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Fiat's Doblo
is
often adapted to carry wheelchair and Power Chair seated
passengers.
They are
also commonly used as smaller "disabled friendly" Taxis in
the UK.
This is not a vehicle that is modified to drive from a
wheelchair or powerchair. Only to travel as a passenger. As far as I know! There
are lots of conversion companies that I keep finding.
The Fiat Doblo is also often bought by individuals
that have a need to transport a wheelchair user family
member. A although this one was owned by a Taxi Driver. Its
surprisingly popular due to the small size and its
subsequent economy. Personally I would find it embarrassing
to travel in and vans like this get called pope mobiles
etc... But that's just me. Or is it? That's why I prefer my
Rollx van
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Click image for a larger view!
Or
click
Fiat Doblo Disabled Van
for an even bigger view
You feel very conspicuous
being "loaded" in and when trying to reverse out without falling over backwards
or off the side of the long ramp. Plus you ride very high up and it feels
unnerving and you feel like the pope.
Creates too much of a scene too. There's
no need for this with my own van but then its more expensive and less
economical. Depends how you feel about things I suppose
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 It
need not be as steep as this taxi is though. There are many
companies that convert these small Doblo vans.
Some do high roof conversions. Some do a floor chop.
This means that the ramp angle is much less steep.
Some also have lowering rear suspension. You will
need to decide what's easiest and best for your
situation and budget.
Rear
View! Steep isn't it!
For a bigger view click
Fiat Doblo ramp
van
For full size view click
Fiat Doblo rear ramp
I tried to
enter this Fiat Doblo disabled friendly taxi in my
electric powerchair
I tried obviously forwards but it would have tipped me
out backwards in a rear wheel drive powerchair. I did
get in easily enough with the taxi driver holding the
powerchair so it didn't fall over! But that's
hardly independent or safe I think. One day there will
be an accident and someone will get sued... But
that applies to all disabled friendly taxis. They are
all too steep.
As far as I
know this van is only for carrying passengers in
wheelchairs, manual chairs or Power Chairs. Facing
forwards, parked in the rear and located by ratchet
straps. If there is a drive from wheelchair conversion I
am unaware of it. If you know different let me know!
Reversing out
is very scary. I am amazed that they allow this for taxi
use under the health and safety rules... If nothing else
it could cause heart failure as you reverse out blind on
to a steep ramp!
There's not
much point discussing engines and trim here since these
are just the same as standard options which keep
changing so the best bet here is the Fiat web site!
The only thing
I can comment on is that Fiats horrendous rust problems
from the past seem to be well and truly over! Although
in true Italian fashion there still seems to be one or
two nasty plastic trim and finish issues.
Build quality
seems about the same as my own
Chrysler... Not bad but no BMW! If you
are a conversion specialist that modifies the Fiat Doblo
(or and vehicle) let me have some info and GOOD photos
and I will add a page or the info and a link!
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