Hi
Has anyone turned their Townie into a Wheelchair Access Vehicle? Can it be done? and if so Where? and of course How Much?
My 3-year old grandaughter is having a car (with her parents, of course) where her wheelchair is locked into trackings on the floor and she is pushed up a ramp. I know that I would have to pay to have these alterations done, but I don't even know if it can be done. It would also be good for my father who is also a Wheelchair user. Any advice would be very appreciated. Thanks
Jo
- (#10395) Jo, 24 Apr 04 19:40
jo, i don't know of any townace being modified for wheelchair access but, i should think that the layout of the vehicle lends itself to a fairly easy conversion. there is a citroen berlingo locally where the wheelchair acces is via ramps, through the rear door. it seems to me that the townace layout, ie, with the rear seats folded to the side, might be similarly adaptable. the height of the vehicle floor might mean fairly long ramps but, a wheelchair passenger, once inside, should, i think, be accomodated easily and with comfort. also, the height of the vehicle rear access aperture, should make for an easy and comfortable entry. no doubt access ramps could be stowed along the floor between the next row of seats without interfering with other passengers, and the locking of the wheelchair could be accomodated via the rear seat, floor mounted,latches. obviously, expense has to be a consideration but, a specialist company should, i think, be able to come up with some ideas
- (#10395) John Davis (Leics), 25 Apr 04 01:42
Hi Jo. My ex partner..now mate... owns a small mini-bus company specialising in disabled transport. He has adapted his Townie for one wheelchair, as a spare vehicle if needed. Most of the time, the townie looks like any other until it's needed. With the seats fastened up at the sides, a wheelchair fits in nicely. You will need, 2 lengths of tracking (this is to secure the clamps into), 3 clamps (2 for the rear of the chair and 1 for the front) 1 seat belt and 1 end for the seat belt to connect to. The tracking is screwed to the floor and all the equipment slots into the tracking. Unless it is a very hi-tech wheelchair, the clamps are quite adequate and safe and meet all the H&S regs. Some outlets may try to sell you 'straps', a bit like the ratchet ones on lorries that secure loads, but, they take up more room on the tracking. Look in the yellow pages under 'Mobility Aids' and get advice from the shop. They will be able to provide you with contact names and addresses for the equipment if they don't do it. You will also need some ramps. These are about 3ft long and extend to 6ft and 'sit' on the back of the townie when you are using them, just inside the van (not on the bumper though). 2 bits of old mat kept in the back of the van and put under the ramps will stop them scratching the bumper. There are dear ones with carrying handles, which you don't need. Just get the standard metal ones. Again, they are quite adequate. They can cost anything from £170 up to a few hundred. £170 ones will be fine. Anyone can fit the tracking to the floor, but make sure you know the correct width that it has to be apart, (the shop might tell you) and it needs to go far enough forward into the van to fit the front clamp onto. If in doubt let the shop/supplier fit it but this will cost. One company that do all the equipment is Unwin. They make the tracking, but you might get less costly clamps etc from a mobility outlet. Shop around chuck and get some prices first. Hope this helps.
Angie. x
- (#10395) old bird, 25 Apr 04 12:16
Just a thought...just read John's post again and noticed the bit about fastening the chair to the seat fixings. This, whilst a great idea, isn't really adequate for safety and only 2 fixing points don't anchor the chair down enough. Might be an insurance issue as well. Shame cos it's a good idea...x
- (#10395) old bird, 25 Apr 04 12:22
Thank you John and Angie and your speedy and lengthy answers. Thank you also for taking so much of your time to let me know all the info. I have printed it out and will go look-about with my daughter. I have also been to Mobility places. Its the price that is steep, but then again it has to be done properly. Thanks again - Jo
- (#10395) Jo, 27 Apr 04 07:59
Hi I have been away for a while and just looked in on the site tonight and saw your request. Yes you can use a Townace for wheelchairs, a guy I go Radio control flying with has a Towny set up this way. I will try to contact him and get details for you
- (#10395) Phil IOW, 27 Apr 04 11:06
hi,
it can deffinately be done as we got it done for my mum who recently deid thats why i have not been on the site. it costs over £200 parts including seat belt were obtained from mobility shop and then fitting done by our local mechnic for £50.
- (#10395) LOUISE, 8 May 04 13:05