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It is important to be able to load your wheelchair in to a car if you ever want to travel anywhere. This will allow you a better chance to be mobile and see new things. It is important, though, to practice and learn how to load the chair.

Manual chairs are a lot easier to load than ones that are stationary or electric. Many manual models can be folded down to fit in the trunk of a car. Some manual chairs cannot, however, and all stationary and electric chairs will need to be placed in a van or specialized vehicle instead.

In order to place the wheelchair in the trunk of the car you need to be familiar with your particular model. Some models need to have parts removed in order to fit in to the trunk of the car. Look for foot and armrests that may be detachable.

If you do remove items, like footrests or headrests, be sure to keep track of those items. You want to keep them all together so they don’t get lost. Remember, you are going to have to put everything back as it was before you can use the wheelchair again.

Most manual models can be folded so they can fit in the back of the car. If your model allows you to do this, fold it in half and place it gently in the trunk. You don’t want to break it, so be careful when trying to get it situated there.

Wheelchairs that are stationary need to be loaded as they are in to a larger vehicle or van. Just like the manual chair, look for any accessories that can be removed if the chair does not fit initially through the van doors. Usually you can load the chair in to the van by way of a ramp.

Ramps can be found at medical stores or online. You can also make your own ramp if the chair is not too heavy, using two pieces of wood. If your chair is very heavy there is a risk the wood would break under the pressure of the weight.

When you have to load the entire chair in the vehicle use the breaks on the wheelchair, or tie it with rope, to stop it from rolling around on the drive. You don’t want it to break or hurt someone. Also, before you ever start pulling off parts or accessories on your chair, be sure to read your chairs manual to make sure they can come off or not.

Alpine Home Medical carries scooters, stair lifts, vehicle lifts, lift chairs, wheelchairs, respiratory equipment, bathroom safety equipment, and other mobility devices. We are dedicated to serving, supporting and improving the lives of our customers.