When you have a wheelchair, oftentimes your reduced mobility can affect the way in which you travel. Below are some of our top tips for a comfortable journey when travelling with a wheelchair, and how you can make the most of a trip without hassle.
Getting in and out of your vehicle
If you’re a wheelchair user, you may find it difficult to get both in and out of a vehicle. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do and purchase in order to help with this dilemma. The first is a car caddie, which has adjustable straps that attach to your car door. They’re used to make it easier for you to stand up or leverage yourself from wheelchair to car seat and vice versa. Another accessible feature you can add to your vehicle is a handlebar. These are locking mechanisms you can add to your vehicle that provides grip for entering and exiting the vehicle.
One option to ease getting in and out of your car is to install a swivel seat or leg lifter. These rotate your body in order to allow you in and out of the car easily. Similar to this is a transfer board, in which a carer or loved one can lift you in and out your car.
There are a number of other ways in which you can help yourself gain access to and from your vehicle, including training with a physical therapist in order to practice using your strength, and a swing that can lift your entire body into your car without physical assistance.
Loading your wheelchair into your car
Taking a wheelchair with you in a car is great for trips, shopping and other social activities you may enjoy with your loved ones. Here are our top tips if you’re thinking of purchasing a new wheelchair for this purpose:
- Buy lightweight - we offer a range of lightweight wheelchairs here
- Lift with your knees - this will avoid any damage to your back
- Consider a chair that will fit into the boot of your vehicle easily and effortlessly
- Opt for a boot lift if you opt for a wheelchair that’s heavy
If you’re not sure which wheelchair is the best fit for you, we offer a guide to lightweight wheelchairs here.
Staying comfortable
It’s important to stay comfortable when travelling with a wheelchair. Think about adding comforting cushions, blankets and even support seat belts. This can help with any discomfort you may feel during transit. Another great tip in this category is to make toilet breaks where possible or bring a portable urinal to ease any bladder discomfort when on the road
Choosing and adapting your car
If your car isn’t adapted for housing a wheelchair when travelling, it may be time for an upgrade. There are many vehicles on the market today that are wheelchair accessible. Some to look out for come with good features such as wider doors for wheelchair access and low door sills. Alternatively, you could lease an accessible vehicle through PIP and the Motability scheme. This scheme allows those with disabilities to access cars, scooters and wheelchairs with their mobility allowance.
Another great way to adapt your vehicle without much cost is to take advantage of the blue badge scheme. This allows you to park closer to a destination and gives more space for those in wheelchairs to depart from the vehicle. You can find out more about the scheme here.
