How are wheelchair accessible cars converted?

If you or are permanently confined to a wheelchair, you are likely to miss the freedom that being able to travel easily and quickly in your own car offered. Although there are many everyday activities that those with limited mobility may require assistance for, there are also a variety of modern options available for the creation of wheelchair accessible cars. This may mean modifying a car in order to carry a wheelchair confined passenger, or preparing a car in order that it can be driven by a person with limited mobility. The development of methods for the creation of wheelchair accessible cars can make a huge difference to the lives of those in wheelchairs today. Here's a brief run-down on how it's done.

Wheelchair accessible cars can be prepared in two ways – either through custom building or through conversion of factory-purchased vehicles. When the passenger has very limited mobility, preventing them from operating the car themselves, the conversion will involve the installation of an extendible rear entry ramp to enable the transfer of the wheelchair to and from the ground. The other option for entry to cars in which has easily wheelchair accessible is a side entry conversion, such as a removable front passenger seat that enables the driver and passenger access to the car from the side. In this case, a powered ramp extends from the side door. In both cases, the cars where wheelchair is easily accessible must also be modified with lower floor levels in order to accommodate the height of the wheelchair once the passenger is inside. In both cases, the car must also have added stabilisation features, such as adjustable straps or wheel docks, to secure the wheelchair in place when the car is in motion.

If the wheelchair confined person has limited lower mobility but full mobility of the upper body, wheelchair accessible cars can be fitted with power transfer seats and hand control steering wheels which allow the person to take their position behind the wheel and enjoy the independence and freedom of travel again. In wheelchair accessible cars operated by hand controls; specially designed levers are positioned below the steering wheel, enabling the driver to control the brake and accelerator. These are generally custom-built vehicles, however, hand controls systems don't mean that the car can only be operated in this way. It will also have the capacity to be driven normally by other drivers using foot controls.

Before purchasing any wheelchair accessible cars or beginning any conversions including ramps and hand controls, it's important to carefully consider the driver's level of mobility and the nature of their transport needs in order to make the correct choice. Consulting an expert in the conversion or building of wheelchair accessible cars is always a good place to start.

Capital Special Vehicles are specialised in manufacturing and modification of wheelchair accessible car. Capital Special Vehicles also provides solutions for vehicle conversions, vehicle adaptions.