consult with your Occupational Therapist (OT). OT’s can access your needs and determine the most appropriate and safe modification for you.
Conclusions
Spend time planning. Have a good idea of what options are out there by consulting your OT or talking with a reputable VAM dealer like us.
We can provide you with a no-obligation free quote on a range of different options available to you.
Feel free to talk to us over the phone or visit our showroom to talk in person.
