WHAT TO BUY

Because almost any type of vehicle can be modified to fill the needs of someone with disabilities, what to buy is a tough but important question. Polls have shown that minivans are the most popular, but it really depends on your needs and finances. Following are some of the pros and cons of different vehicles.

MINIVAN PROS:

- Cost less than a full-sized van or SUV
- Uses a ramp which is preferred over a bulky, more expensive lift
- Gets better gas mileage
- Drives like a car and is more maneuverable

MINIVAN CONS:

- If you are taller than 56 inches when seated in the wheelchair, you need a full-size accessible van
- Not much cargo space or room for passengers
- Not much ground clearance with lowered floor minivans. They’re more apt to bottom out, especially with passengers in the rear seat

FULL-SIZED VAN PROS:

- More space for passengers and cargo
- No worries about bottoming out as there’s ample ground clearance
- Roomy enough to easily maneuver a wheelchair
- Large enough to tow another vehicle

FULL-SIZED VAN CONS:

- Driving and maneuverability is more challenging than a minivan
- Very low gas mileage
- Not as stable as a minivan due to its high center of gravity

OTHER OPTIONS:

- SUVs have lower gas mileage than a full-size van, but are expensive to maintain, have higher insurance rates and an unstable high center of gravity
- CARS are better on gas, but using a car as accessible transportation is not only awkward and difficult, but also inconvenient, as you have to use a foldable wheelchair.
- PICK-UP TRUCKS have similar drawbacks to SUVs and the wheelchair may be exposed to the elements, shortening its life. The option of a transfer chair system is expensive.

Before purchasing any vehicle for modification, contact a NMEDA dealer or a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. A DRS performs comprehensive evaluations to identify adaptive equipment you require. Find one at www.driver-ed.org. It will ensure you get the right vehicle for your disabilities and save you time and money.