If you are in a wheelchair like me, you know that finding an accessible taxi in a new destination can sometimes be a struggle. And when you do find one, will it even show up when you need it? But luckily, there is another option – choosing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire.
I have found that this is often the most relaxing way to see a new city. It is there when I need it, as I can park it and use it at my leisure, and I can depend on it getting me to and from my sightseeing excursions. Let’s dive more into the process of using an accessible vehicle hire!
In this article
Understanding handicap car hire terminology.
How to decide which accessible vehicle hire is best for you?
Finding the wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire that best fits your needs
Surrogate drivers and non-driving hires
Call the wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire company directly
Can you use your UK Blue Badge in a hire vehicle in other countries in Europe?
How much does a handicap car hire cost?
Inspecting the wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire
Making sure you have a licensed driver
Safety is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Understanding handicap car hire terminology.
When searching for an accessible vehicle, you may encounter several terms that all refer to similar services. Here’s what they mean:
- Handicap car hire: A general term for any hire vehicle modified for travellers with disabilities
- Wheelchair van hire: A van specifically equipped to transport passengers who remain in their wheelchairs
- Wheelchair-accessible van hire: Another term for wheelchair van hire, emphasising the accessibility features
- Accessible vehicle hire: A broader term covering any vehicle with disability accommodations, including vans, SUVs, or cars with hand controls
These terms are often used interchangeably in search results and by hire companies. Knowing the variations helps you find more options when booking.
How to decide which accessible vehicle hire is best for you?
Depending on the type of disability that you have, deciding which adapted vehicle to hire can be very important. Personally, I prefer a side entry lift vehicle. This allows me to park my wheelchair in the front passenger spot once the seat is removed. If I need assistance during my travels, the driver is right there beside me to respond to my needs, as it is normally just the two of us. Depending on your challenges, you may prefer a rear entry vehicle. This vehicle has more parking options, as the ramp will allow the person using the wheelchair to enter and exit from the rear. This is perfect if you’re travelling with a group of friends because it means that you can be right in the midst of everyone onboard.
Finding the wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire that best fits your needs
The easiest way to see if a destination has wheelchair-accessible vehicles to hire is to go online and search. By typing in something like “wheelchair vehicle hire” or “wheelchair van rental” and then the city name that you will be visiting, you should be able to locate all companies in that area. This will show you your transportation options around the city. If you are travelling to the US, MobilityWorks is one of the largest handicap van rental companies with a multitude of locations across the country. I have used them many times during my personal travels and have always been pleased with the service and quality of vehicle that I have rented. Other top companies that I have personally used in the United States are AMS, Superior Van & Mobility, United Access, and Wheelers Van Rentals. If you are looking for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire in the UK, Allied Mobility and GM Mobility have a range of different cars and vans to choose from. Costs may vary based on the location and length of your rental. For example, a 3-day hire with a compact vehicle at GM Mobility costs around £190, while a full-size vehicle costs around £280. Allied Mobility also offers free UK-wide demonstrations to try out their vehicles.
Surrogate drivers and non-driving hires
Yeah, a disabled person can hire a handicap-accessible vehicle even if they can’t drive. Lots of travellers with disabilities use a surrogate driver: a licensed mate, carer, or family member who drives the vehicle for them.
What hire companies usually need:
- The surrogate driver has to show a valid driver’s licence at pickup
- The driver needs to be listed on the hire agreement
- Proof of insurance might be needed (either personal auto insurance or the hire company’s coverage)
When booking, let the hire company know that someone other than the main hirer will be driving. This makes sure all paperwork is sorted out right and avoids delays at pickup.
Call the wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire company directly
You may call me “old school,” but I always want to book anything that has to do with accessibility directly by calling the company involved. This gives me the power to ask any questions that I may have and also know that my booking has been reserved and confirmed. Although you will find these hire companies in most cities, they may not have very many accessible vehicles available for hire, especially for the time period that you need. By calling directly, you will know what options you have when planning the perfect getaway.
Can you use your UK Blue Badge in a hire vehicle in other countries in Europe?
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU Disabled Parking Card scheme, most EU countries (as well as Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) do accept and allow the UK Blue Badge. In other countries, such as France and Greece, you will need to download a local notice and place it on your windscreen alongside the Blue Badge. Meanwhile, a few countries – such as Italy and Lithuania – have local variations, so you should check the rules for the specific authority. The best way to check the rules of the country that you are travelling to is to visit the GOV.UK website and explore their Transport Accessibility and Disability section, specifically the page titled “Using the Blue Badge in the European Union and European Economic Area.” This will give you a better understanding of whether you will need an additional display card in that country. No matter what, take your Blue Badge with you when you hire a wheelchair vehicle so that you will have valid proof of your right to park in the designated handicap parking spaces.
How much does a handicap car hire cost?
Wheelchair-accessible van hires usually cost between $100 and $200 per day in the US. But, several things affect the final price:
Key cost factors:
- Vehicle type: Lift-equipped vans often cost more than ramp-equipped models because of the mechanical bits
- Location: Hires in big cities or tourist spots might have higher rates
- Hire duration: Longer hires often lower the effective daily rate
- Season: Peak travel times (holidays, summer) can push prices up
Saving on longer hires: Many companies offer discounted rates for weekly or monthly hires. If you’re planning an extended trip, ask about multi-day pricing. You might pay significantly less per day compared to a short-term hire.
Inspecting the wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire
Before accepting the keys, once you have found your wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire, roll around the vehicle to make sure that any scratches or dents are noted with the company’s representative. You don’t want to take the blame for anything that you were not involved in. By doing this, it helps both parties be aware of any damages prior to you gaining access to the vehicle.
Making sure you have a licensed driver
Due to having muscular dystrophy, which has caused my overall muscle weakness, I do not drive anything other than my powered wheelchair. So, when travelling, I always make sure to take a carer with me who can not only assist me with my daily tasks but who also has a driver’s license and car insurance. This is very important when you rely on someone else to keep you safe on the roads. I always want to trust my carer enough that I can be both well-groomed and alive when I reach my destination. Handicap vehicle hire companies will always need a copy of the driver’s license before handing over the keys in every instance.
Safety is a priority
When you hire a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, you cannot overlook your safety. Before rolling inside and driving it out of the car park, I always make sure to check the tie down restraints. You know where in the vehicle you will want to be parked, so by making sure that there is a four-point tie down system in place, this helps to ensure that your safety is a priority. I normally ask the wheelchair vehicle hire company to remove the front passenger seat before I even arrive. This allows me to pull up into this spot and park beside the driver, giving me the best views of the destination. By having versatile restraint straps, you can easily move them around and place them where you need them. It is very important that all four corners of your wheelchair are secured to the vehicle.
Conclusion
Now that you have selected your accessible vehicle hire, inspected the vehicle for both safety and damages, and placed a licensed driver behind the wheel, you are now ready to take it for a trip around the destination. Make sure to set your mirrors and check your fuel gauge to see that the tank is full, so that now all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your journey. Safe travels!
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Individuals with disabilities can hire accessible vehicles either to drive themselves (if the vehicle has appropriate hand controls) or to travel as a passenger with a surrogate driver operating the vehicle.
Yes. Specialist hire companies such as Allied Mobility, Constables Mobility and Mobility Nationwide offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles fitted with ramps or lifts throughout the UK.
Yes. Accessible vehicles have limited availability, so booking 2-4 weeks ahead is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons or in smaller cities with fewer hire locations.
Daily rates in the US typically range from $100 to $200, depending on the vehicle type, location, and hire duration. Weekly or monthly hires often offer lower per-day rates. The costs vary a lot in other countries, so it’s best to do the research for your destination.
The post How to make the most of your wheelchair van hire experience. appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
