Use Wheelchair Carriers To Bring Your Chair Along
- Wheelchair carriers offer the opportunity to travel freely and not worry about transportation of a wheelchair. Carriers are designed to fit securely on to the rear of a vehicle while permitting easy opening and folding. The transportation of a wheelchair will be made many times easier by simply installing a carrier onto a rear trailer hitch. There is no need to struggle lifting your wheelchair in and out of your vehicle after attaching such a device to the rear of your vehicle.
- Wheel chair carriers come in different shapes and sizes and cater to different wheelchair designs. In the most basic design the carrier is a small bar which attaches to the trailer hitch of your car or SUV. Wheelchairs up to 75 pounds can be supported on these bars. They are the cheapest options available in the market and cost around $150. In other wheelchair carrier designs, carriers are fitted on the roof of the vehicle. While these carriers are convenient for cars they will require the wheelchair to be collapsed, allowing it to be stored easily. Wheelchairs that cannot be folded easily such as heavy duty power wheelchairs need to be transported using a rear carrier. The prices of these carriers can go up to $900. It is important to determine which carrier you will require before searching for specific models.
- The carriers have to be installed properly and securely. Periodic checks have to be made to ensure the carrier is attached safely to the vehicle. There are Transportation Department requirements for the fitting and use of carriers for wheelchairs. The registration plate may need to be repositioned and illuminated so that it is clearly visible when using a carrier. Wheelchair carriers mounted to the rear of a vehicle also need to be removed when not in use. Contact your State Department of Transportation for more information about fitting a wheelchair carrier to your car or van.