More Details

Options include
* Manual lifting
* Ramps that enable a manual or powered wheelchair / scooter to be wheeled into a vehicle
* Hoists that lift a manual or powered wheelchair / scooter into the boot of a vehicle
* Rooftop hoists that winch a manual wheelchair up and on to the roof of a car
* Racks that carry a wheelchair on the back of a car
* Trailers that attach to the back of the vehicle and carry a powered wheelchair/scooter
* Wheelchair accessible vehicle. Some vehicles are purpose built to carry a wheelchair or scooter. They will have a battery operated lift or ramps built into the vehicle.

Lifting/Loading a Manual Wheelchair
* A person with good upper limb strength may be able to lift a lightweight manual wheelchair into a vehicle. If there is enough room, the wheelchair user can pull it in front of the passenger's seat or behind the front seats. An ambulant person may be able to lift the wheelchair into the back of the car without using any equipment.

* Some manual wheelchairs can be dismantled and the separate parts lifted into the back of the car for example, the large self propelling wheels, legrests and rmrests may be removed from the wheelchair frame and the frame can then be folded. Any seating systems or postural accessories may first need to be removed

* The Wheelchair Boot Slider enables a folded manual wheelchair to be slid into the back of a car. It consists of a padded blanket and nylon cover with handles. Some bending and manual lifting is still necessary.

Ramps
* Ramps are suitable for manual wheelchairs or powered wheelchairs/scooters.
* They are available in a dual track or platform style. The track style is more difficult to negotiate, however the weight of the platform style may be too great for some people. The track style tends to be easier to store as it has two separate parts.
* Ramps are used by pushing the manual wheelchair up the ramp, or run a battery operated wheelchair/scooter up the ramp using its own power
* Generally a hatchback, station wagon or van are the most suitable vehicles that can accommodate a portable ramp. Ramp access may also be used to/from a trailer.
* Many ramps fold in half or are telescopic and have a handle. This makes them easier to carry and store in a vehicle.

When choosing a ramp consider the following features:
* Weight of the ramp
* Load capacity of the ramp
* Length of ramp required to ensure a manageable gradient
* Edge barriers
* Surface of the ramp (slip resistant)
* Ease of folding and carrying
* Storage space available once the wheelchair is in the vehicle
* Safe and secure attachment to the car / van surface
* Whenever you park, you need to have enough room behind your car for the whole length of the ramp, plus the length of your wheelchair/scooter
* A three wheeled scooter will need a wide ramp or three channel ramps

Wheelchair Carriers
* There are a number of towbar mounted stowing devices available. Some have a fold down ramp to eliminate the need for lifting the wheelchair, while others require manual handling to lift the wheelchair in place.

The main factors to consider with this piece of equipment include:
* Extra length it adds to the car when parking
* The ease of removal of the device
* Protection of the wheelchair in bad weather
* Load capacity of the tow bar
* The visibility of the number plate, lights and turn indicators
* Access to the boot
* Protection of the wheelchair against theft
* Suitable restraint of the wheelchair while the vehicle is in transit

Trailers
* The main advantages of a trailer are that you don't have to fold or dismantle your wheelchair, and you still have use of your vehicle's boot
* Using a trailer will make it awkward to reverse, and since they protrude well behind the vehicle you may find parking difficult. You'll also need to find a considerable amount of space to unload a standard trailer; a trailer whose bed swivels can make this less of a problem.
* Trailers need to have a light, indicators and number plate
* The vehicle needs to be able to have a tow bar fitted
* Consider state laws re: trailer use

Wheelchair Hoists / Lifters
* Hoists require less manual handling than portable ramps or tow bar mounted carriers.
* There are two main styles of hoists that are designed to lift a wheelchair into or onto a vehicle.

Roof mounted hoists
* These are designed to lift manual wheelchairs on to the roof of a car. They are available for folding and rigid frame wheelchairs and are powered from the car's battery.

Consider:
* The user's ability to load and unload the hoist
* Does the hoist pick-up from one or both sides of the car?
* Protection of the wheelchair in bad weather
* Load capacity of the hoist and the vehicle's roof
* Affect on the stability and performance of the car
* Additional noise created by the load
* Safe installation of the hoist

It is also important to ensure the load is secure. In the event of rapid braking of the vehicle the load may be dislodged. Owners of the vehicle need to seek advice from their insurance firm in regards to the coverage they receive in the event of an accident.

Boot mounted hoists
* Are powered by the vehicle battery
* Are able to lift motorised wheelchairs and scooters into the boot or hatch of a vehicle
* The scooter seat will need to be removed or the overall height of the wheelchair reduced to fit into the rear of the vehicle
* A boom / lifting arm slots into the main body of the hoist and the wheelchair or scooter is attached by a hook or strap mechanism
* A push button control switch controls the movement of the hoist

The AbiLoaderwheelchair lift consists of a robotic arm wheelchair hoist that opens the boot and delivers a manual wheelchair from the boot of a vehicle to the driver (and the converse), automatically. The hoist is stored behind the rear seats of the vehicle. There are two models to suit fixed frame or folding frame wheelchairs. A hatch opener is included.

Considerations

Unoccupied wheelchairs, scooters and other loose accessories should be secured within vehicles, preventing them from becoming loose projectiles in a vehicle impact. A cargo barrier is recommended for station wagons.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.