Having a disability can impact your choice of car.
Although you have all of the same factors to consider as everybody else, you also have a few additional ones on top when it comes to buying, and this complicates your task. In order to find something to meet all of your needs, you have to think about your decision carefully, taking into account a variety of different potential issues.
A good way to cover all of these bases is to have a list of questions prepared before you begin viewing vehicles, which you can use to assess the types of car that would be most suited. These should specifically relate to any specialist needs that you have, and will be invaluable in simplifying your decision.
Here are a few to help you get started…
#1: Is Changing Gear a Problem?
Depending upon your disability, you may find that tasks such as changing gear are more complicated than they would be for other people. Lower limb amputees, for example, can find it hard to use their prosthetic to press down the clutch, and where this is the case, automatics are often a better choice than manual vehicles.
#2: Is Getting In or Out of the Vehicle an Issue?
Some disabilities can make entering and exiting vehicles more complicated, and if this is the case for you, it’s often trial and error to find the best fit for your needs. Even small variances between one vehicle and another, such as seat height, door opening angle, and positioning of the seat belts, can make a difference to how easy you find it to get in and out of your motor, so try before you buy to get the perfect car for you.
#3: Will There Be Enough Space for Your Equipment or Mobility Aids?
Before you buy, it’s also important to ensure that the vehicle you have chosen is spacious enough to fit any equipment or mobility aids inside. Even small cars can have a surprisingly roomy boot, so don’t be embarrassed to request a run-through to see whether there is space in the car for everything that you might need.
#4: Would You Be Better with a WAV?
Although some people can be reluctant to switch from a standard car to a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the latter can sometimes be a better solution for those who struggle to transfer themselves from their wheelchair, or whose carers cannot lift them. In these instances, they can be by far the safer choice, although they might take some time to get accustomed to.
Consider your decision carefully, and you should be able to find the perfect car for you.
