Working in the automotive industry as a Product Specialist has allowed me to do a couple different things, one is to travel nationwide (great part of the job) the other is to meet different people from all "walks" of life and that gives me the opportunity to talk to them one on one about driving with a disability and getting back some of the independence we thought we may have lost (everyone needs assistance at some point).

It is important to note that vehicle lifts are designed to transport unoccupied mobility products only, so you must be able to transfer out of the mobility product. Still, for many who have the ability to transfer, a vehicle lift allows one to take one's mobility on the go, for a tiny fraction of the cost of a full conversion.

Exterior Platform Lifts
Designed to mount on the outside of a vehicle, an exterior platform lift plugs into a Class I, Class II, or Class III hitch receiver on vehicles. Exterior lifts are commonly used on mid-size cars and sedans because there may not be enough room in the trunk to fit a power wheelchair or scooter. Also, exterior lifts are a great choice because they don't consume any space within the vehicle.

In use, an exterior lift raises the mobility product well off of the ground, to driving height. When not in use, most exterior platform lifts fold up against the vehicle, easing maneuvering and parking, and some exterior lifts even have swing-away mechanisms, allowing access to a vehicle's rear hatch.

Interior Platform Lifts
Interior platform lifts allow a power wheelchair or scooter to be transported inside a station wagon, minivan, or SUV, protecting the mobility product from weather and road hazards, a plus for those living in severe weather climates. The way interior platform lifts works is that they bolt inside the vehicle, slide out, then lower to the ground, allowing the mobility product to be driven on, and lifted up, into the vehicle.

Interior Boom Lifts
Resembling a small crane that lifts the scooter or power wheelchair via a reinforced strap, an interior boom lift mounts in the rear cargo areas of station wagons, minivans, and SUVs, as well as in a side-entry location on minivans. Interior boom lifts can also work with trunks on large sedans via a quick-release base where a compact power wheelchair or scooter lifts into the trunk, then the boom is removed and stowed, allowing the trunk lid to close.

Measuring a Mobility Products for Lift Compatibility
There are four critical dimensions in assessing the compatibility of a power wheelchair or scooter with a particular lift and vehicle: Length, width, height, and weight. Overall length, width, and height dictate whether the mobility product will fit on a platform lift, as well as through a vehicle's rear opening. Additionally, knowing a mobility product's overall weight is vital as to not exceed a lift's weight capacity.

It's How the Pieces fit Together
Indeed, vehicle lifts aren't only about lifts, themselves, but also the mobility product and the vehicle – and all three must work together. Before buying a lift, ensure its compatibility with the mobility product and the vehicle, where all works as a system. In this way, you'll guarantee that your mobility product goes with you, offering convenience, safety, and cost savings.

I took my Chrysler Town and Country handicapped minivan to Midas Muffler today for a routine oil change.  Advertised at $19.99, it seemed a bargain. They would rotate my tires and change the air filter, too. Boy, was I wrong! If you are in a wheelchair and have a boyfriend also in one, you are the the proverbial "sitting ducks."

After an hour or so, they called to say my fuel line was bad. The fluid was a dirty brown color and definately needed replacing, as did the manifold. All this for a mere $250. I was hopping mad, (if I could hop). I was 99% sure this was bogus and that I was being ripped off. My man however, being very sweet and perpetually concerned that I am safe and my vehicle is in good shape, said to go ahead and have the work done. He would pay for it.  I was pretty much fired up and ready for a confrontation when we got back to Midas.

To make a long story short, the district manager happened to be there that day and had advised this work needed doing. I'm assuming profits were down and us crips were easy prey. He instructed the fuel lines flushed and some crap put in the engine to prevent God knows what. If the district manager had been there when we were, I would have driven over his feet very slowly with a smile on my face, and given him a piece of my seething mind.

Basically, there was nothing wrong with the van. This was "routine maintenance," not any sort of malfunction of any kind. Now, If I had been advised that flushing all these lines was probably a good maintenance move, that would have been different. I wouldn't have been able to afford it, but I was led to believe that my car was in dire straits if I took no action.

This is yet another example of taking advantage of those of us in wheelchairs. It makes my blood boil as being taken for an idiot by such businesses is anathema to everything I stand for (okay, sit for). So be warned, dear wheelchair uses that are mobile. Take a 300-pound able-bodied macho man with you to the car shop. It's disgusting that you should have to, but the world has not got to the point of accepting disabled individuals yet as none other than second-class citizens.

As wheelchair users we have certain needs… maintenance needs, that is. I’ve been slowed up by many a flat tire and yet, couldn’t afford to go down to the local “DME” company to get a new one. Finally I got fed up and went down to a local bicycle shop to see what I could find. I presented my gripe to the owner and he enlightened me to a fact about wheelchair wheels… they come in the same sizes as bicycle wheels! In fact, most are made by the same companies.

“Could I fit a mountain bike tire on my rims for camping or off-roading with my friends?” I inquired. I needed something to replace those gray “treaded” ones I got from the local wheelchair shop. I was shown a large selection in all shapes, colors and styles. Little did I know, every single one would fit my wheel size. Who knew?! Of course, I picked out the wildest, most obnoxious Michelin Wild Grippers in a crazy green.

Time to pay. I was nervous as I prepared to hear the damage. Half price. That’s right, these aggressive mountain bike tires were half the price of my “wheelchair” tires and now I have a tire that can cut through grass, sand, and the mud I often get myself into. Who knew?!

Most bicycle shops will also drill rims for push rings and build whole wheel sets for wheelchairs. The hub is the main difference between a wheelchair wheel and a bicycle counterpart. All you have to do is find a bike shop you like and build a relationship with one of the mechanics-- you don’t have to date them, by the way-- and there you go.

And wait, that’s not all. Those “wheelchair” three-inch micro casters are in fact… rollerblade wheels. The wheelie version goes for around $25.00 per pair and comes in limited selection where style, hardness, size, and bearing options are concerned. The able-bodied ones come in 31 flavors for a third of the price. See for yourself at your local sporting goods store.

And, for those who use the 5-inch casters, there is hope for you, too. Go to any one of the multitude of stores that carry those little scooters that kids go crazy over. They have all kinds of colors and even some that light up when they roll. And again, the price is considerably lower.

For anyone using a sports chair and needing a simple solution to the Velcro waist- or leg-strap, I have another option for you. Pay a visit to a ski and snow board shop and pick yourself out a snow board boot binding with the ratchet-style lock. There are many different brands and styles. Choose what fits best for you.

There are loads of tricks-of-the-trade to get you what you need and where you want to go – affordably. Be creative and you’ll find many options to the standard-issue wheelchair accessory. Share your needs with able-bodied friends or relatives… you never know what they’ll come up with for you. I have made numerous trips to Home Depot for the hardware (nuts and bolts) on my chair.

As you look for new solutions so will I. Let me know what you find so we can pass it along. Or send me any questions, comments, and concerns you have to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . And as always… keep ‘em rubber side down.