Top Car Guide

Choosing between different disability cars can be a frustrating and confusing experience – it is essential to get it right – but with these handy tips it doesn’t need to be quite so difficult. Once you have your specifications and priorities straight, you are already one step closer to buying the disability car that suits you. Here’s how:

Know what kind of car you want

There is a range of vehicles that can be converted to your specifications. From hatchbacks to saloons to vans and MPVs, choosing the right model for you and the needs of the user is important. Think about your lifestyle, what you use the car for, whether the disabled user is the driver or the passenger.

You will also need to think about what kind of access you need; whether you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle with a ramp, or a hoist; one that you can ‘drive’ into and position yourself with the appropriate restraints, without having to disassemble the chair, or whether you need a vehicle that simply stores the wheelchair or scooter and has appropriate features on the interior.

Measure out dimensions

To save time when looking at which kind of car would be suitable, you can take three simple measurements at home and bring them with you when looking around dealerships:

• The total length of the wheelchair from the furthest point at the front (the footplates) to the furthest point at the back (the handles)
• The total width of the wheelchair
• The total height from floor to the top of the user’s head whilst seated (allow an extra two inches for clearance between the top of the user’s head and the roof of the car)

Shop around

Price is an issue, and the only way to find the best deal is by investigating. Order brochures, search online, and look at what each company offers and what the longterm benefits will be when weighed up against the costs. See what comes as standard (features and modifications) and which extra features you might need, and how much these would cost.

Top Tip! Don’t forget to check whether you are eligible for the
Motability Scheme, which provides specially adapted disabled cars on lease or hire purchase at affordable prices. If you receive the higher rate of mobility component for your DLA (Disability Living Allowance) then you could be eligible for a brand new disability car for up to five years, with the option of ‘nil’ advance payment (AP)).

Pick the right features

Seat height, door opening angle and storage space should all be considered when deciding whether a car is suitable or not. It needs to be easy to get in and out of, comfortable, and safe. Beyond that, there are additional features to consider. Think about what else you might need, and ask your dealer for a list of features. Some to consider are:

• Ramps (for ‘drive on’ wheelchair accessible vehicles)
• Wheelchair restraints and hoists
• Push-pull hand controls
• Steering aids
• Adapted mirrors
• Rotating seats
• Cushions, covers and lumbar support

Good luck!