Need answers to your mobility questions?? Want to know the latest in Assistive Technology? Would you like to learn money saving tips on how to purchase your next van, scooter or lift? Get these answers and more from “The Mobile Lifestyle Advisor” brought to you by Disabled Dealer of Virginia and West Virginia. This monthly column might make you roll with laughter, cringe with fear, or jump for joy, but it guarantees to produce solutions that you can take to the bank. So “Let’s Get Rolling”.
Q.
I am trading up to a full size van. My existing minivan has a driver transfer seat and removable front passenger seat. Because there is not enough height for me to ride in my chair in the front passenger position, I would like to install a passenger side transfer seat base. Is it possible? Richard M.—VA.
A. The short answer is yes, there is a front passenger side transfer seat base available for full size vans. Now, let’s go through the other hurdles that need to be looked at. First, what type of lift is in the van? In order for the front passenger transfer seat to work the seat must have full range backwards. This requires a single arm lift similar to the Braun Vangater II series. The typical double arm lift would not allow the front passenger seat to track backwards. Now, you may want to also look at the front engine cover of the van. If this protrudes out between the two front seats to much, then transferring into the passenger position will be difficult. Most manufactures do not make a long track base to allow the seat to move backward as far as the driver side transfer seats do. This eliminates the problem of having tracks on the floor that would be in the way of entering and exiting the wheelchair lift. With those two obstacles eliminated, you only need to practice the transferring, so you can determine where to position your chair to make it easier. It is a little different than transferring into the driver position, any I would suggest you try to find a van with the same type of set up or ask your dealer if he can suggest where you might find one to look at and try before investing the money in a seat base.
Q.
I have invested over $20,000.00 in my wheelchair. Is there any company who will insure motorized wheelchairs against damage? Grover- Martinsville WV
A. Grover, what a great question! After talking to several wheelchair manufactures I have not found a company that insures only wheelchairs. This leaves our homeowners policy which I understand will cover the unit if you declare it as personal property on your policy. I would take a photo of the chair and all cost documents to your agent and have him list it with the typical deductible. The manufactures that I talked to immediately ask if you had a warranty on the chair when you bought it or was is procured from the VA? If so, then you should be covered by one of these two organizations. If not and you are on your own then I would immediate contact your insurance agent. It may not be a bad idea to also contact your auto insurance policy and make sure the chair would be covered if it is in an accident while you are riding or driving. You have a large investment in that chair and defiantly don’t want to be with out coverage. Thanks for asking, I am sure others have wondered but not ask.
Q. On occasions I have a need for ramp sections that allow me to enter houses and restaurants that may not be very accessible. What is the best type to buy that can fit into my minivan and not take up to much room? D. Carter—Waynesboro Va. A. Ramps come in many types and sizes. You need to first determine the optimum length. Most people find that 7’ is a popular length that allows a low enough angle degree to enter most establishments. It may be a little steep if you are a manual chair users without good upper body strength and the rise is over 2 steps. I have always suggested that a tri-fold ramp be looked at if you are carrying the ramp in a minivan. Most of the newer models now have the spare tire under the floor behind the back seat so the area is clear for items to be carried across the width of the van. A 7’trifold should fit according to the manufactures specifications. Most tri fold ramps come apart into 2 separate sections making it easy to handle and store. Now if you are a manual chair user or your wheel alignment on your power chair from front to back is in a straight line then you could try the single, expandable track ramps. These ramps are very storable as they nest inside themselves making for a compact package.
They do have narrow tracks however and require precise placement for safe use. Again as I always preach,
try it before you buy it! Enjoy your Memorial Day and take a trip, life is fun when you’re rolling!
Keep those questions coming in and keep those wheels rolling on! Send your questions and comments and receive a “free gift” from “The Mobile Lifestyle Advisor”, % Richard Baldwin, 2075 W. Main St. Waynesboro Va. 22980, or email him at mobility@ntelos.net . Also catch the latest questions and comments on the Mobile Lifestyle blog at www.disaboom.com.
