Rental rates can cost $100-$130 per day while medical transportation firms usually charge $100-$150 per trip
claims payouts. In addition, having their own transportation, even a rental vehicle, gives back a sense of control over their lives. Many wheelchair and scooter users end up buying their own accessible vehicles. New models of modified minivans run $45,000-$60,000 and full sized modified vans about $55,000-$75,000. But for those who are temporarily wheelchair-bound, newly handicapped or simply can’t afford to purchase their own vehicles, accessible rentals are an excellent option. Finding a company that understands the unique needs of your clients can be challenging. Some work exclusively with people who depend on wheelchairs and scooters to get around. Others may have owners, staff or family members who use wheelchairs, which provides an extra understanding of the unique needs involved. Vehicle and Chair Type Your first consideration is to determine the type of vehicle
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your client needs, which is largely based on his or her chair type. Here are a few questions to ask: Does your client use a manual chair, a motorized (power) chair or a scooter? There are two major types of manual chairs: temporary chairs and high performance sports chairs. Temporary chairs are those used by the elderly or ill, with a caretaker to push them. These chairs tend to fold for trunk or rack storage. Active individuals, however, use high performance sports chairs and are more likely to drive themselves. These chairs do not collapse. Keep in mind that only a fraction of manual chairs are collapsible for transport; high performance chairs, motorized wheelchairs and scooters do not collapse. Also, motorized chairs and scooters can weigh 300 pounds or more. Accessible vans have ramps and/or lowered floors to allow wheelchair/scooter users to roll right in. Is your client the primary driver or a passenger? Some accessible vans are modified so that the wheelchair user can be the driver; some are designed only for wheelchair-bound passengers. If a manual chair user needs help getting in and out of his/her chair, a van rather than a car modified with hand controls would be recommended. How many people need to be transported, and how many are in chairs? There are now accessible vans that can hold several wheelchair passengers plus a wheelchair-bound driver. If your client will typically
be the only one in a chair and will have an able-bodied driver, a smaller van with different modifications is a more affordable option. Know the Industry Like any other industry, there is a wide range of quality among different service providers. Make sure to ask plenty of questions and choose a service-focused, highly experienced rental agency that you’re comfortable recommending to your clients. Ask how long they’ve been in business, how much they understand the needs of wheelchair users, the age of their fleet and what kind of services they offer. Fleet size can vary from location to location. Unlike major national rental agencies, most accessible van rental firms have fewer than 10 vans. You’ll want to make sure equipment is available for your client when needed. Remember that during peak periods agencies may sell out. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, are often booked weeks in advance. Along with the obvious holidays and long weekends, make sure you ask about other peak periods as those dates vary for each area. Accessible vehicle rental firms come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, serving only a limited geographic area, while others have multiple locations covering many states. Accessible vehicles are specialized and those who are part of a national system have a leg up in meeting your client’s needs. For example, if your client is involved in an accident while traveling out of state, a national agency will have connections in other