If you are new to using a power wheelchair, you might be wondering how to safely transport your wheelchair in a vehicle. After all, this is a situation that comes up for most wheelchair users on a regular basis. Power wheelchairs are much larger and heavier than transport chairs and manual wheelchairs, so loading them into vehicles can be more difficult.
Fortunately, there are several convenient solutions available for transporting power wheelchairs. Your choice will depend on the size and weight of your device, the size of your vehicle, and your budget. Read on to learn more about transporting a power wheelchair, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask the team here at ITC Medical. ITC Medical is your destination for mobility aids and more in San Francisco, CA.
Trunk Storage
Some power wheelchairs can be disassembled ease, and stored in the trunk of your vehicle. If you are comfortable with taking apart your power wheelchair, then reassembling it at your destination, this might be a good option for you. If not, consider the following methods.
Wheelchair Ramps
If you have a large van that can accommodate a fully assembled power wheelchair, you can use a portable wheelchair ramp to load your device into the vehicle. Simply attach one end of the ramp to the back of the vehicle, then roll the wheelchair up the ramp. The wheelchair user may choose to stay in their wheelchair, or transfer to a seat. Either way, the wheelchair should be carefully secured to the vehicle, with the brakes engaged.
Wheelchair ramps and inexpensive and easy to use, but they do need to be set up before each use, and they are not suitable for crowded parking lots. If you need a long-term solution for transporting your power wheelchair, you might want to consider investing in a vehicle lift.
Vehicle Lifts
Vehicle lifts offer a more convenient way to load a fully assembled power wheelchair into a large vehicle. Unlike a wheelchair ramp, a vehicle lift doesn’t need to be set up before each use. Instead, this device is installed directly on the vehicle, so you can use it anywhere.
An interior vehicle lift consists of a sturdy platform where the wheelchair is loaded and secured, and a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the wheelchair as needed. Most vehicle lifts are electrical, and can be operated via remote control.
If you have a smaller vehicle that cannot accommodate a fully assembled power wheelchair, you have the option of an exterior vehicle lift. An exterior vehicle lift works in a similar fashion, but instead of being loaded into the vehicle, the wheelchair is secured to the exterior. When using an exterior vehicle lift, you may want to shield your wheelchair from the elements with a protective cover. Just make sure the cover is secured to your wheelchair.
Wheelchair Hoists
If you have a pickup truck, you have the option of transporting your power wheelchair with a wheelchair hoist. Wheelchair hoists are easy to install, and they don’t require making any permanent modifications to your truck. They are similar to vehicle lifts, but they are specifically designed to load mobility devices into a truck bed. Once your power wheelchair is in the truck bed, it will need to be secured in place. You may also want to employ a protective cover.
We hope you found this information helpful! If you need more advice on transporting a power wheelchair, you are always welcome to contact ITC Medical. We serve San Francisco, CA.