Hi everyone,

It’s time for a quick catch-up.

This blog is about your transport needs and I hope it helps you in making a decision when the time arises.

Due to my progression and mobility issues, I had to purchase a used vehicle that would cater to my new needs. Your choices are limited and it is so important that you do your homework properly or you’ll be stuck with a vehicle that doesn’t meet your changing needs. I did a lot of homework and it came down to 2 choices for me personally. The 1st was the Caddy Maxi which you can do a conversion on and the other was the VW Transporter. The most important considerations are height (take the measurement from the floor to the top of your head), costs and practicality. Not many vehicles out there will be able to cater to the height issue. I am 135cm when sitting in my chair and had to therefore find something that had a little more headroom. Most vehicles that I looked at have about 120 – 122cm. Don’t forget to consider your entry point height as well. I have to duck a little when getting into my car but once in I have a little more headroom (140cm). The Maxi has the floor dropped and a ramp put inside the vehicle so you will not experience a height issue with this vehicle. They are definitely more affordable but not many used ones around. I chose the VW Transporter eventually because I was able to locate a good used one in my price bracket and a good used lift through Easy Drive (who I highly recommend). My wheelchair, once inside the vehicle is then fastened in 4 different places. Two seatbelt-type connections in the front followed by two in the back. A seatbelt is then placed around your waist. Allow for a good few minutes to fasten everything up before you leave for your destination. 

Make sure you ask where the manual override is just in case a fuse blows or you have some other technical issue. It happened to me and is easy to operate in manual mode.

Please click here to view what the lift looks like in the VW Transporter.

I hope this helps and gives you something to think about. I’m happy to chat with you if you need more detailed info…..

Regards for now, Grant.