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 we do find one, will it even show up when we need it? But luckily, there is another option - using a wheelchair van rental.
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 van rental!
In this article
Understanding handicap car rental terminology.
How to decide which accessible vehicle rental is best for you?
Finding the accessible van rental that best fits your needs.
Surrogate drivers and non-driving rentals.
Call the wheelchair accessible vehicle rental company directly.
Can you use your handicap placard in a rental vehicle in another state?
How much does a handicap car rental cost?
Inspecting the wheelchair van rental.
Making sure you have a licensed driver.
Safety is a priority.
Frequently asked questions.
Understanding handicap car rental 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 rental: A general term for any rental vehicle modified for travelers with disabilities
- Wheelchair van rental: A van specifically equipped to transport passengers who remain in their wheelchairs
- Wheelchair-accessible van rental: Another term for wheelchair van rental, emphasizing the accessibility features
- Accessible vehicle rental: 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 rental companies. Knowing the variations helps you find more options when booking.
How to decide which accessible vehicle rental is best for you?
Depending on the type of disability that you have, deciding which adapted vehicle to rent can be very important. For myself, 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 would be perfect if traveling with a group of friends, so that you could be right in the midst of everyone onboard.
Finding the accessible van rental that best fits your needs.
The easiest way to see if a destination has accessible van rentals is to go online and search. By typing in something like “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 options of transportation around the city. MobilityWorks is one of the largest handicap van rental companies in the U.S., having 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. Costs may vary based on the location and length of your rental, but are normally from $100-$200 per day.
Surrogate drivers and non-driving rentals.
Yes, a disabled person can rent a handicap-accessible vehicle even if they cannot drive. Many travelers with disabilities use a surrogate driver: a licensed companion, caregiver, or family member who operates the vehicle on their behalf.
What rental companies typically require:
- The surrogate driver must present a valid driver's license at pickup
- The driver must be listed on the rental agreement
- Proof of insurance may be required (either personal auto insurance or the rental company's coverage)
When booking, inform the rental company that someone other than the primary renter will be driving. This ensures all paperwork is prepared correctly and avoids delays at pickup.
Call the wheelchair accessible vehicle rental 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 rental companies in most cities, they may not have very many accessible vehicles available for hire, especially for the time period that you are needing it to be used. By calling directly, you will know what options you have when planning the perfect getaway.
Can you use your handicap placard in a rental vehicle in another state?
Most states do accept and allow a valid handicap placard to be used in a different state. But some states do require a temporary travel placard to indicate that your handicap placard is valid and accepted in the state that you are visiting. The best way to check the rules of the state that you are traveling to, is to check the DMV website by exploring their handicap parking page. This will give a better understanding of whether you will need the temporary travel placard in that state. No matter what, take your placard with you when you rent 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 rental cost?
Wheelchair-accessible van rentals typically cost between $100 and $200 per day in the US. However, several factors affect the final price:
Key cost drivers:
- Vehicle type: Lift-equipped vans often cost more than ramp-equipped models due to the mechanical components
- Location: Rentals in major cities or tourist destinations may have higher rates
- Rental duration: Longer rentals often reduce the effective daily rate
- Season: Peak travel periods (holidays, summer) can increase prices
Saving on longer rentals: Many companies offer discounted rates for weekly or monthly rentals. If you’re planning an extended trip, ask about multi-day pricing. You may pay significantly less per day compared to a short-term rental.
Inspecting the wheelchair van rental.
Before accepting the keys, once you have found your wheelchair accessible vehicle rental, roll around the van to make sure that any scratches or dents are notated 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 traveling, I always make sure to take a caregiver with me who can not only assist me with my daily tasks, but also, I choose one who 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 caregiver enough that I can be both well-groomed and alive when I reach my destination. Handicap van rental 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 rent a wheelchair van, you cannot overlook your safety. Before rolling inside and driving it off the lot, 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 secure that your safety is a priority. I normally ask the wheelchair van rental 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 van rental, 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 gas hand 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!
