Did you know over 6 million Canadians live with a disability? That’s a lot of people who might struggle with something many of us take for granted: getting around. For organizations like yours, you see the challenges firsthand. People miss appointments, lose independence, or feel isolated because reliable, accessible transportation isn’t available. That can leave your organization feeling frustrated and stuck, wondering how to truly help.
Here’s the thing: solving this problem is more than just providing a ride. It’s about creating freedom and dignity. Imagine the impact if transportation wasn’t a barrier anymore. Your team could focus on helping people, not figuring out how to get them there.
That’s where we come in. At MoveMobility, we’ve spent over 20 years designing wheelchair accessible vehicles that change lives. From healthcare providers to community agencies and Indigenous communities, we help organizations just like yours and Airdrie Transit make a difference every day. And while we’re proud of what we do, we also know we’re not the only choice out there. This guide focuses on giving you the answers you need, so you can make the best decision for your organization.
Ready to explore the top 5 problems a wheelchair accessible vehicle solves? Let’s dive in.
What is a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
A wheelchair accessible vehicle is designed to make transportation safe and simple for people who use wheelchairs. These vehicles include features such as:
- Ramps or lifts: These are for easy wheelchair access in and out of the vehicle.
- Spacious interiors: Room for wheelchairs to move or park securely.
- Custom seating: Flexible seating to accommodate passengers and caregivers.
- Safety systems: Secure straps and locks to keep wheelchairs steady during travel.
These vehicles provide a reliable way to travel while supporting independence and dignity.
What problems do wheelchair accessible vehicles solve?
Wheelchair accessible vehicles solve several common problems that many Canadians with disabilities or mobility challenges face. Let’s look at the top five.
1. Lack of safe and reliable transportation
For people who use wheelchairs, getting around can feel like an uphill battle. Here’s why:
- Public transit: Not every route is accessible, and schedules can be inconsistent.
- Taxis: Often expensive and not equipped to secure wheelchairs safely.
- Rides from family or friends: Dependable but not always available when needed.
Imagine this: A caregiver needs to take their elderly parent to a doctor’s appointment. After spending 20 minutes searching for a ride that can handle a wheelchair, they finally book one—but the vehicle lacks proper straps to secure the chair. The passenger feels nervous and unsafe during the trip, and the entire experience is stressful for everyone involved.
How do wheelchair accessible vehicles solve this problem?
Ramps or lifts: Make getting in and out of the vehicle simple and dignified.
Secure tie-downs: Keep wheelchairs steady and safe during travel.
Reliable scheduling: Wheelchair accessible vehicles ensure passengers arrive on time for appointments or events.
2. Limited independence for wheelchair users
Getting around without help can be tough for people who use wheelchairs. Relying on someone else’s schedule or waiting for a taxi that might not even work for wheelchairs is frustrating. It makes running errands or going to social events harder than it should be. This can leave people feeling stuck at home.
Imagine this: Someone has a big job interview but can’t find a ride. Public transit isn’t accessible in their area, and taxis don’t have the right equipment for their wheelchair. They end up missing the interview—not because they weren’t ready, but because they couldn’t get there.
How do wheelchair accessible vehicles promote independence?
Go anywhere, anytime: A wheelchair-accessible vehicle gives people the freedom to travel when they want.
Built for your client’s needs: Choosing a side-entry or rear-entry wheelchair accessible van ensures that it’s designed to fit your client’s mobility needs.
Buy or rent options: Your organization can find wheelchair accessible vans for sale for long-term use or rent one for a short time.
Many of your clients may already be searching ‘wheelchair accessible van rentals near me’ to fill this gap. Your organization can provide this service for short-term needs like trips to the doctor, family visits, or vacations. These vehicles make it easier to get out and enjoy life with more freedom and independence.
Lori Zdebiak, the General Manager at Hearthstone Community Group, commented, “Once we realized that we could have the freedom of driving ourselves around, it opened a whole world for us.”
Check out the full video!
3. Difficulty getting to medical appointments
Getting to the doctor can feel like a huge challenge for people who use wheelchairs. Without the right transportation, it’s easy to miss important appointments like check-ups or therapy sessions. Over time, missing these visits can lead to bigger health issues and more stress for everyone involved.
Think about this: A senior in a wheelchair has an urgent doctor’s appointment across town. They try calling for a ride, but nothing is wheelchair-friendly. After a few failed attempts, they give up and miss the visit. Their health gets worse—not because they didn’t want to go, but because they couldn’t get there.
How do wheelchair accessible vehicles solve this problem?
Reliable rides: A wheelchair accessible vehicle makes getting to appointments simple and stress-free.
Room for caregivers: These vehicles have enough space for family members or caregivers to ride along and help.
People don’t have to miss appointments anymore when a wheelchair accessible van is involved. They get the care they need without the hassle or worry.
4. Feeling isolated from social and family events
Attending social or family gatherings often feels much more difficult than it needs to be for wheelchair users. Getting to birthday parties, school plays, or community events shouldn’t be so hard, but when transportation isn’t accessible, it becomes a major barrier. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and frustration, especially when they really want to be there.
Think about this: A dad in a wheelchair wants to attend his daughter’s school concert. He tries to arrange a ride, but nothing works—public transit doesn’t go to the venue, and local taxis don’t have the equipment to safely transport his wheelchair. He misses the concert, not because he didn’t want to go, but because there wasn’t a way to get there.
How do wheelchair accessible vehicles promote inclusion?
Make memories happen: A wheelchair accessible vehicle gives people the freedom to attend celebrations, events, and special moments.
Travel comfortably: These vans are built with plenty of space and flexible seating, so many people can ride together at once.
Flexible options: There are many wheelchair accessible vans on the market. Check out our article on choosing the right one for your organization.
Your organization’s wheelchair-accessible vehicle allows people to reconnect with loved ones and their community. You’re helping people feel more included while making new memories.
5. Difficulty managing group transportation for organizations
Transportation can be difficult for organizations that serve people in wheelchairs, like senior centers or healthcare providers. Figuring out how to get multiple people with different needs to the same place takes a lot of time and effort. It can be frustrating for both staff and the people relying on the ride.
Picture this: A senior center needs to take three residents in wheelchairs to a doctor’s appointment. They can’t find one vehicle that can fit everyone, so they have to book multiple trips. It takes extra time, costs more money, and the residents feel like they’re being shuffled around instead of cared for.
How do wheelchair accessible vehicles solve group transportation problems?
Move more people at once: A wheelchair accessible van can fit up to 10 ambulatory passengers, 4 wheelchairs, or a combination of both
Designed for various mobility needs: These vehicles can come with a ramp or lift so your clients can enter and exit more easily.
Bus-style doors: Glass doors give certain wheelchair accessible vehicles a clearer line of sight to curbs, making unloading safer and more efficient.
Wheelchair vehicles make transportation simpler and more comfortable for everyone involved. It’s a practical solution that makes life easier for staff and the people they serve.
Still interested in learning more about wheelchair accessible vehicles?
You came to this article because transportation challenges for wheelchair users can feel overwhelming. Maybe it’s about safety, independence, or making it to important events. These issues are frustrating and can hold people back.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re now more familiar with the top 5 problems you can solve with a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
At MoveMobility, we’ve spent over 20 years helping organizations and families solve these challenges. Our vehicles are designed to break down barriers and make life easier for wheelchair users.
If you’re looking for wheelchair accessible vans for sale or need a short-term solution like a wheelchair accessible van rental, we’re here to help. Transportation is more than just getting somewhere—it’s about creating opportunities and connection.
If you’d like to talk to a mobility expert, click the button below. We’d love to help you find the right solution.
Not ready to chat just yet? No problem—check out our other resources to learn more about how we can help.
Start by checking out our article on ramps vs. lifts for wheelchair vans. This will give you a better idea which option is the right fit for your organization.
After that, check out our article on the cost of a wheelchair van or watch the video below to help you determine your budget for purchasing one.
