Buying Adaptive Driving Equipment
The process of buying adaptive driving equipment
The first step in the process of buying wheelchair van equipment is to consult with a retailer or dealer that is knowledgeable about the best technology to fit your physical needs. If you are trying to find a dealer that is close to you, the NMEDA website can be very helpful for you. A qualified dealer can help you pick the equipment that fits both your needs and your budget. One suggestion given by NMEDA is consulting with several dealers. This will help you get several recommendations so that you can make an informed decision about your purchase.
Once you have made the decision about the wheelchair vans, the dealer will do one of the following things:
- Modify your vehicle so that it can be adapted to the equipment that you chose.
- Purchase a vehicle that has been modified from a second stage manufacturer.
- Send the vehicle to the other manufacturer so that it can be modified before the final touches are made.
What does a driver evaluator do?
Driver evaluators are very important to the process. You may want to consult with a driver evaluator before you search for a dealer. Consulting with a driver evaluator will allow you to drive several vehicles so that you will be able to see which one works best for you. The evaluator will write up a “prescription” based on your individual needs. You will then be able to go to a dealer and get a price based on those options given.
Once the necessary modifications are made to your vehicle, you will be ready to drive it. The trainer or evaluator will teach you how to drive it and operate the vehicle properly so you can rest assured that you will be safe while driving.
