My mom currently uses a manual chair, however, I'm looking to purchase an electric chair for her within the next couple of months. Specifically the Pride Mobility Jazzy Air 2.
I currently own/drive a 2020 Civic and it's been fine for the time being as her manual chair folds/fits in the back ok. However, I am also in the market for trading in my vehicle for something else so I figured I should ensure it's something that will accommodate an electric wheelchair.
My original Civic purchase was made on a complete whim (happened within a few days of my mom's stroke and was done in haste as I hadn't owned a car in 10 years. I needed to get one very quickly at the time. So this time around I want to make sure, now that I have the time, to make all of the proper considerations.
If it were up to me, I'd be in another small vehicle. I do not like SUVs, however, now I'm thinking I need to purchase something that has proper storage capacity because of the electric wheelchair. Likely a small SUV. I possible, I'd like something with a trunk large enough that I don't have to break down the entire chair every time we transport somewhere. I also want to make sure that the vehicle has a proper 'height' (not too high or too low to the ground). I really prefer not to be in a van, fyi.
So a few questions. Any vehicle recommendations from those with electric wheelchairs? Do you agree avoiding another 'Civic sized vehicle' makes best sense? What other vehicle specifications do I need to be considering for both the easy transport of my mom, her chair, and most importantly, her safety? Thanks so much in advance for any/all opinions.
Cover909
SUVs tend to be higher off the ground and my mechanic advised that some of us "old" birds have a time getting in and out of them; I proved him right when I tripped 6 times in 4 hours getting in an out of my friends Honda CRV. I compromised a bit by getting an Subaru Outback which seems to sit a tad lower but is still a beast when it is attacking snow but I didn't have a wheelchair to consider. I think there are plenty of sedans with big trunks but you would have to really break the chair down to have it fit.
Maybe check with the mfg. of the chair to see if they have any experiences or recommendation. And of course, with any auto check their safety features and record. It's important that both your and Mom be safe and comfortable.
I will check with my neighbor and post the results here tomorrow.
I've had five CR-Vs over the years, and they're fantastic vehicles. They don't drive like an SUV (none of Honda's SUVs do, because they aren't built on a truck chassis like many others are), so they're much better to drive. A used CR-V will be a good option and won't break the bank.
What about a VW bus. There is a beautiful article if you google a VW donation about a man who donated a VW bus and it was converted to help a young couple who had a child who was wheelchair bound.
There are VW organizations online and groups that meet. Would it be feasible to contact them and maybe put a little money into it? Everything is so expensive nowadays, I just thought I would mention this. Maybe someone else on the forum has more knowledge on this particular vehicle than I do.
https://www.mobilityworks.com/wheelchair-vans-for-sale/?featuredvan=Green%20Tag%20Event&resetfilters=on&utm_source=2023-July-National-GreenTag%2B4.9APR%2BIM2023-DrivergeFlexLease%2B349%2B3Q23-Under40k%2B3Q&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pos1-image-link-GreenTag%2B4.9APR%2BIM2023&utm_campaign=2023+July+National+GreenTag%2B4.9APR%2BIM2023-DrivergeFlexLease%2B349%2B3Q23-Under40k%2B3Q
Bought van lightly used in 2007 for about $30k (often in the ~6 or so months it takes to convert a van, the intended user passes or becomes too disabled to use it and the family then sells). New vans are very expensive, then need conversion.
Remember that a wheelchair-hauling vehicle can become stranded like any other vehicle and drivers should have a plan: roadside assistance, cell phone, weather-appropriate supplies, medical equipment, and toileting supplies, in the vehicle. The wheelchair user won’t be able to travel on gravel road shoulders, in snow, or in mud, and will need protection from sun as needed. A disability-related forum can help with ideas.
Finally, I wouldn’t buy a new van for someone who won’t live long enough to use it. Buy used, rent, or use a transportation service. For daily use, having our own transportation brought much needed flexibility to our lives. For once monthly travel and at our income level, the expense and maintenance would quickly surpass the convenience.
It appears that there are ramps and many are both sides, so ride up and down with no backing up. Strap it or l9ck it and off you go.
This is the avenue that I would use, you may need a tow package installed but, then it is an easy hitch up and off you go.
I drive a 4 wheel truck and my dad and my elderly friends find it easier, with side step, to get up and in then up and out. Definitely worth taking mom to test drive and a fun day out with a meal or treat. (My 92 year friend loves helping me in my new vehicle decision or attempted decision;-))
Best of luck finding what you want, as this is an expensive, time consuming endeavor that needs to be right.
I also find a pickup easier to enter than spouse’s suv. Reading further I see that OP’s mom does transfer
There are car specific websites that will give you these arcane measurements. The internet is your friend.
I know your Mom is currently in care (unless I am mistaken?) and that recent trips out haven't always gone well due to new issues she is facing.
Are you sure it is worth the expenditure for a w/c accessible van or other vehicle, esp for an electric. Her facility may supply regular w/c you can fold into any vehicle you choose for small or short outings.
Just a thought.
Yes, my mom is currently in a nursing facility. And I have had several conversations the past week plus with the nursing supervisor and other staff about her 'outings'. I really do prefer to keep this thread vehicle focused please, but I will share with you that all of the staff was nothing but supportive regarding her outings and actually strongly encouraged me to continue them because 1) they did not feel 1 fecal accident out in the past 13ish months warranted discontinuing or even cutting back on them, 2) her urinary incontinence is managed (we've never had an accident requiring clothing changes while out due to frequent planned restroom trips), and, 3) they had all noticed a markedly positive change in my mom's mental state when she gets away regularly from the facility grounds.
RE: the vehicle decision:
When I purchased the current vehicle I have (a Civic), it was under a great deal of stress. I had practically just stepped off a plane from the EU and had a week to find a car in the city my mom was hospitalized in (I hadn't owned a vehicle in a decade so was in an expensive rental for 1 week last summer in the midst of all of the car shortage issues).
I share all of this to say that my plan for some months now has been to get rid of the Civic to get something that I like more as this time around I will have the time to make a decision regarding something I actually want. That has been the main motivation actually, however, if I plan to trade it in I should also be considerate of ensuring I get something that will be practical for my mom. I know there are foldable power chairs so maybe that is best as it means I could keep to a smaller vehicle. However, I have also had my eye on the Honda HR-V which, 'if' I end up needing more space I know that should fit my needs. Of course, one poster has raised that SUVs are higher off the ground so something to consider. However, I have noticed that my Civic is actually quite low, and my mother is constantly 'plopping' down into the seat so maybe a subcompact like the HR-V is doable; would have to likely have her practice a transfer into one if I test out one. From looking online they do appear to perhaps be too high though.
ETA: I should also clarify since you mentioned a wheelchair accessible vehicle - I'm just planning on trading in my vehicle for another vehicle. I'm not planning on getting a 'wheelchair accessible vehicle' (one with modifications like side/entry and/or ramps, etc.).
My mom, in her 90's declared it the perfect car.
We currently own a Forester which I think she would find a bit high. You can have platforms added to the sides, useful for short folks and those with nobility issues.
Before you buy, I suggest having mom trying them if that's possible.
https://www.amazon.com/SLIDE-RIDE-Vehicle-Transfer-Mobility/dp/B07G3K9JTN
I have heard so so many good things about the Forester specifically for wheelchair users so I am surprised you are saying it's a bit high.
Also heard many great things about the Honda Fit. I wonder what the height is on that vehicle although it's discontinued; I may go compare it to the Forester and the Honda HR-V out of curiosity.
Thank you so much for your response. I will look around the forums to see who else may have mentioned the wheelchair I plan to get. I've heard so many things about it and I ran into a kind person that was using a similar power version (by the same company) and they walked me through their experience with it as they loved it. However it did not 'elevate' like this one so at the end of the day, still 2 very different products.
They did stop making the PT Cruiser some years ago actually but I have also indeed read good things about them for people with mobility issues.
I would check disability sites in the internet for recommendations for the best cars for folks transporting wheelchairs.
https://www.automoblog.net/top-5-wheelchair-friendly-vehicles/
https://bussanimobility.com/how-can-i-transport-my-wheelchair-without-a-van/#:~:text=Hitch%20Lift&text=If%20you%20own%20a%20small,using%20this%20type%20of%20lift.
So far the best vehicles that come up seem to be vans, however options such as the Subaru Forester and Hyunda Elantra have consistently come up on several lists which I would not be opposed to either one of those (admittedly I've had my eyes set on the Honda HR-V which has also come up a few times, however, I believe it could be because I've seen a company that makes that make/model accessible which I don't plan on doing that extent of upgrading to a vehicle in the near future due to costs).
I have never heard of a chair topper before - which was mentioned on that second link you provided. I am going to have to do more research into that. Thank you.
https://tinyurl.com/mr2ncpnz
I looked up the chair you are thinking about purchasing. I think that someone on this forum had bought one of these and they tend to fall backwards or their unstable in some way. You may want to research them. You can get a scooter for a lot less.
Look up "PT Cruiser conversations for scooters" my GF was looking into one of these 10 years ago so not sure if they still even make PTs.