Choosing the right rental car can be tricky for people with disabilities or those looking after them. There are lots of things to think about and check. So, we want to help by giving you tips on the 5 most important things to consider when renting a car that’s accessible for people with disabilities.
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Accessibility
One of the main things to think about is how easy it is to get in and out of the car. If you use a wheelchair, you’ll need to decide if you need a ramp or a lift to help you get in, or if you just need enough space in the car’s trunk to store your folded wheelchair.
If you plan to drive, some cars have special features that allow you to control the car using hand-operated brakes and accelerators from your wheelchair, but these cars are not very common in rental companies. And if you won’t be driving but want to sit in the front passenger seat, some cars offer easy access for wheelchair users. However, make sure both you and the driver will be comfortable with this arrangement.
If you’re looking for a van with wheelchair accessibility, some have ramps, usually on the side door, while others offer access through the rear door.
If you have trouble with mobility, consider if you can easily get in and out of the car. Check if the car is at the right height for you and if there are handles or supports to help you. Make sure there’s enough room inside for you to sit comfortably without any obstacles.
Size
When you’re choosing a rental car, think about how many people will be traveling with you and how long your trips will be. Make sure there’s enough space in the car for everyone to sit comfortably, especially on long journeys.
Accessible cars come in different sizes. Some are small and can fit four people (one wheelchair and three seats), while others are large, like coaches.
Storage space
When thinking about the size of the vehicle, think about how much space you’ll need to store equipment for passengers with different disabilities. Also, keep in mind that passengers in wheelchairs are usually placed in the back of the vehicle to use space efficiently.
Check the ramp and lift
Just like you’d check any other part of a car, it’s essential to inspect the ramp or lift of the vehicle.
Ideally, a good lift should have a platform that’s at least 30 inches by 48 inches in size and should have handrails on both sides. However, keep in mind that renting a car with a lift is often more expensive than one with a ramp, which is the more common accessibility option in vehicles.
Restraint systems
If someone will be staying in their wheelchair while the car is moving, it’s very important to make sure the wheelchair is securely fastened. When you’re trying out the car, practice strapping the wheelchair in place to make sure it’s stable and safe while the car is not moving. This will also help you see how easy the system is to use, which you’ll likely need to do regularly.
The usual way to secure a wheelchair is with four straps that are attached to the floor using tracking or mushroom fittings (like small mushroom-shaped screws). Two of these straps go in the front, and the other two in the back. Just remember, for very heavy wheelchairs (weighing more than 50kg), you may need to use six straps to ensure they are properly secured.
Extra Tips
- Ensuring everyone’s safety in the car is important. If the rental company hasn’t already given you the car’s history, ask for it and make sure the car hasn’t been in an accident. If it has, find out when it happened, what repairs were done, and if there are any guarantees for the work. Pay attention to any damaged parts of the car when you inspect it.
- Once you’ve signed the rental papers, the car is your responsibility, and you might have to pay for any breakdowns. So, if you’re worried about anything, it’s better not to rent a car.
- Before you decide on a car, test the seats to make sure they’re comfortable for everyone. Also, check if the air conditioning works, especially in hot weather.
- Inspect each door to make sure the windows open and close properly, and that the doors lock securely. Try opening the doors to see if they’re not too heavy for you.
- If the seats aren’t comfortable, you can use pillows and cushioned headrests to make them more comfy.
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