Minggu, 01 Maret 2009

Your Guide to Mobility Conversions

By SP Turner

As we're all unique, one specific product rarely suits the needs of everyone. This is true when it comes to mobility vehicles as every person with a mobility issue has individual requirements and will need specific features to make them feel confident and comfortable when they drive. If you or a loved one has individual requirements to be able to use a vehicle then you could consider investing in mobility conversions to make the car exactly suitable for your needs. With so many different terms, adaptations and modifications available it can sometimes be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right products for you. Before you begin your search, check out the guide below for some of the most common conversions which could make your driving experience easier.

• Storage space and access
If you use a wheelchair then it's likely that you'll need to store the chair while you're driving so you can use it at your destination. Wheelchairs can be heavy and very bulky so they're not always easy to transfer into the back of a car. Some modifications which could make the process easier including installing a ramp to the rear of the car to make loading the wheelchair into the rear space much easier. Other alternatives include rear hoists which can lift wheelchairs into the back of most cars and will give you more independence as you may not need others to help lift the chair with you. If space in the rear of your car is limited you could decide to have a rooftop hoist and storage solution installed. These gadgets mechanically lift a manual wheelchair up from ground level and securely store it in a storage unit on top of your car. When you get to your destination your wheelchair can be lowered again at the touch of a button.

• Hand controls
Vehicles can be modified to include hand controls for functions which would usually be operated by foot such as simple push and pull buttons for the brake and accelerator. Other features such as steering balls which are similar to a joystick can be fitted if managing a steering wheel is not comfortable for driving. There are so many hand controls available that they even include simple modifications such as an easy use handbrake which is ideal if you find squeezing and pulling the handbrake difficult.

• Swivel seats
Swivel car seats are a great solution if you find it difficult squeezing out of the space between the seat and steering wheel or dashboard. These seats can be fitted into both the driver and passenger seats so if you regularly transport someone who finds exiting a car difficult, you could consider installing this conversion. Many of these seats swing out beyond the reach of the car doorway so you can transfer yourself directly into a wheelchair. These seats can also help elderly people who may have trouble exiting the low levels of the car as they will have more space to stand up once the seat has swivelled.

Simple mobility conversions like the ones above can be an affordable way to transform your driving experience and give you more freedom and confidence on the road.


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