Handicapped Car
November 12, 2007
The Amazing World of the Handicapped Car
Buying a handicapped car can be as simple as looking in the local classifieds or buying from an eBay auction where you can find everything and anything, from home adapted vehicles to commercial shuttles. As the world accepts people with physical disabilities into the "normal" flow of the work and play day more, more products become available affording greater mobility and freedom for paraplegics and accident victims.
There are 3 major options for buying a handicapped car:
1. Buy a used, already converted car or van
2. Import one of the excellent Japanese make of handicapped car with your specifications
3. Have a domestic mechanical genius like Monster Garage convert a Mercedes
Buying a Used Handicapped Car or Van
eBay motors is a great source for any type of vehicle. However, as with any used vehicle, you do not have the ability to test drive unless you can get to the owner; custom designed vehicles are custom designed for someone other than yourself making it very difficult to determine whether it will fit your needs, and last, why is the owner selling it? If it is because the used handicapped car is no longer needed and is a recent model vehicle, you have a chance of a good deal.
If the owner of the used vehicle is selling because it no longer works as well, what is the guarantee that this handicapped car is going to work for you? A used car does cost less and conversions included may have been out of your budget. Weigh the difference of cost and usability against each other, and the possibility of better financing for a new handicapped car before purchasing a used one.
Buying a Japanese Make Handicapped Car
Japan has become a leader in modified vehicles for physically disabled individuals. Even Isuzu, who manufactures trucks and buses, built the Gigamax Tractor Ability Cab, a long haul big rig that is factory built for paraplegic drivers. Toyota however, created the outstanding custom-made handicapped car called the Welcab Concept that is no larger than a Honda Civic or Scion with all the bells and whistles that make an attractive vehicle.
The Welcab has been built for complete remote access including 2 wheelchairs that replace the front seats, compact twin lifts, and dual sliding front doors that accommodate the swivel-out function of the wheelchairs. The hand controls, called the Friendmatic System, are color coordinated with a low effort steering lever. The center console joystick takes care of all the driving functions like gas, brakes, turning signals, and emergency flashers. This is a virtually effortless car well worth importing.
Monster Garage Handicapped Car
Any car or van can be adapted and fitted for any specified need. Monster Garage had an excellent show outfitting a Mercedes for a wheelchair driver. If cost is of low concern and you know an excellent mechanic that loves the challenge, then asking your dealer and mechanic to convert a handicapped car is an excellent controllable solution.
Back to Wheelchair Accessible Conversions