Consumer Resources

Visit our NMEDA Dealer Locator, enter your zip or postal code and select “Find Dealer.” The locator will display the NMEDA mobility dealers nearest you.

When it comes to choosing the right size mobility vehicle, vans have always been a popular option. Besides their larger size able to accommodate additional equipment and family members, vans are often easier on the body over a long period of time. A minivan or full sized mobility van is very practical for individuals in a wheelchair as they do not need to transfer from their chair to a car seat if they don’t want to. Most accessible van conversions allow users to drive from their wheelchair or from a transfer seat. To find out more about choosing the right size vehicle for your needs, be sure to talk to your NMEDA dealer to help better determine what would work best for you.

Yes, a sedan or truck can work for individuals with disabilities; however, you must do your research. Start with a mobility dealer, specifically a NMEDA Quality Assurance Program™ (QAP) dealer. They can connect individuals to a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS) who will determine the specific equipment needed for someone to drive. The dealer then uses this information to complete the necessary modifications to the vehicle. Also, the dealer can direct buyers to information on funding options, and they provide the proper facilities to maintain and repair the vehicle. They even offer 24-hour mechanical service.

The influences impacting the price of a vehicle are far and wide, even down to whether you’re buying new or used vehicles, side- or rear-entry ramp or even the type of hand controls. For current pricing or new and used wheelchair accessible vehicles, please contact a NMEDA Dealer near you.

We recommend a service inspection every six months by a qualified professional, but to keep the warranties intact, every piece of equipment requires actual maintenance at different times. All equipment needs to be inspected for damage, alignment, and proper operation. Electrical wiring checks include frayed wires and loose connections. It all needs to be cleaned, adjusted, and lubricated. Please know the maintenance requirements, and ensure that routine maintenance is performed on time or the manufacturer may not honor the warranty.

NMEDA does its best to review test compliance documentation from manufacturer members to ensure they are in compliance for the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) put out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out more information about specific products, read through our Compliance Review Program. NMEDA only displays those products that have submitted documentation and are found to be in compliance with FMVSS by a panel of independent engineers.

NMEDA has a Compliance Review Program that reviews testing documentation on certain products through a panel of independent engineers to determine compliance to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality. The program was developed to elevate the level of dealer performance to reliably meet consumers’ transportation needs in the safest manner possible. The Quality Assurance Program was developed to promote quality, safety, and reliable transportation. All NMEDA Dealer Members must be in compliance with QAP to be a NMEDA member. To read more about QAP, read our documentation on the program and its benefits.

You can explore our manufacturer members and other non-dealer members who operate in the auto mobility space via our Industry Directory.

NMEDA’s first priority is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of each of our clients. If you are unhappy with your mobility purchase and would like to file a formal complaint, our mediation page outlines our process for mediating a complaint against a NMEDA member. If you have any questions with regard to the process, please feel free to contact the NMEDA office.

Probably not. Most internet sales companies do not usually have regional sales representatives. You’ll be assigned an “in house” sales rep who will assist you but with the lack of personal interaction, they may not be able to fully assess your needs.

You will be able to go to your local tag office and purchase a permanent license tag. There may be a period of time when you cannot use your vehicle as temporary tags are usually not valid except within the state they are issued. Check with your local department of motor vehicles to verify. When you purchase from a dealership, the dealer will typically handle all the title, licensing and registration for you.

An out of state seller probably can’t obtain a title for you in your name. The seller may simply provide the title to you at the time of delivery. You would then be required to take the title to your local title agency and transfer it (for a fee) to your name. You should be very cautious about the titling process. Titles are complex and errors can occur. Correcting a title error is a time consuming and often complex task. Knowing the origin of your vehicle and title is extremely important. Again, when you purchase from a dealership, the dealer will typically handle all the title transfer requirements for you.

This is a question of warranty and depends on the OEM warranty and the warranty provided by the vehicle modifier. A more significant issue is failure of a vehicle system resulting in bodily injury or property damage. In this case, the vehicle modifier should have “product liability insurance.” This insurance covers any damages to property or injury that might occur as the result of defects. Without this coverage, the vehicle owner has no one to turn to for responsibility. Make sure to request a certificate of product liability insurance. Vehicle sellers also have “garage keepers insurance” to cover the work they perform. NMEDA dealers carry both types of coverage.

The answer depends on who has what insurance. So make sure that your insurance starts upon your purchase even if you have not yet received the vehicle. It is a good idea to request a proof of insurance from the internet seller. Most reputable vehicle dealers have “Garage Keepers Liability Insurance”. If they are liable for the loss or damage, this insurance should cover the cost. Sometimes there is a question as to whose insurance is primarily responsible – the internet seller’s, the trucking company’s or yours.

Most states have “lemon law” statutes that address defective vehicles. However, YOUR state’s lemon law may not apply if the vehicle was not purchased in that state. Additionally, most lemon laws apply to “new” vehicle purchases only. Because of the conversion process, nearly all wheelchair vehicle sales, regardless of model year and/or mileage, are considered used vehicle sales, not new. Confer with legal counsel about this question. Aside from lawsuits, in many situations where there is a conflict, personal contact and established relationships help resolve the problem. In the case of online purchasing, you may never personally meet an individual from the internet seller.

Very important question. You really will not know until the vehicle is delivered to you. Every vehicle is different and mistakes can occur. Also, without the internet seller meeting you personally and you having the ability to “test” the vehicle, there is no way to fully ensure that you or your loved one will properly fit in the vehicle and be able to use it as you desire. It is critical to ensure (in writing) that you have the right to refuse delivery of the vehicle and receive a full refund if, upon delivery, you do not like the way the vehicle fits your needs; it fails to meet your reasonable expectations; or it does not match the description provided by the internet seller.