Accessibility

How To Make Your Car Handicap Accessible

March 16, 2020
A gray minivan with an open rear hatch shows a mobility scooter hoist lifting a scooter into the vehicle. The van is parked on a paved surface with trees in the background.

If you or your loved one has a disability, you’ve likely made many changes to your day-to-day routine to accommodate life’s obstacles. One space that can present a challenge is your car, as it may be impossible to operate or even ride comfortably in a conventional vehicle. Luckily, there are many options for transforming your car into a comfortable, handicap accessible, and safe environment for daily transport for people with disabilities.

What changes can I make?

Depending on the disability, there are several suitable options for making your car handicap accessible, and allow for comfortable travel. A few of these solutions include:

  • Scooter and wheelchair lifts

  • Scooter and wheelchair lifts allow you to take your wheelchair or scooter with you wherever you travel. The lift attaches inside the cargo area of a van, SUV, or truck, lifts the mobility device from the ground to the cargo area, and secures it in place while you’re on the go.
  • Turning automotive seats

  • Turning seats, which can be individually installed into a vehicle in place of an existing seat, allow a driver or passenger to enter and exit a car easily. The seats turn, rotate, extend, and lower automatically so that passengers can get in and out of the vehicle comfortably. They fit into a wide variety of cars including sedans, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks.
automotive seat
  • Wheelchair and scooter carriers

  •  If space inside your vehicle is limited, and an interior wheelchair lift is prohibitive, consider a mobility device that attaches to your car’s exterior. A scooter or wheelchair carrier attaches to cars, SUVs, minivans, or trucks by using a hitch, and both lifts and secures your mobility device to the vehicle, transporting it smoothly. In most cases, no modifications are necessary. This solution is space-efficient and powerful, and 101 Mobility carries a range of styles, meaning you can carry your device on the back of your car, in the bed of your truck, or anywhere it’s most convenient for you.
Wheelchair carrier attached to a black Chevy

How much will it cost

There are many aspects that play into the cost of adapting a vehicle for handicap accessibility, and each case is different. Deciding factors will include the make and model of your car, and the amount of assistance you or your loved one needs. What products are needed to help you get in and out of the car with ease? What model will serve you best? The price of each solution will certainly factor into your solution, and at 101 Mobility, we’re here to help you make the best decision to meet your needs.

How do I select the best options for me?

Before making any changes to your vehicle, consult with a specialist who knows what options are available, and what will be best for you. 101 Mobility carries a full line of lifts for automobiles, and can accommodate almost all mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Our team of expert consultants are available to meet with you and advise which solutions are best for you given your existing vehicle, and your specific situation. Once you’re ready to move forward, we will help you install your accessibility features so that you are prepared to safely hit the road. Our team will educate you on proper use, maintenance, and key features so that you and your loved ones will be able to travel comfortably for years to come.

While it may seem like there are many decisions to make when it comes adapting your vehicle for accessibility, there is certainly a best solution for you, and we’re here to help you find it. Ultimately, our goal is that you and your loved one experience safe travel, comfortable modifications, and renewed autonomy.