Lifters and carriers for mobility aids include aids that permit a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device to be transported within a vehicle. A range of wheelchair carriers are available for foldable wheelchairs where the user transfers into the vehicle, these include:
- lightweight metal wheelchair carriers that can be mounted onto the towball of a vehicle which depending on the type of wheelchair to be carried, can be either a bar system or basket style. The wheelchair needs to be folded and is manually lifted on or off the carrier
- for people able to access their vehicles independently, roof based folding manual wheelchair carriers are available which are operated by push button to lift or lower the folded wheelchair from the roof of the car for transfer
- a variety of purpose built trailers are available which can be towed on the rear of a vehicle for storage of wheelchairs or scooters.
When choosing a suitable carrier it is important to determine if the carrier is to remain on the vehicle permanently or whether it will need to be removeable or transferable between vehicles. Other factors to consider are the weight of the storage device and the mobility aid and the ease of storage from a safety perspective.
Advice on vehicles suitable for safe modification, what devices can be fitted that comply with Australian Standards and each states Vehicle Standards Regulations are crucial prior to purchase. These can be checked with each state or territory government department responsible for transport. Depending on the proposed modifications, specific forms may need to be lodged prior to modification and then an inspection carried out following completion to ensure compliance with regulations.
For hoist or ramp systems, more information can be found at:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people relying on mobility aids such as manual wheelchairs, being able to transport themselves and the aid to and from work is critical to their success at work, enabling independence and increased productivity. People reliant on mobility aids may also be required to travel as part of their work role and therefore require a suitable mobility aid storage device that can be operated safely and easily.
References
Department of Transport 2005, Vehicles for people with disabilities, Government of Western Australia, Perth, viewed 3 September 2011, http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/LBU_VS_P_SpecialNeedsVehicles.pdf.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, A Guide to Selecting, loading a Wheelchair or Scooter into a Vehicle, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 3 September 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=WA&MC=51&MinC=23&Item=5510&page=2.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Transport—Lifters, Carriers & Trailers, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 3 September 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=VIC&MC=51&MinC=23.
VicRoads 2011, Licensing & driving for people with a disability, Victorian Government, Melbourne, viewed 3 September 2011, http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/MedicalConditions/LicensingAndDrivingForPeopleWithADisability.htm.