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Check Out 8 Best Vehicle Modifications For Disabled Drivers
Temporary or physical injuries significantly impact personal independence and mobility, including the ability to drive safely. People with mobility challenges and their caregivers go through a rough time when traveling.
The great news is that several affordable and simple accessories can help modify and reduce this struggle. These modifications can be done on any vehicle, whether vans, trucks, or motorcycles.
This article will provide you with vehicle modifications for disabled drivers that you can try out to make driving easy and enjoyable.
Medical content reviewed by Dr Eric Jackson-Scott MD, Chief Medical Officer
Vehicle modifications for disabled drivers
1. Hand Controls For Driving
Hand controls such as a push/pull device are a great help when accelerating or braking using typical foot controls is difficult. This helps the driver to accelerate and decelerate without much hustle. When accelerating, the driver is only required to pull the device towards the wheel, whereas pushing the hand control away from the wheel efficiently decelerates the car.
There are a variety of hand controls available, and they range from basic to advance.
Cost: Basic hand controls cost about $ 1,000 while the advanced ones go for $ 10,000+.
2. Left Foot Accelerator
The left foot accelerators come in handy if you have a shorter or missing right leg. This can be very helpful in case you have an amputation. This modification has the pedal on both sides of the brake to prevent crossovers. These modifications are done for both acceleration and braking systems.
Cost: The left foot accelerator ranges between $100 and $500.
3. Adaptive Electronic Controls
When installed in the van, the adaptive electronic controls help people with mobility issues assume the responsibility of driving for themselves again. A variety of electronic acceleration, braking, steering, wiper, and headlight controls are available.
Costs: Adaptive electronic controls go for $100 to $1,000
4. Wheelchair Lifts and Ramps
There are a variety of wheelchairs lifts and ramps available for disabled drivers. The ramps help you access and exit the vehicle using the wheelchair. On the other hand, the wheelchair lift helps raise your wheelchair and store it in the vehicle without any assistance from your caregiver. Tie-downs are available to secure your wheelchair in the car, preventing it from rolling when driving.
Cost: The lifts go for $1,500 to $3,500 and the ramps go for $30 to $500.
5. Pedal and Steering Wheel Extensions
Pedal and steering wheel extensions increase comfort in the driving experience for disabled drivers. The extensions make the pedal and steer effortlessly to reach for drivers with limited range of motion or general mobility issues. Ideal pedal and steer extensions feel as original pedal and steer when in use.
Cost: The pedal and steering wheel extensions range between $20 and $500.
6. Raised Roof And Dropped Floors
The standard height range for vehicles doesn’t work well when the vans are converted for wheelchair use. Thus modification is necessary to increase the height and accommodate wheelchair passengers or drivers. This modification isn’t inexpensive and should only be done by experienced professionals.
The first way to achieve this is through raised roofs which make wheelchair vans more comfortable and safer. Lowering the floor is very beneficial as well, and it gives you the space you need for safe, comfortable, and convenient use.
Cost: This modification can cost you from $1,000 to $10,000 plus
7. Transfer Seats
The transfer seats are designed to help a person with mobility challenges transfer to the vehicle seat from the wheelchair. Transfer seats give an alternative for riding or driving while seated in a wheelchair. These seats ensure great balance, stability, and optimal positioning.
Cost: The transfer seat ranges between $3,000 and $8,000
8. Reduced Effort Braking Systems
Drivers with limb disabilities usually have difficulties depressing the vehicle’s brake pedals. The reduced effort braking systems reduce the pressure required to activate the brakes through vacuum level adjustments.
Cost: This adjustment will cost you $1,000 to $ 5,000
Does Medicaid Pay For Disabled Driver Vehicle Modifications?
Vehicle modifications to accommodate a disabled driver/ passenger are very costly and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Medicare is among the available resources to help defray the cost of modifying your vehicle. However, Medicare covers the cost of adaptive driving equipment for disabled drivers only after evaluation by a qualified practitioner.
The Medicare funding for equipment is approved on a case-by-case basis, and it only covers 80% of the total cost. This means you have to cover 20% of the costs involved. You can obtain a DMV handicapped parking permit online - fast, easy, and low cost - even if you don't have medical insurance. The HandicapMD experts can help with your application for your DMV disabled parking placards today.
Final Thoughts
Mobility issues come with a fair share of challenges, especially when you want to move around. Using wheelchairs can be slow, and paying someone to drive you is expensive. Technology can help you to modify your vehicle and be able to drive anywhere you want. Vehicle modifications for the disabled driver available include hand controls, transfer seats, and left foot accelerator.
