We all know that people with different disabilities vary greatly in terms of their needs. This is due to the fact that the kind of disability that someone can have can be completely different to the next person. This is why choosing the most suitable vehicle adaptation becomes a daunting task. However, by taking a number of factors into consideration, this task can be made a little easier. The kind of vehicle adaptation for a person should be unique to themselves.

Here at PB Conversions, we are the experts in vehicle adaptations so we want to take you through the basic factors that every person must take into consideration when making the choice of an adaptation vehicle.

1. The size of your vehicle

Though many may argue that the size of the vehicle is not a top factor, it actually is. You must know whether you’ll need a van or car that is either small or large. Due to the fact that you may need to use the vehicle for a number of years, the size must be right so it is able to serve you well for the duration. Needs and disability may also change as time goes by. Take this into consideration when deciding on a suitable size of your vehicle.

2. Will you be driving the vehicle or a passenger

The adaptation features of a vehicle will highly depend on whether you will be the driver or you will just be a passenger in the vehicle. A vehicle that is adapted to be driven by a disabled person has features that are specifically made to suit their driving needs. Such things as the accelerator and hand controls, among others, will be customised to meet the needs of the disabled driver. On the other hand, if you will be a passenger then these features will not be necessary.

3. The nature of your disability

The natures of disabilities vary from one person to the next and so are the needs of vehicle adaptations. On one hand, a person may have less mobility with the upper half of their body. On the other, they may have troubles with their legs. These two groups of people will require vehicle adaptations that focus on either the upper part of the body or the lower part of the body, depending on their disability. It’s therefore of extreme importance to take this into account when you are choosing the right vehicle adaptation for you or another person.

4. How do you plan to enter or exit the vehicle

Depending on the nature of an individual’s disability, there will be a need to design an entry and exit based on their unique needs. Some will require a large entry point or exit while another one may need just the normal size of the exit or entry. For instance, if you’ll use a wheelchair, you may need a larger space for entry and exit as compared to those who don’t use it. We can supply wheelchair hoists or adaptions so you can drive in your wheelchair so you do not have to get out.

5. How many people will be using the vehicle

Most of the time, the adaptation vehicle will be used by more than a single person at any given time. It’s therefore vital to leave enough room enough for those who may need to use the vehicle, apart from the person for whom it’s primarily meant.

Conclusion

There are other factors that, as a driver, you may need to take into consideration alongside the above five major ones. These may include whether you have enough space at home, the cost of the vehicle, whether it should be new or a used car, and whether it’ll be used for long or short distance drives. Here at PB Conversions, we have the knowledge and skills to help you make an informed choice as to which adaptations are best suited to your needs.

 

Would you like an assessment?

If you are a disabled driver, or know a disabled driver in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Northamptonshire, please contact PB Conversions for a free no obligation quote to assess what products would benefit you.