I'm a c5-6 and drive from my powerchair. I have reduced effort braking and
steering, and mechanical hand controls [MPD.]
My first vehicle was a full size van ['84 Ford Econoline,] with a Ricon lift.
After that I got a '90 Dodge Caravan minivan with a passenger-side ramp.
And my current vehicle is a '06 Honda Element, with a passenger-side ramp.
All of the vehicles had dropped floor conversions to accomodate my height.
The full-size van was great for long trips, and the minivan was great for short
trips.
My Honda Element is the funnest to drive, and gets the best gas mileage of the
three. The Honda conversion was done by Freedom Motors:
http://www.fminow.com/?gclid=CK2l4ZGmnJwCFShRagod_FBPdg
They also convert Scions, PT Cruisers and Toyota Siennas.
Mobility technology has improved dramatically over the years and from vehicle
to vehicle, but the more high-tech things become, the more difficult [and
expensive] they are to repair or replace. The EZ Lock system seems to be the
industry standard and is crash tested for saftey.
With the side-entry vehicles I've learned to park 'defensively,' meaning park
at the ends of rows or in spaces that prevent others from parking me in.
Still, it happens from time to time, and that's a major source of frustration.
