1. Consider Renting a Wheelchair Accessible Van

If you don’t own a wheelchair accessible van or you are flying to your final destination, renting a wheelchair accessible van is a cost-effective solution. Auto Express South offers a variety of wheelchair accessible rental van options for all types of travelers! That includes side entry and rear entry vans as well as vans with a variety of adaptive driving aids. Learn more about renting wheelchair accessible vans here.

2. Research Your Destination’s Accessibility Before You Go

One of the most important things you can do before heading off on your travels is knowing the accessibility of the places you plan on visiting. Researching the best accessible parking spots, knowing if your hotel has parking facilities, and knowing the best ways to drive from point A to point B can make your trip much more enjoyable!

3. Evaluate Your Current Adaptive Driving Aids

If you own a wheelchair accessible van, take stock of what adaptive driving aids you already have and evaluate what other adaptive driving aids may be helpful for a longer trip. For example, if you’ve just been driving your wheelchair accessible van around town, you may not have seen a need for advanced electrical equipment, like an auxiliary battery. However, with longer trips, tools like this may become more useful. For tips on which adaptive driving aids to consider for your travels, speak with Auto Express South’s knowledgeable van equipment department.

4. Have Fun!

Don’t spend so much time on planning logistics that you forget to have fun! Instead, work with Auto Express South to ease the planning burden on you. Auto Express South will work with you to make sure you have everything you need to have an enjoyable vacation, so all you have to do is sit back and relax!

Buy A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle From A Reputable Dealer

One of the most important elements of wheelchair accessible safety is ensuring you are buying a reliable and trustworthy vehicle. Buying from a trusted dealer in your area, like Auto Express South in Southwest Florida, can give you the peace of mind you need. When you buy from Auto Express South, you can rest assured our technicians have completed a full safety inspection on your vehicle and feel confident in its drive-ability. This will not be an assurance you’ll be granted when you buy from a private seller or a dealer who doesn’t specialize in selling wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Install the Correct Adaptive Equipment

Certified Mobility Consultant can help you determine what adaptive equipment will best serve your needs and keep you safe and comfortable. Our Certified Mobility Consultant, Brian, even has a degree in Kinesiology so he truly understands how to make your vehicle the perfect, most comfortable fit for you!

Double Check Wheelchair Securements Before You Go

Safety checks don’t end once you buy your wheelchair accessible vehicle and outfit it with all the right adaptive equipment. It’s still necessary to check your vehicle’s securements every time you drive! Everyone in your vehicle needs to put on their seatbelt before driving begins, but what other checks do you need to make specific to your accessible vehicle? It’s different for every wheelchair accessible vehicle so check with one of the staff members at Auto Express South before you drive away!

Service Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

What is a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist?

A Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, or CDRS for short, are independent contractors who are trained or certified to assess the driving abilities of people whose disabilities affect their ability to drive. They also work with the state to provide driver training and education to drivers with disabilities and their caregivers.

What can I expect during a CDRS driver evaluation?

During a driving evaluation, your CDRS will start by performing a physical assessment out of the vehicle. This will include assessing your strength, range of motion, reflexes, cognition, and more. Next up is the clinical test. In this step you’ll get behind the wheel and your CDRS will work with you to find the best adaptive equipment for your needs.

Why are driver evaluations by a CDRS important?

Driver evaluations aren’t just another hoop to jump through in your journey to purchasing a mobility vehicle. In fact, even if you’ve owned a mobility vehicle in the past— they can still be incredibly helpful. That’s because CDRSs are up-to-date on all the latest recommendations for adaptive driving aids. They may have innovative ideas to assist you drive safely and comfortably. Your CDRS may also identify an issue you never even thought of that could pop up when you are driving and help you to find a solution.

1. Putting in a wheelchair lift

An unoccupied wheelchair lift can be installed on the back of almost any vehicle, including SUVs and sedans. Some wheelchair lifts, like the Chariot or Back-Saver are designed for wheelchairs to ride on the outside of your vehicle. However, with larger SUVs, your wheelchair can also fit inside using a variety of different wheelchair lifts. See the full details of each type of lift here.

2. Installing a person lift

If you need assistance getting in your SUV, the Milford Person Lift can help! This SUV wheelchair accessible piece of equipment transfers you from your wheelchair straight into the driver’s seat or passenger seat. It uses a comfortable sling that lowers you gently into place. Additionally, it’s small and compact so you can easily store it in your SUV during your journey.

3. Positioning swivel seats

Person lift not your style? There is another option! Swivel seats like the BraunAbility B&D Transfer Seat can be installed in your vehicle to make getting in and out a breeze. One of the best things about this product is that it just involves modifying the chair you already have in your vehicle. No need for trying to match up trim or style with a new chair— just use what you already have!

4. Trade your non mobility vehicle in for a lower floor mobility vehicle

Brian has been proudly serving the mobility industry since 2010. During that span, he has helped thousands of people with disabilities regain their mobility and independence. He hopes to help thousands more at Manatee Mobility. 

Learn more about Manatee Mobility at https://manateevans.com. 

Address: 4224 Solutions Ln Unit 103, Bradenton, FL 34211

The Low Maintenance Dodge Ram Promaster

However, FWD does come with lower towing capacity and limited performance capacity. If those two selling points are high on your list, continue reading about a few other full-size wheelchair accessible van options.

The Fully Customizable Ford Transit

• Rear wheel drive
• 4,640 payload
• 7,500 tow
• 18mpg

The Luxury Mercedes Sprinters

If luxurious amenities matter to you in a full size wheelchair accessible van, you’ll want to go with a Mercedes Sprinter. These sleek vans are the choice for many celebrities and offer advanced safety features. You can also upgrade from rear wheel drive to all-wheel drive. Just be aware that these are the most expensive full size wheelchair accessible vans you’ll likely find on the market.

The Inexpensive Chevrolet Express

Purchasing a Wheelchair Vehicle with a Passenger Setup Remotely

If you are looking for a vehicle that’s wheelchair accessible for a passenger, there’s no need to come visit Auto Express South in person. We can easily work with you over the phone to match a wheelchair vehicle to your needs. When you call, we’ll discuss the type of passenger setup you are envisioning, price considerations, and accessory options. Once we have an idea of what you are looking for, we can offer both in-stock options or options to create your own customized mobility vehicle. It’s as easy as that!

Remotely Buying a Wheelchair Vehicle with a Driver Setup

Unoccupied vs. Occupied Wheelchair Lifts

Securing A Wheelchair Inside vs Outside Your Vehicle

If you have decided you would like an unoccupied wheelchair lift, the next decision to make is whether you would like your wheelchair to be stored behind your vehicle or inside your vehicle. Unoccupied wheelchair lifts that operate outside of your vehicle can be less expensive than wheelchair lifts that stow into the back of your vehicle. However, if you would like to transport your vehicle in inclement weather, you will be better off with a wheelchair lift that brings your wheelchair into your vehicle!

Functionality of Wheelchair Lifts

Effective Steering With Spinners

Spinners are a type of steering aid used to give individuals with disabilities more control over the steering wheel. There are a variety of different types of spinners for different needs. For example, the MPS amputee spinner is specifically made to work with prosthetic devices. Spinners come in a variety of shapes, such as spinner knobs, single post spinners, tri-pin spinners, and quad fork spinners. Each has its own unique advantages. For instance, the quad fork spinner is designed for those with reduced hand strength to have better control over the steering wheel.

Acceleration and Braking

There are a variety of hand control acceleration and braking devices available that can attach right to a vehicle’s steering wheel! For example, Push Rock devices allow for full range braking and acceleration with minimal hand travel while keeping the hand in a natural position. Another option is Viegel hand controls. These hand controls aren’t attached to the steering wheel but rather sit on the driver’s side, near the center console.

Signaling, Turning and More

1. Considering The Specific Needs of the Individual

It’s very important to have a Certified Mobility Consultant do a needs assessment for the wheelchair user – this is a priority. At Auto Express South, we need to ensure the size of the individual in the chair with seated height, width, and length of the manual or power chair to ensure the right vehicle and conversion is selected. Dimensions play a very important role here.

2. Where Does the Wheelchair User Want to Sit?

3. Who Will Be the Caretaker?

4. Deciding Whether To Buy New Or Used

File an Insurance Claim 

Schedule an Inspection from an Authorized Dealer 

Find a Replacement Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle 

Regularly Drive Your Accessible Vehicle

Remember Your Accessible Vehicle Maintenance Appointments

Find A Service Facility for a Wheelchair Van That You Trust

Learn Your Accessible Vehicle Safety Systems

Highest Quality Rental Vans

Try Before You Buy

Wheelchair Van Rentals at Auto Express South