Hi Dana, The automotive industry, does not communicate with the mobility industry. It never has and I doubt it ever will as the mobility mass is not that big by comparison to its counterparts. As the automotive industry downsizes with smaller, more efficient vehicles, the mobility industry is making motorized mobility larger and more stable to meet and address government standards. And you are caught in the middle with fewer choices each production year. I don't see any major changes in this for the next couple of years as research and prototypes are expensive and must pay for themselves. Learning as much as you can about mobility and knowledge are your tools for survival. This applies to your mobility too. Quality may change with production years on some manufacturers. Also consider the service end of the problem. The closer you are to a mobility provider, the better your odds and lessens any risks. Best Wishes In a message dated 11/30/2009 9:12:20 A.M. Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
Hi Gang, What kind of vans do you use. I have always used a full size vehicle and I went to a united access location just to try out minivans during the summer. It seemed like there was so little room with my Permobile. My new chair has two wheels in front, which make the base a little longer. It was such a tight fit I was told that I would have to remove the front chair. I don't drive. Do any of you use the easy lock to secure your chair? are there others that are better? I'd like to know others experiences with both size and what vehicle models you prefer in both sizes. I will probably not be getting a brand-new, because of the cost. I'd also like to know the durability and problems that you have experienced. Have any of you purchased a vehicle and then had it modified. I use pencils with rubber in my splints. I am not able to reach the switches to control the functions at all and I have much difficulty reaching the mode button. Do any of you have problems reaching the switches? I I could use the switches and the mode button on my older model. Recently I wrote about my wheelchair going dead. I found out from the technician there is a connection under the arm that is a design flaw that is not in my other chair that attaches and can easily become pulled out. I was told it has to be connected with electrical tape or twist ties to prevent this problem.. Thank you and I appreciate any ideas or suggestions any of you may be able to offer with any of my questions. Dana .
