Auto Access
Auto access products are designed to help people with limited mobility
hit the road and travel independently. Services and products
range from the entry level, such as ramps and simple lifts, to the more
detailed, such as complete vehicle conversions. Many HMEs can ease
their way into providing auto access with the more “entry level” products,
as those items often do not necessitate the tools and expertise that
massive van conversion projects require.
For instance, ramps are used for patients that are traveling with a
caregiver who can help them get in and out of the vehicle, and that
help take care of getting the mobility device in and out of the vehicle.
Or they can be used for patients with only limited mobility that can be
ambulatory for short durations of time and that are capability of setting
up the ramp and loading and unloading the device on their own.
Also, lifts attach to a vehicle and allow a power mobility device user
or caregiver to roll the device onto the lift, secure it and hit the road.
But, they do not require overhaul of a vehicle like a conversion would.
Auto access continues to provide an attractive retail sales category
for providers, which is important because tighter Medicare funding has
forced providers to seek new revenue streams. Here are some recent
solutions on the market:
Harmar Mobility LLC
AL580-HDX
Heavy-duty vehicle lift carries hefty chairs
- High-capacity hitch mounted lift.
- Designed to carry popular heavy-duty power
wheelchairs on a hitch-mounted vehicle lift.
- Ideal for large power wheelchairs that can’t
be carried inside a vehicle (due to size
restraints).
R82
Quokka
Quokka keeps children in casts and braces comfortable and safe
The Quokka is a convertible child restraint system that meets a range of postural requirements with an ergonomic design. The Quokka can be used in rear facing for a child that weighs 5 – 39.6 lbs, and forward-facing orientation can be used for a child that weighs 22 – 39.6 lbs. The Quokka’s Spica positioning wedge ensures a casted user is kept both upright and stable during transit. The sides of the seat are specially formed to fit legs that are casted or in a brace, while the head and neck are held secure with the adjustable head support and multi positional 5-point safety harness.
BraunAbility
Turny Evo Seat
Turny Evo Seat makes handicap vehicle transfer smooth, effortless
The BraunAbility Turny Evo mobility seat is a vehicle transfer seat for SUVs, trucks and vans that moves completely outside the vehicle and lowers it down to the user’s desired level. This makes it easier for you to sit down or transfer from a wheelchair. Once you're seated, push a button and the Turny Evo transfer seat will lift you inside the vehicle. The Turny Evo vehicle transfer seat can lower the seat to users’ level, whether they’re transferring from wheelchair to seat or seat to wheelchair, you can always transfer to a lower point.
AMF-Bruns of America
SmartRamp
SmartRamp makes transportation for wheelchair users easier
SmartRamp from AMF-Bruns is designed for both minivans and full-sized vans and intended to make transportation of wheelchair users easier by speeding up vehicle entry and exit. Available in an optional swivel model, the ramp is produced with lightweight perforated aluminum metal profiles, which are non-slip and ultra-strong. The ramp is fitted with a quick-locking system and features single-hand operation with two handles and pneumatic absorber. Weight capacity ranges from Standard 660 pounds, Extra Load Capacity at 440 pounds and Total Capacity at 1100 pounds.
AMF-Bruns of America
eFutureSafe Head & Backrest Seatbelt Anchorage
AMF-Bruns releases versatile wheelchair anchorage system
The eFutureSafe Head & Backrest Seatbelt Anchorage provides customized head, back and neck adjustments for drivers with upper extremity issues. With a hand-controlled adjustment feature, users can customize head, back and neck adjustments. When not in use, the device turns inward toward the vehicle wall, leaving space for a seat. The patented design meets all applicable regulations and is compatible with AMF-Bruns restraint systems. Other features include an integrated certified 3-pt shoulder belt and emergency release.
AMF-Bruns of America
EasyPull Winch & Restraint System
Ramp winch and restraint system loads and secures wheelchairs
- Winch and restraint system pulls the wheelchair and passenger up the ramp and into the vehicle and secures the wheelchair to the vehicle.
- Features automatic tensioning; signal sounds to indicate if wheelchair is unlatched; two speed levels; and a compact design.
- Meets the applications of RESNA, WC18, ISO 10542 and DIN 7500-2.