Top 6 Vehicle Modifications for Disabled Passengers
Disability doesn't have to mean giving up your mobility; vehicle modifications for disabled people include an ever-growing group of technologies that allow passengers to travel safely and comfortably in cars, vans, buses, and trucks.
According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 25 million Americans have a travel-limiting disability. Six kinds of adaptive equipment—when installed by an expert mobility specialist—can provide disabled passengers with the freedom to travel independently without any risk of sliding or falls.
1. Assistance Straps
Assistance straps can help disabled passengers enter and exit cars and vans without any need for help from another person. The straps are fastened around the window frame through the front or back door and used as an anchor to help the user pull him or herself up into the vehicle.
Please note: Assistance straps can only be used before starting the engine and must be removed before the car pulls out of the drive.
2. Wheelchair Lifts
For power wheelchair or mobility scooter users, getting the mobility device into the car is also an important consideration. Wheelchair ramps and wheelchair lifts for vehicles are two common pieces of equipment that are used to load mobility devices into or onto adapted vehicles.
When it comes to wheelchair lifts for vehicles, there are two main systems: occupied and unoccupied.
Occupied Systems
Occupied systems are common in modified vehicles and especially in accessible taxis and vans. In these systems, the wheelchair or scooter is secured to a platform, which lifts the mobility device and its passenger into the car. The passenger remains seated in their mobility device for the duration of the journey.
Unoccupied Systems
Unoccupied systems involve hoisting the (empty) mobility device onto a rack or platform that is mounted on the outside of the vehicle. The passenger then enters the car with or without the help of assistance straps.
Occupied vs Unoccupied Systems
The main difference between occupied and unoccupied systems is that an occupied system requires the interior space of the vehicle to be completely adapted, thus allowing space for a wheelchair in the back cabin of the car. In contrast, an unoccupied system only requires a rack or similar platform on the outside of the car.
Both occupied and unoccupied systems can be safe solutions, depending on the abilities of the passenger. Ultimately, the best kind of wheelchair lift for your truck, van, or car will depend on the vehicle’s make and model, the weight of the passenger’s mobility device, and his or her ability to get into the vehicle unaided.
3. Car Ramps and Docking Systems
Wheelchair ramps allow wheelchair access to your car, van, or SUV. There are two options when using wheelchair ramps: rear-entry and side-entry.
Rear-Entry Ramps
Rear-entry ramps are a great option for wheelchair users who wish to sit behind the driver’s seat. The wheelchair user drives or is pushed up the ramp and is then secured safely into the back of the car.
Rear-entry ramps have several advantages:
Rear-entry ramps tend to be more economical than side-entry ramps.
Wheelchair users with a family can sit with their children or grandchildren in the back of the car.
Rear-entry is typically the most convenient option when parking since there tends to be more space behind the car than next to it in regular parking lots.
Rear-entry ramps also have a couple of limitations:
For people living in cities or areas with limited parking, it is very challenging to use a rear-entry ramp in zones where you need to parallel park.
This option doesn’t allow the wheelchair to go in the front of the car.
Side-Entry Ramps
The other ramp option is a side-entry ramp that is placed at the side door of your vehicle. This is the most common option for people whose mobility doesn’t prevent them from sitting in the front seat or even from driving.
Some advantages of side-entry ramps:
The passenger can exit the vehicle safely and drive directly onto the sidewalk.
The wheelchair can be placed in the front or back passenger areas for more flexibility.
Side-entry ramps are more convenient for cars parked in parallel parking spots.
Disadvantages of side-entry ramps:
Side-entry ramps come with a higher price tag than rear-entry ramps.
Parking in regular parking lots can be more challenging as a significant amount of space is required to the side of the vehicle to accommodate the ramp and the wheelchair.
Docking Systems for Wheelchairs
After the mobility device user enters the vehicle using a ramp or vehicle lift, a docking system is needed to secure the wheelchair in place and ensure passenger safety. Both manual and automatic systems exist, with manual systems typically being the most cost-effective option.
4. Swivel Seats
Swivel seats are vehicle seats designed to rotate 90 degrees to allow the passenger easier access from outside the car. When the passenger is comfortably seated, the chair returns to its original position in the car. Some seats extend further out of the car or can be lowered to the most comfortable position. Manual and automatic versions are available.
5. Seat Belt Adjustments
Once inside the vehicle, safety is paramount. Adjusted seat belts such as torso restraints and lap belts are specially designed with disabled drivers and passengers in mind. These can be particularly useful for wheelchair users who use a docking system and for those who require a longer or otherwise adapted seatbelt.
6. Raised Roof and Dropped Floor
These modifications may be necessary for your existing vehicle if you intend to transport people in wheelchairs, as more space is required for a wheelchair than for a standard car seat.
Top Car Modifications for Disabled Drivers
We’ve covered the most common vehicle modifications for disabled passengers. However, there is also a range of car modifications that can be made for disabled drivers. From steering to braking to controlling the car’s internal systems in alternative ways, there are modifications for every need.
Steering Wheel Adjustments and Knobs
There are many ways to adjust a steering wheel based on a driver’s specific needs. Steering wheels can be extended for those who can’t reach a standard wheel or swapped for a joystick or other steering system.
Steering knobs are designed in many different shapes and sizes for those who struggle to use a standard steering wheel. Typically, they are fastened onto the existing steering wheel and allow safe control over the car.
The following are the most common steering knobs:
Spinner knob. Much like a joystick computer controller, the car is controlled using a knob with an ergonomic design that’s easy to grip.
Single pinwheel spinner. Similar to the spinner knob, but shaped like a pin, this knob design allows drivers who can't fully extend their hand to grip and control the knob without any problems.
Tri-pin knob. This system allows drivers with a weakened grip or weak wrists to control the vehicle with minimal strength.
Hand-Controlled Acceleration and Braking
Hand controls allow the driver to control acceleration and braking with their hands. This works by attaching a hand lever to the foot pedals. The acceleration and braking lever is typically controlled by the left hand while the right is used for steering and changing gears.
Two main types of hand controls can be used depending on the needs of the driver.
Push-pull systems. The driver accelerates and brakes by pushing and pulling a lever.
Push-rock levers. This is a similar system but is designed for drivers with little-to-no use of their fingers. Drivers control the acceleration and braking with a handle, braking when the handle is pushed forward and accelerating when it is pulled back.
Foot-Controlled Steering
Driver rehabilitation specialists often recommend foot-controlled steering for drivers with poor upper body strength. This piece of adaptive technology allows the driver to steer, accelerate, and brake using only their feet. Cars with this system still have a regular steering wheel so that able-bodied drivers can also use the car.
Pedal Adaptations
Pedal modifications come in different shapes and sizes depending on the needs of the driver.
Some options include:
Left-foot accelerator pedals. These are designed for drivers with limited use of their right leg. The brake and accelerator are controlled with the left foot.
Pedal extensions. Pedals can be designed to extend, allowing people whose legs don’t reach standard pedals to drive normally.
Reduced-effort braking systems. These are designed for drivers lacking lower-body strength. Activating the brakes with these systems requires up to 50% less force.
Things to Take into Account When Choosing Assistive Technology for Your Vehicle
In the case of an ongoing, new, or progressing disability, it's important to get your vehicle modified not only for your continued freedom on the roads but, most importantly, for your and others' safety. Alternatively, you might decide to purchase a custom-adapted vehicle.
When deciding on modifications and whether or not to trade in your car, there are several considerations to take into account. If you do decide to modify an existing vehicle, it’s critical to follow the expert advice of a driver rehabilitation specialist (especially if you plan to drive) and have any modifications installed by an experienced mobility professional.
The Costs Involved
Vehicle modification costs can be significant — a wheelchair van conversion could set you back up to $30,000 — so it’s important to discuss your options with a qualified mobility specialist and research options for financial assistance.
Vehicle manufacturer rebates exist that can help with the costs of installing the required vehicle modifications.
Medicare may cover part or all of your vehicle modifications as long as they meet the requirements for durable medical equipment.
Some organizations, such as the Adult Resources for Care and Help (ARCH), the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and the Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Denver may be able to help with vehicle modification grants for eligible Colorado residents.
Before going ahead with vehicle adaptations, find out which grants or rebates you’re eligible for and how much this assistance will cover.
Driver's License
Drivers with a new disability or a new adapted vehicle may need to modify the details on their driver’s license.
Car insurance
Some companies claim not to charge more for modified vehicles but others do. Be sure to shop around for the best deal before taking out insurance on your adapted vehicle.
Vehicle Modifications: for Freedom, Fun, and Fulfillment
Whether it's for maintaining freedom in everyday life or even for exploring the world on wheelchair-accessible vacations, the right vehicle modifications can be a game-changer for disabled passengers and drivers.
When considering the range of vehicle modifications and adaptive technologies available, be sure to consult an occupational therapist or rehabilitation specialist and have any modifications installed by an experienced mobility equipment professional.