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Advice needed. Any sedan that a wc user can drive?

Posted:
12 Jan 2012, 05:02
by Tash1217
I have MS and use a powerchair cuz I can't really walk. I really don't want a mini-van or suv. Are there any sedans I can look into? So lost! Thank you!
Re: Advice needed. Any sedan that a wc user can drive?

Posted:
12 Jan 2012, 08:58
by ex-Gooserider
It would be helpful if you could go to the User Control Panel in the upper left corner and plug in your location - it helps us give better "location appropriate" responses, which is extra important on things like vehicles where different countries have different makes available.
Here in the US, I don't know of any sedan options that a power chair user can do, other than possibly getting one of the big sedans and putting a lift on the back... Not the greatest thing for looks, handling, etc. and leaves the chair sitting out in the weather and vulnerable to vandalism... (you would also have to get from the chair to the drivers seat...)
I have also seen photos of setups that use an SUV with a winch in the back that can load a small chair...
Bottom line is there aren't a lot of options other than some sort of minivan / WAV for a powerchair. The weight and bulk make it much harder to deal with than a manual, though the tradeoffs are worth it...
ex-Gooserider
Re: Advice needed. Any sedan that a wc user can drive?

Posted:
12 Jan 2012, 09:34
by Fulliautomatix
No.
AFAIK there is no way to drive from a chair in a sedan....Or wagon or anything other than a van. However, all things are possible...usually by throwing money at it. There are a few seats that com out so it's easy to transfer on to, then there is no way to carry the electric chair.
A guy I know drives a ute (pickup) and transfers from his electric chair & has a small crane to load the chair. At the moment this requires another person to sling the chair & tie it down...and it's open to the weather. Another thing I've seen is a ute (pickup) with an electric opening canopy & crane that loaded a manual chair.
Depending on your requirements the Toyota Porte might give you something;
Version 3 - Welcab Auto Drive
The Auto Drive version features a wheelchair that enters the vehicle from the passenger side and slides across to become the drivers seat. The vehicle is then able to be driven by hand controls located in the centre of the vehicle. The vehicle can also be foot controlled if necessary. The dual battery pack located on the back of the electric versions will give a range of 8km, and is chargeable by 240V mains.
The seat is not really an electric chair though! Well, it'll get you inside & out to the car and give you something to sit in beside the fire if you don't need a pressure cushion.
Re: Advice needed. Any sedan that a wc user can drive?

Posted:
12 Jan 2012, 11:28
by Burgerman