Find the Right Mobility Equipment for You
From hand controls that eliminate the use of foot-operated functions in a vehicle to wheelchair carriers to stow your wheelchair while driving, the following pages take a look at some of the specific handicap accessible product solutions available to drivers or passengers in wheelchairs or scooters.
Visit our Industry Directory to search for NMEDA member companies who offer these products.
* Listing on this website does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by NMEDA. Always consult a qualified NMEDA dealer before making any purchase decisions in order to ensure you’re matched with the proper equipment for your specific needs.
Lifts
A lift is a piece of equipment that is either housed within your vehicle or attached to your vehicle.
Lifts are designed to elevate a manual or power wheelchair or mobility scooter up and into the vehicle. The specific lift you choose will depend on the combination of vehicle, hitch class, mobility device, and your physical capabilities. Visit our Industry Directory to search for NMEDA member companies who offer these products.
- Platform Lift
This type of lift comes in both internal and external models and is the easiest storage solution. Users simply drive their mobility device onto the platform of the lift; secure their mobility device with the included manual or automatic retractable tie-downs; and activate the power lifting option with the included hand pendant. You and your equipment are then lifted and positioned inside the vehicle hatch. This option keeps mobility devices protected from weather and other damage.
- Platform Lift
This type of lift comes in both internal and external models and is the easiest storage solution. Users simply drive their mobility device onto the platform of the lift; secure their mobility device with the included manual or automatic retractable tie-downs; and activate the power lifting option with the included hand pendant. Your equipment – and only your equipment – is then lifted and stored safely either outside on the rear of your vehicle, attached to a trailer hitch, or inside your vehicle hatch where it is protected from weather and other damage. - Hoist Lift
This type of lift is ideal for smaller mobility devices and those who desire more interior space in the rear of their vehicle. The best type of hoist lift for you will depend on your vehicle type, since different hoist lifts are available for trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Vehicles
Converted vehicles are automobiles specifically designed for individuals with limited mobility.
These vehicles typically feature a lowered floor and either a ramp or a lift to allow mobility device users to easily enter and exit the vehicle. Visit our Industry Directory to search for NMEDA member companies who offer these products.
- Side-Entry
Side-entry vans typically include a lowered floor and a ramp that leads from the vehicle door to the ground. The ramp is deployed once the side door slides open, and users have the option of an automatic or manual ramp for entry and exit. Mobility device users can drive or ride in a front row seating position or ride in a second row seating position, while the cargo storage space behind the third row of seating is maintained. Space for parking should be taken into account when considering a side-entry van. - Rear-Entry
Rear-entry vans are a popular choice because they typically involve a less expensive conversion than side-entry vans. Rear-entry vans can also address space concerns since the ramp deploys from the rear and allows the user to more easily enter and exit if the vehicle is in a narrow parking space or two-car garage. Rear-entry ramps can be automatic or manual, and rear-entry vans are well suited for mobility device users who prefer to be seated in the middle or rear of the vehicle interior. - Full-Size Van
Full-size accessible vans have a larger footprint, but their size provides mobility device users with the most flexibility and interior space for seating, movement, and storage. Available in various length and height models, full-size vans incorporate a rear- or side-entry occupied lift or ramp for ingress/egress. Ideal for larger families or commercial purposes, full-size vans offer numerous seating configurations and can accommodate multiple mobility device users and ambulatory passengers.
- Pickup Trucks
Several manufacturers produce power lift-and-swivel seating to facilitate an easy transfer into the driver or passenger seat of a truck. When combined with a power lift that hoists and stores a mobility device in the bed of the truck, this option enables the user to maintain their independence. If you are considering a pickup truck, you should be confident in your ability to transfer from a mobility device and into the specialized lift-and-swivel seating. Otherwise, a platform lift will be necessary for ingress/egress. - SUVs and Crossovers
If minivans aren’t your style, an SUV or crossover may better suit your preferences. When converted, these vehicles come equipped with a side-entry lift or ramp for ingress/egress. Alternatively, adaptive seating can be installed to allow the mobility device user to transfer in and out of the vehicle. SUVs and crossovers typically include removable driver and/or front passenger seats and are designed to maximize interior maneuverability space while preserving cargo storage.
- In-Floor Ramp
As the name suggests, power in-floor ramps are stowed in the floor of the vehicle thus maximizing interior space and maneuverability. In addition to an obstruction-free doorway and a clean, obstacle-free interior, in-floor ramps allow for more ambulatory passenger seating and space for personal items. - Fold-out Ramp
Fold-out ramps are less costly than in-floor ramps, and both power and manual models can be quickly and easily deployed. Strong and durable, these ramps extend outward in an unfolding motion when deployed. Fold-out ramps are stored upright in the doorway or on the floor of the vehicle and are a great option if maximizing rear passenger space is not a priority. - Manual Ramp
Ideal for mobility device users who always travel with a companion, manual ramps are a cost-effective automobility solution. Available in both side- and rear-entry models, manual ramps do not have any automated components and companions must be able to physically extend and retract the ramp.
Seating & Securements
There are a variety of seating and securement options available. Adaptive seating focuses on properly positioning an individual to either drive or ride in a vehicle from the seat of the car, whereas securement systems are designed to lock your mobility device in a safe and secure position. Visit our Industry Directory to search for NMEDA member companies who offer these products.
- Interior Transfer Seat
An interior transfer seat is a seat base that an original vehicle seat is installed upon. The transfer seat base is motorized and has controls that allow the user to move the seat backwards and then swivel the seat towards the center of the vehicle’s interior. Once the mobility device user has transferred into the seat, the same controls swivel and turn the seat forward and into a comfortable driver or front passenger position. Different transfer seats can conduct different motions including up/down, forward/back, swivel in/out, and even a 180-degree turning radius option. - Exterior Transfer Seat
An exterior transfer seat is fully power operated and rotates out and over the driver or passenger door sill. The user holds a button on a hand-held pendant to lower the seat to their preferred height, thus allowing the user to transfer into the seat. The same button is used to rotate the seat back into the vehicle interior. Exterior transfer seats do not require structural modifications and can be reinstalled in your next vehicle.
- Manual Tie Downs
Manual tie downs typically require caregiver assistance in order to ensure proper securement and safety. The most popular manual tie down systems are four-point tie downs secured at four points of the wheelchair. - Retractable Tie Downs
Retractable tie downs are electronic securements designed for those who cannot fasten the manual systems. The electric systems have one device mounted to the floor of the vehicle and another device mounted to the bottom of the wheelchair. When the two devices merge there is an audible click, signaling that the wheelchair is safely locked in place. - Docking System
Docking systems are designed to easily secure a wheelchair to the vehicle floor, thus allowing a driver or passenger to drive or ride in a vehicle directly from their wheelchair. A bracket installed on the bottom of the wheelchair connects directly to the docking base, allowing the user to lock their wheelchair into place unassisted.
Driving Controls
Driving controls are devices that allow a person with a physical limitation to operate the driving functions of their vehicle. Driving controls can be installed in cars, trucks, vans, or SUVs. Visit our Industry Directory to search for NMEDA member companies who offer these products.
- Hand Controls
Hand controls allow the driver to operate both the brake and gas pedals using levers that are typically mounted below the steering wheel and attached to the pedals themselves. There are many types of hand controls and it is important to consult with a NMEDA dealer to determine which type best suits your needs. The most common styles are:- Push/Pull – Pushing the lever forward will engage the vehicle’s brakes, while pulling it backward will accelerate the vehicle. A three-post hand interface can be installed to give the driver greater control. This model is appropriate for persons with limited finger dexterity.
- Push/Twist – Pushing the handle forward causes the vehicle to brake, while twisting the lever accelerates the vehicle. Full or limited finger function is necessary to operate this type of control.
- Push/Right Angle – Pushing the handle upward toward the instrument panel allows the driver to brake, while moving it downward at a right angle accelerates the vehicle. This model can be used by persons with limited finger dexterity.
- Push/Rock – Pushing the handle forward activates the brakes, while rocking back the lever will accelerate the vehicle. Finger dexterity is not necessary for operation of this model.
- Steering Ring Accelerator
The steering ring accelerator is placed directly on the steering wheel. Pushing the ring towards the steering wheel accelerates the vehicle. The main hand brake – which can be installed on the left or right side of the steering wheel – activates the brakes when pushed downward. This driving control allows the user to maintain both hands on the wheel. - Servo-Controls
Servo-operated controls use an external power source to amplify the input from the operator, minimizing the amount of effort required to drive. These come in low effort and zero effort styles. - Left-Foot Accelerator Pedal
With this pedal, accelerator functions of the vehicle are converted to left foot use for those with limited or no use of the right foot.
- Spinner Knob
Spinner knobs permit safe operation of the steering wheel by drivers who must steer with one hand or who cannot grip the steering wheel. Available in a variety of configurations – such as single pin, tri-pin, amputee ring, palm grip, & V grip – the appropriate solution will depend on the driver’s strength, dexterity, and other physical capabilities.
Secondary driving controls address the non-steering/braking features that a driver will operate, such as the horn, headlights, turn signals, wipers, HVAC, sound system, and more. Available in a variety of configurations – including toggle switch, touch pad, headrest switch, elbow switch, and voice activated – the appropriate type(s) of secondary driving controls will depend on the driver’s strength, dexterity, and other physical capabilities.