How To Make Any Vehicle Wheelchair-Accessible

Learn how to make any vehicle wheelchair-accessible with ramps, lifts, and other modifications to improve mobility and safety for yourself or a loved one today.

Wheelchair users experience difficulties getting around since most infrastructure is not built for them, from narrow doorways and curbs to stairs and cars. Accessibility modifications enter the picture to adapt certain things for people using mobility devices. This might look like a ramp instead of a staircase, widened doorways, modified vehicles, and more. Here, we’re reviewing how to make any vehicle wheelchair-accessible so you can broaden transportation opportunities for yourself or a loved one.

Understand Your Needs

Before jumping into modifications, assess the specific requirements of the person using the vehicle. Ask yourself these questions:

• Will they be driving or riding as a passenger?
• What type of wheelchair do they use? (some are larger than others)
• How frequently will they use the vehicle?

Your answers will determine the best features and adjustments to prioritize. After all, accessibility needs aren’t one-size-fits-all. That said, the following modifications we discuss are usually applicable.

Install a Ramp or Lift

Adding a wheelchair ramp or lift might be the most important upgrade you can make. This feature makes egress and ingress for accessible vehicles seamless by removing the need for physically lifting the wheelchair or user.

For smaller cars, foldable ramps might do the trick. But for larger vehicles like vans or SUVs, powered lifts are more effective. These automatically raise the wheelchair into the cabin with next to zero effort on the part of the wheelchair user.

Adjust the Entryway Height

Not all wheelchairs easily fit through standard car doors. In that case, you might have to raise the roof or lower the floor. Lowering the floor of a van or SUV is usually smarter because it drops the point of entry.

Automate the Doors

Automated doors work with the simple push of a button. Connect the door and ramp function so that the wheelchair user can remotely open the door and deploy the ramp for easy boarding.

Secure the Wheelchair Inside

Once inside, the wheelchair needs to be properly secured. Tie-down systems or docking stations are the top choices to keep the chair in place while the vehicle is in motion. This feature is essential for safety. No one wants to worry about their chair rolling around while they’re riding, especially in the case of a sudden stop or sharp turn.

Consider Hand Controls for Driving

If the wheelchair user is driving, they might need hand controls if they can’t use their right foot to press the gas, brake, and potentially clutch. Hand controls allow the driver to operate these pedals manually. You might also consider installing steering wheel attachments, like spinner knobs, to make turning more manageable for drivers with limited upper-body mobility.

Where To Start

Making a vehicle wheelchair-accessible is a big undertaking. If you’re not mechanically minded, we recommend consulting mobility experts or companies specializing in accessible vehicle modifications. They’ll guide you to solutions that work best for your needs and budget. By making the right modifications, you can reclaim the freedom to travel whenever and wherever for yourself or a loved one.