When you're a manual wheelchair user driving independently, you want to make it as easy as possible to transfer into your vehicle from your wheelchair and vice-versa, especially if you have a spinal cord injury.
There are a wide variety of vehicles to choose from and lots of features that can positively or negatively affect your driving experience.
Let's dive into what you should look for when choosing a vehicle as a manual wheelchair user.
Note: This article is not sponsored or monetized in any way and we are not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or seller. The models mentioned in this article are examples based on research by our staff and personal opinions shared by members of our community. Please do your own research before buying a vehicle to ensure it will meet your needs. Thank you!
1. Seat-Height Vehicles Make Transferring Easier
When using a vehicle as a manual wheelchair user, a transfer is usually involved, which means you'll want your vehicle's seat as level with your wheelchair as possible.
If the vehicle is much taller than your chair, you may have trouble reaching the chair to transfer. If you have to stretch to reach your chair, the repeated strain over a long period of time could end up injuring your shoulders.
Take out your measurement tools and practice transferring from different vehicles to determine what your limitations are before you purchase a vehicle.
2. Rear-Hinged Doors Create a Large Open Space
When it comes to highly recommended vehicles for people who transfer, the Honda Element ranks high due to its rear-hinged door system.
Rear-hinged doors open from the middle and then outwards, creating a large open space that makes transfers easier.
It's so spacious that you can put your entire chair into the vehicle fully assembled and set it in the back seat.
Note: The Honda Element may be too high off the ground for some people when transferring so make sure to check before purchasing it.
3. Ability to Adjust Passenger Seat from Driver’s Seat
Being able to adjust the position of the passenger seat is essential to mobility in a vehicle when you’re alone in a vehicle and when you have a spinal cord injury.
For example, you may need to move the passenger seat forward in order to get to your wheelchair in the back seat or from the passenger seat if that is where you prefer to store your vehicle.
Since car designs vary widely, check whether you'll be able to adjust the passenger seat from the driver's seat and make sure that you can reach the controls if you need to.
4. Two-Door Vehicles
Two-door vehicles usually have larger doors and are lower to the ground, which can make them great for transfers.
Two-door sedans like the Mini-Cooper, Mustang, Trans Am, Dodge Challenger, Volkswagen GTI, and the BMW 4 Series are all popular with wheelchair users because of their large doors that make getting into the vehicle a breeze.
5. Electric Programmable Seat Positions
When it comes to the driver's seat, look for a driver's seat that can be programmed to various positions so you don't have to adjust it manually every time you drive.
You can also look for electrical programming for your mirrors so all you have to do is hit a button and they will be exactly where you need them.
6. Station Wagons Offer Utility and Space
When it comes to the type of vehicle that’s best for people who can transfer, there is a contingent of people who prefer station wagons.
They are the same height as most cars which means they're easy to transfer into, but they have the same utility as an SUV, which means they have enough space for your mobility equipment (wheelchair, sports equipment, etc) and they are better in inclement weather.
7. Want an SUV? Look for a Two-Door Hatchback
When it comes to SUVs, manual wheelchair users should look for an SUV that is low enough to transfer into but still has the size and power you’re looking for.
The Bronco Sport is highly recommended among wheelchair users, as are a lot of 2-door hatchback SUVs that have a low-built design.
Make sure that any SUV you purchase has a handle built into the driver’s door so you can grab and pull yourself into the vehicle with ease.
8. Ramp Minivans Aren't Just for Electric Wheelchairs
If you haven't considered buying a minivan with a ramp built in, you might want to re-think that mindset.
Many manual wheelchair users prefer ramp minivans, especially as they age, because all they need to do is transfer into the seat once they're inside the vehicle, and their wheelchair doesn’t need to be broken down.
9. Avoid Seat Heaters if You Have a Spinal Cord Injury
If you have a spinal cord injury, chances are you have decreased sensation in your body, which means you do not need a built-in seat heater.
They’ve been known to burn people with paralysis since they cannot feel when they're on (many seat heaters get very hot).
If possible, purchase a vehicle that does not have a seat heater, but if that's unavoidable due to a certain model you want, have it disconnected or disabled instead.
10. Trucks Can Work if They're Low Enough to Transfer
If you have good upper body strength and long enough arms, you can drive a truck without a lift as long as it’s not too high.
The Toyota Tacoma 2024 is a highly recommended truck for wheelchair users thanks to its two-door design and cab height.
Another truck that's popular among wheelchair users is the Dodge Ram, especially models equipped with a rotating seat for easier transfers.
