TRANSPORTATION

Wheelchair

LIFE

If you're able to obtain your own transportation, I highly recommend a converted minivan, with an EZ Lock® system (more on the EZ Lock below). I went through two full-size conversion vans before I discovered lowered-floor minivans with ramps, while on a business trip in Chicago.  They make a big difference. Minivans are far and away better than the full-size vans for a number of reasons. (1) they are less expensive; (2) they use less gas; (3) they are easier to maneuver and park, and are thus less intimidating for some drivers; (4) they can be parked in more places, without the need for greater over-head clearance; (5) they have sliding doors on both sides; (6) they utilize ramps rather than big ol’ lifts; (7) if the ramp malfunctions, a person in a wheelchair can still get in and out relatively easily, because the floor is much closer to the pavement.

There are multiple styles and manufacturers of accessible vans, and multiple models of minivans that can be converted. Some have access from the side, some have access from the rear. Various retailers can be found online. I have purchased two new minivans and one used minivan with a brand new conversion. Although it's nice to own a new vehicle, a used wheelchair van can be a better value.

I had an especially bad experience with a company called The Mobility Group, Inc., doing business as Complete Mobility Systems, for one of my new vans. But I found a great company in Atlanta, called Adaptive Mobility Systems (AMS Vans, Inc.). They add new conversions to used vans. They are very reasonable, and everyone I've dealt with from there has been great. I bought the van over the phone, after seeing pictures sent through the Internet (check out their website). They even installed an EZ Lock base and delivered my van to me for a reasonable fee.

An EZ Lock® system makes getting in and out of a van a breeze. It consists of two main parts: a post that mounts permanently to the wheelchair with a bracket; and a lockdown base that mounts permanently to the floor of the van. For drivers in wheelchairs there's also a stabilization bracket. The system provides a crash-tested way to secure a wheelchair in a van without the cumbersome, inconvenient "tie-down" hooks and straps that are more commonly seen on many vans. See the EZ Lock website here.

When I get into my van I simply roll forward until the post on the bottom of my chair slides into the V-shaped base on the floor, and locks ... "click." When I get out, a button is pushed to release the lockdown mechanism, and I roll away, no fuss. The handy control panel allows anyone to release the chair with a push of a button, and also allows what I call the 'non-in-all-the-way alarm' to be turned off (if someone's driving without my wheel chair in the van). An EZ Lock system is well worth the approximately $2,000 it costs. Whenever I travel and rent a van we are reminded of how much easier things go with the EZ Lock system, than with tie-downs.

Speaking of travel, there are several options for those who do not have access to their own vehicle. Check out the Wheelchair LIFE section on Travel (some information appears both on this page and there).

In the event we need backup transportation, or just want an accessible minivan for a while, in our own town, or near a major city, we can sometimes negotiate a long-term lease with many of the accessible van rental independent franchise owners. Also, they may have vans available on short notice, if they're not booked up. By the way, many of these dealers have 'rent-to-own' programs and/or used van sales.

Some cities, Chicago and Las Vegas I know from first-hand experience, are very good in terms of accessible taxicabs (New York ... not so much). Unfortunately, these cabs don't have EZ Lock systems, because wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes and configurations (so positioning of the post is different for every chair). But generally the cab drivers are pretty good about working the tie-downs. Before you travel, call some cab companies or get online, to see about availability, and scheduling for accessible cabs. If you need accessible transportation for longer periods of time, or will be driving outside of the city you're flying into, renting a van may be your best option.

There's also the possibility of accessible public mass transit in major cities. Washington, DC, for instance, has a very good subway system (Metro Rail) that is accessible to wheelchairs. Many buses are required to have wheelchair access too. I haven't traveled by train (other than subway and airport tram), so I don't know if that's practical. I would guess the ADA requires accessibility for rail transportation.

Washington, D.C. Metro

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