What Everyone Should Know About Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
There are not many companies that are able to specialise in the are of car conversions for wheelchair users. Although one company that has is Constables Mobility who have been around since the 80's. One rather impressive aspect of these conversions in particular is that they have been done without the use of any extra welding.
Most commonly a well known manufacturers van is chosen as a base vehicle for the conversion. You will find conversions for vehicles like the Renault Kangoo and Nissan NV200. Vans are most commonly chosen due to the additional head room provided by these vehicles. With the extra headroom available there is no need to lower the floor or raise the roof as there would be with a car.
Once the starting vehicle has been chosen a ramp is then fitted in order to make the vehicle accessible to those individuals who use wheelchairs. There are two options for fitting the ramp the side or rear of the vehicle. In most cases it is more beneficial to have the ramp at the rear of the vehicle for a couple of reasons. With car parks in mind a rear mounted ramp will allow for much easier access to the vehicle. Additionally a rear mounted ramp can also be made longer than one fitted to the side of a vehicle making for a smoother incline.
Extra safety features must also be added to the vehicle and additional searing remove to make space for the wheelchairs. In lots of the modern vans the seats can be removed fairly easily. Wheelchair safe seatbelts are then fitted to ensure the safety of both the passengers and driver.
On top of this extra tweaks and additions are made to the wheelchair accessible vehicle to ensure that the van performs at its best whilst also offering the smoothest ride.