|
Assistive
Technology Quick Reference Series |
Scooter Lifts
Vehicle Modifications |
Adapting a van or any vehicle for transporting a person in a scooter involves several technology issues. First, a person who uses a scooter is usually somewhat ambulatory. Next, the person will need a lift to get the scooter into the vehicle. A securement system is normally not needed because in this particular case the scooter is stored in the hatch or trunk.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Should I choose an
internal or external lift?
This decision is often a personal preference depending upon whether you are the driver or passenger. The advantage to a lowered floor is that when entering parking garages you do not face the problem of the raised roof being too high for clearance. On the other hand, with a lowered floor you may have difficulty with some speed bumps being too high. Visibility can also be a factor if you are a passenger. In a lowered floor van some of the visibility may be reduced depending on the height of the passenger. As you can see there are pros and cons to both conversions.
What general types of
lifts are available?
There are generally two types available.
The fold-up and the slide-in. The
fold-up style is the most popular due to its safety feature. The fold-up style ramp folds up into the van
and sits beside the passenger side door.
The slide-in style ramp slides in underneath the van. You are more prone to problems with slide-in
style because pebbles and rocks can hit the ramp, if you go over a large speed
bump you can damage the ramp. The
fold-up style ramp is not exposed to these issues since it folds up into the
van.
What general types of
securements and restraints are available?
Generally speaking securement and restraint systems are not needed when transporting a scooter. This is because most of the time the scooter user does not remain in the scooter during transport.
The terms "securement", "restraint", and "tie-downs" are often used interchangeably. However, a "securement" is typically a device used to restrict the movement of a wheelchair by securing it to the vehicle floor, and a "restraint" is typically a device used to restrict the movement of an individual.
Tie
Ratchet Fitted Belt - The belt is connected via a loop on the chair frame and a ratchet that is used to pull the belts tight. This type of belt is often used when there is a clear access to the anchorage.
Slip Lock Belt - The belt is connected via a loop on the chair frame and a slip lock that is pulled tight. This type of belt is often used when there is not a clear access to the anchorage.
Automatic Lock - automatic locking mechanism requires that you guide your wheelchair over the top of the lock until the interface on your wheelchair is fully engaged into the docking station. To unlock/release the wheelchair you simply push a button.
Automatic Strap Automatic Tie-Down for Scooters
What are the safety issues involved in
transporting power wheelchairs with different types of batteries?
Scooter
batteries must be transported carefully to avoid acid spills and fumes. Most powered wheelchairs use lead acid
batteries, either wet-cell batteries that contain a liquid electrolyte that is
free to mix and react within the battery, or sealed-cell batteries that contain
an electrolyte contained in a gel or in glass fibers. The sealed batteries are less prone to leak
the electrolyte, which is corrosive. In
the past, airlines have sometimes refused to transport wet-cell batteries, but
they can no longer deny transportation due to battery type.
What are my financing options? Are there special terms available?
Yes, there are special financing options available. Vocational Rehabilitation is often times a funding source as well as some of your larger banks such as Bank of America offers a special 10-year financing. Some of the van modification manufacturers also offer 10 year financing. Of course, you still have your traditional auto loan option.
Are there any rebates from the
automobile manufacturers?
GM Mobility Program
Through
the GM Mobility Program, a customer will be reimbursed for an amount matching
the cost of after-market driver or passenger adaptive aids, including
installation, or reinstallation, up to a maximum of $1,000 when such equipment
is installed on an eligible GM vehicle. For more information, contact the GM
Mobility Assistance Center; toll free at 800-323-9935 (TTY Users:
800-833-9935). In
Saturn Mobility Program
Customers
will be reimbursed by the Saturn Mobility Program for the cost of after-market
driver of passenger adaptive aids, including installation, or reinstallation,
in an amount up to a maximum of $1000 when such equipment is installed on an
eligible Saturn vehicle. For more information, contact the Saturn Mobility
Program; toll free at 800-553-6000 (TTY Users: 800-833-6000). In
Ford Mobility Motoring Program
The
Ford Mobility Motoring Program provides the customer with a check, directly
from a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, for up to $1000 toward the exact cost of
the installation of adaptive equipment when purchasing or leasing any eligible
new Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicle. For more information, contact the Ford
Mobility Motoring Program toll free at 800-952-2248 (TTY Users: 800-833-0312).
In
Chrysler Automobility Program
When
the customer buys or leases any new Chrysler Corporation vehicle, Chrysler
Corporation will provide cash reimbursement to help cover the cost of
installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on a vehicle. Conversions to
full-size Van Ramps and Ram Wagons and minivans may be reimbursed up to $1000
while all other Chrysler Corporation cars, and trucks qualify for a maximum of
$750. For more information, contact the Chrysler Auto mobility Program toll
free at 800-255-9877 (TTY Users: 800-922-3826). In
Volkswagen Mobility Access Program
Volkswagen
will refund $1000 on the purchase or lease of a new Volkswagen vehicle if
vehicle access or ramp equipment is installed. For more information, contact
Volkswagen of America, Inc., Mobility Access Program,
Toyota
and Lexus will provide cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible,
original retail customer, for the cost of purchasing and installing qualifying
adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical
disabilities. The offer applies to all purchased or leased new 2001, 2002 or
2003
The
Toyota Mobility Assistance Program provides up to $1,000 cash assistance
toward the exact cost of adding adaptive equipment to a purchased or leased new
2001, 2002, or 2003
OTHER INFORMATION RESOURCES:
PRODUCT RESOURCES:
Bruno - http://www.bruno.com
Scooter lifts & other automobile products.
Amigo - http://www.myamigo.com
Scooter lifts & other automobile products.
VMI - http://www.vantagemobility.com
Scooter lifts & other automobile products.