Wheelchair in car considerations

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Fri 14 Mar 2025 15:51
Wheelchair in car considerations - Lrac

I need to start using a wheelchair. I have never had anything to do with wheelchairs so I was wondering what are the important things to consider if you need to carry a wheelchair in a car.

I know that I want a self propelled chair without a motor. My car is a 2025 MG HS hybrid +. I have frequent hospital visits that involve hotel stays so I need to be able to carry a small suitcase although this could go on the rear seat.

Should I consider a more compact chair for hospital visits and a different one for Seafront strolls / wheels.

Monday I shall be contacting an agency that lend chairs so guessing their assessment will be my first contact.

Thanks in advance

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Fri 14 Mar 2025 15:59
Wheelchair in car considerations - mcb100
Is your car yours, or supplied by Motability?
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Fri 14 Mar 2025 16:02
Wheelchair in car considerations - elekie&a/c doctor
Would an electric winch/ hoist make it easier for you?
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Fri 14 Mar 2025 18:12
Wheelchair in car considerations - badbusdriver

Should I consider a more compact chair for hospital visits and a different one for Seafront strolls / wheels.

The limiting factor in how small a wheelchair folds down is the wheel size and a self propelled chair needs bigger wheels. So personally I don't see any point getting a separate chair for hospital appointments unless someone else is going to be pushing the chair (in which case one with small wheels and can fold smaller might be useful?).

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Fri 14 Mar 2025 18:48
Wheelchair in car considerations - RT

If someone is available to push a chair at hospital appointments, it's best to use one of the hospital's wheelchairs.

The OP may want to consider a smaller chair to use at home as most doorways are narrower than public places.

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Fri 14 Mar 2025 19:27
Wheelchair in car considerations - badbusdriver

If someone is available to push a chair at hospital appointments, it's best to use one of the hospital's wheelchairs.

Not sure I'd agree with that, certainly going by the ones provided ay Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, which are heavy, cumbersome and awkward to use.

I've actually been considering getting a wheelchair for SWBO as she can't walk far. Having her own "normal" wheelchair would make hospital appointments much easier!

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Fri 14 Mar 2025 19:28
Wheelchair in car considerations - Lrac

Ah that's a good point a small one to get to the door and possibly the car which is on my drive about 3 M away. I noticed someone taking the wheels off as they put a chair in their car I wonder about the durability of such an arrangement and are spares readily available?

It is a mobility car which I have only had since January when I changed for automatic having returned a manual C3 after 14 months. Once in the car I am not aware that I have any health issues at all. I do frequent 3 hr drives.

A muscle has come adrift in my left leg VM (quads) no chance of re connection

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Sat 15 Mar 2025 10:08
Wheelchair in car considerations - Bromptonaut

Do you have sufficient mobility to be able to stow the chair in, say, the boot and get into the driving seat and vice versa?

I used to work with a guy who had Spina Bifida and he was able to do exactly that.

The gentleman concerned was quite active and well known in the field of disabled motoring. He was also a consistent and vocal critic of disabled access to facilities and in particular of disabled rooms in hotels.

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Sat 15 Mar 2025 10:29
Wheelchair in car considerations - mcb100
I think I’d be having a conversation with Motability first of all regarding your change in requirements.

A wheelchair hoist can be retrofitted, but they may offer to terminate your existing lease and start again with a car with a hoist fitted.
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Fri 21 Mar 2025 20:55
Wheelchair in car considerations - Big John

Research Institute for Disabled Consumers:-

www.ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-and-about/car...h

Edited by Big John on 21/03/2025 at 20:56

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Sat 22 Mar 2025 18:57
Wheelchair in car considerations - John F

I would choose a car with the lowest boot level I could find, with quite a wide aperture and definitely with no lip. Our Peugeot 2008 has a lipless boot floor level no higher than kneecap high - a good reference point if you are looking at different models on the forecourt...or supermarket car park.

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