Tips on placing a wheelchair into a car
Know the chair
Folding and Breakdown:
Understand how your wheelchair collapses or breaks apart.
Know how long it takes to disassemble.
Electric wheelchairs and scooters, as well as manual transport chairs, may break down to varying degrees, including removing seats and leg rests.
2. Size and Weight:
Measure your wheelchair when collapsed to determine its size.
Be aware of how many pieces it breaks into.
Consider its weight, especially if it breaks down into several pieces.
The person using the chair:
3. Parking and Manoeuvring:
Ensure ample space near the passenger’s side door (or where the wheelchair user will sit) for easy chair-to-vehicle transfer.
Assist the person in moving from the chair to the vehicle.
4. Brakes and Obstructions:
Always triple-check that the chair’s brakes are securely locked before attempting a transfer.
Clear any potential obstructions to ensure a smooth transfer process (e.g., fully open the door to prevent mid-transfer issues, remove footrests if possible).
Know the car
5. Boot Space:
Measure your boot space to determine if the wheelchair will fit.
Consider the dimensions of the collapsed wheelchair (e.g., 25-pound package measuring 8” x 25” x 16”).
6. Space Behind Passenger’s Seat:
Assess the available space behind the passenger’s seat.
Ensure it accommodates the wheelchair when collapsed.