People with limited mobility use a wheelchair full time when traveling. Getting out of the seat of a vehicle and leaning on the door handle can be difficult for them. For this reason, authorities have decided to introduce mandatory devices and accessories in cars and other means of transportation. Some of them do not even require a complete modification of the vehicle. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about transportation.
Mandatory devices
Grab bars and assistance bars
A grab bar is a small, L-shaped device that acts as a portable crutch or transfer aid. The shorter part of the “L” fits into the latch that is usually attached to the door jamb of most cars. The longer, padded portion protrudes at a right angle and serves as a handle to help a person get in or out of a vehicle. A grab bar can be carried around, as it is quite small. For added convenience, some manufacturers have incorporated tiny lights or key compartments.
Assist Strap
An assist strap attaches around the window frame of any car door. It hangs vertically and has a large handle that users grab and pull to get out of the vehicle
e. A restraint strap, intended for rear seat users, is attached to the metal posts. The metal posts act as a support for the front seat headrests. Be aware that the Assist Strap must be stored after use, or it may hit the passenger and cause serious accidents.
Swivel Cushion
The swivel cushion sits on the vehicle seat and pivots to allow easy entry and exit. These 360° swivel cushions are quite convenient, as they do not require any major modifications to the vehicle.
Swivel Seat
A swivel seat allows for a 90° rotation of the seat towards the outside of the car. It works by using a mechanical lever to define an inward or outward rotation. Unlike the swivel cushion, the seat requires a special retrofit to a vehicle.
Ramps
Ramps are undoubtedly the most recognizable feature of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. They can be folded to optimize space. However, the installation of these ramps requires some work. However, you should know that cars designed to transport people with reduced mobility are equipped with integrated ramps.
Regulations
Apart from compulsory transport insurance, the regulations relating to the transport of people with reduced mobility concern certain points such as:
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- Access: the height of the door threshold in relation to the ground must be less than 320 mm;
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- The PMR access ramp: its length varies according to the height of the vehicle floor. Therefore, the higher the floor, the longer the ramp must be;
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- Platform lifts: they must follow the 2006/42/CE directive. This is particularly the case for a minicar. The minimum dimensions of the width and length are 730 mm and 1200 mm, respectively.
Furthermore, contact a transport company for people with reduced mobility for a safe trip and travel. Apart from a large fleet of VTCs, this company generally has the appropriate vehicle fleet. The vehicles have anchoring rails, ramps, or other devices intended for PRM. Whatever the services offered (school transport, event transport, airport transfer, car rental), the company is ready to meet all the needs and requirements of its customers.
Accessibility for all
The notion of a place reserved for a person with reduced mobility who is not in a wheelchair. This simply means providing a place in the vehicle with simplified access for people who have difficulty standing, such as the elderly.
In order to make this space accessible, it must first be surrounded by a handle. The handle should be easy to recognize by using a contrasting color (usually yellow) and easy to grip. It will allow people with reduced mobility to use this support to settle more easily on the seat.
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