NEED TO KNOW. Before Buying A Wheelchair

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Bertina Holt
5 years ago
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1 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW Before Buying A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle!

2 Everything you need to know before buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle When considering a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle or WAV it is important to realise that whilst the primary purpose is the ability to supply a mode of transportation for an individual with a specific mobility need the vehicle will probably also fill other family requirements. Points To Consider Is the Wheelchair Crash Tested? Does the user have a Manual or Electric Wheelchair? Is the Vehicle for a disabled passenger and or is the disabled person a driver as well? If they are a Driver will they be able to transfer safely from W/Chair to Driving Seat? How many ambulant passengers will the vehicle need to carry? Will there be any need to carry additional equipment or aids? Where does the Wheelchair passenger need to travel when in the vehicle? Consider the size of the vehicle and its parking requirements. Check that the dimensional space required by the wheelchair occupant is less than the vehicle offers.

Check that the entrance clearance height into the

for both Carer or Wheelchair Driver, comfortable and

the relevant Standard? What is your budget?

the drivers Wheelchair access into the vehicle simple

Is the access system suitable Ramp or Lifter Electronic

3 Check that the entrance clearance height into the vehicle is greater than the seated height of the Wheelchair occupant. Eye level and Wheelchair occupant visibility need to be considered. Is access for the disabled person as simple as possible and hassle free? Is the Restraint system (tie down points) easy to use for both Carer or Wheelchair Driver, comfortable and appropriate for the user use and that they meet / exceed the relevant Standard? What is your budget? If the Wheelchair occupant is a Driver then consider: Is the drivers Wheelchair access into the vehicle simple and safe? Is the access system suitable Ramp or Lifter Electronic or Manual. Does the size of the vehicle suit the needs ie How many additional ambulant passenger seating positions are required? Are additional driving aids that are required for the driver (Hand Controls, Steering and other Electronic adaptions) able to be fitted?

Ways to purchase a WAV in Australia: Cash purchase - depending on the source/supplier of the vehicle the purchase

The purchase price should include all the buyers required additional aids or equipment.

There are some established Financiers that are worth considering to assist in the purchase.

documentation before delivery of the vehicle will take place Some State Government Health departments still offer

This is still available in the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles, however the number of State funding

Generally the vehicles eligible must be younger than 4 years of age and full Engineering Certification is required

4 Ways to purchase a WAV in Australia: Cash purchase - depending on the source/supplier of the vehicle the purchase can be consummated once a price is agreed. The purchase price should include all the buyers required additional aids or equipment. An initial deposit is usually taken to secure the vehicle. There are some established Financiers that are worth considering to assist in the purchase. Again these entities will normally require a deposit and the satisfactory completion of their required documentation before delivery of the vehicle will take place Some State Government Health departments still offer assistance which has been historically capped at $10,000 as a one off grant. This is still available in the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles, however the number of State funding departments are closing as the Australian NDIS system is being rolled out. Generally the vehicles eligible must be younger than 4 years of age and full Engineering Certification is required of its meeting Australian Design Rules (ADR) and Australian Standards (ASA). In those States where the NDIS is functional the general funding arrangements are: a) The age of the wheelchair accessible vehicle is less than 4 years, b) The NDIS will only contribute to the cost of the Conversion/Modifications and c) The Wheelchair Occupant s NDIS plan can also include regular Maintenance costs.

the conversion components. Normal legislative Used car warranties will apply as well.

5 Other Considerations: Manufacturers Warranties Generally the manufacturers warranty (subject to their terms) will cover the OEM portion and equipment but will not relate to the conversion components. Normal legislative Used car warranties will apply as well. It is important to obtain the terms and conditions of modifiers warranties on their modifications.

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