A Consumer's Guide to
Purchasing Adaptive Vehicles and Equipment

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An Industry Overview

Buying Adaptive Equipment - Where and What?

What You Need to Know and Decide Before Purchasing

Safety and Compliance

Warranty and Service

Summary – The Top 10 Issues

Funding

Resources

An Industry Overview  back to top

Making an educated purchase of adaptive equipment requires you to understand the industry, its players and the relationship between them. The following are the five key components of this industry:

• Manufacturers – Manufacturers fall into two categories. First is the manufacturer of the original vehicle. This refers to companies such as Ford, Toyota, GM, etc. They are also referred to as the OEM Manufacturer. The second is the manufacturer of the adaptive equipment. These companies either manufacture components that “bolt on” to an OEM vehicle or they perform substantial structural and mechanical alterations to the vehicle such as raising the vehicle’s roof and door or lowering the vehicle floor. Those that manufacture “bolt on” products are referred to as equipment manufacturers and those that perform substantial structural modifications are referred to as second stage manufacturers, alterers, or modifiers. 

• Dealers or Retailers – These are the companies that you, as the consumer, will interact with. They are your retail source for adaptive equipment. They either sell you components and modifications for your existing vehicle or sell you a complete and fully modified vehicle. They are the representatives and distributors of products from many of the second stage manufacturers, alterers or equipment manufacturers.   

• Driver Evaluators and Trainers – These are the professional individuals that determine the equipment needs of disabled persons who wish to drive a vehicle independently. They also provide the required training that disabled individuals need in order to effectively and safely drive a modified vehicle.

• NMEDA – NMEDA is the only international non-profit association that is committed to bringing all of the above together in an effort to ensure that the market place for you, as the consumer, is as professional, consistent, and seamless as possible. NMEDA also facilitates the only Quality Assurance Program (QAP) in the industry for the Dealers.

• Customers – You are the customer. Your needs, desires, size, disability, and resources determine how all of the above work together to provide you with the highest level of quality and the greatest value and safety.NMEDA provides a mediation service for its members and for the consumers if they have a serious problem with the products or services provided by one of its members.

The relationship of all five comes together as follows:

You as the consumer contact a dealer(s)/retailer (NMEDA can provide you with the contact information for the dealer closest to you). The dealer learns about your needs, desires and constraints and determines the vehicle(s) and equipment choices that may fit your needs and give you pricing. You evaluate your options, possibly by consulting several dealers, and make a decision. The dealer then:

1. modifies your vehicle with purchased components from equipment manufacturers and/or internal manufacturing processes, or

2. purchases a modified vehicle from a second-stage manufacturer or a modifier and then adds the final “touches” with components from equipment manufactures, or

3. sends your vehicle to a second-stage manufacturer, or modifier for structural modifications before making the final “touches.”

The Driver Evaluators and trainers fit into the process in several ways:

1. You may see them before you search for dealers and get a prescription outlining what equipment you may need. This process can include your driving vehicles with different equipment to see what suites your needs the best. The evaluator will document your needs in a written prescription. You will then take the prescription to a dealer for pricing.

2. If you have been evaluated by a driver trainer, they will commonly come to the “fitting” of you in your modified vehicle. The “fitting” is the process of positioning all adaptive equipment in the appropriate locations for your needs.

3. Once the vehicle is complete and you are going to be driving the vehicle independently, the driver evaluator/trainer will teach you how to properly and safely drive your modified vehicle.  

During the process, dealers who are NMEDA members and/or participants of NMEDA’s QAP Program, follow and abide by detailed guidelines developed by NMEDA that assist in ensuring that the dealer provides you with a quality product, in an efficient manner, with your and other’s safety being considered.

Buying Adaptive Equipment – Where and What?  back to top

This section outlines some of the key issues you need to consider when making a purchase:

Where: You have the following three options:

1. A dealer with a permanent sales location where you can meet a representative and try equipment options in person.

2. Viewing the products on-line and discuss your options over the phone with a representative.

3. Private Individuals – Private individuals commonly sell their modified vehicle or equipment to others. This can be on-line or in person.

NMEDA’s recommendation is to always use a NMEDA dealer. These dealers greatly help reduce the guess work in purchasing. They have a permanent location which allows you to visit and evaluate them, develop a relationship, and personally see a variety of vehicles and equipment. They can provide you with all of the information in regards to options and choices that are appropriate for you. The process of developing a personal relationship with a dealer can be invaluable. Inappropriate equipment and modifications can be very expensive in the long term and can have safety related issues. 

What to Buy: The options are endless and interaction with industry professionals is crucial. Some considerations are as follows:

1. New and used vehicles are available. Used vehicles can be of great value but will require you to invest time and possibly money to determine the condition and history of the vehicle.

2. New and used equipment are available. Used equipment from dealers will usually have warranties. Used equipment purchased on-line or from private individuals can be very risky. The products may not work in your vehicle, may be inappropriate for you and your wheelchair, or parts may be obsolete or worn out (e.g., wheelchair tie downs.) Also, finding a qualified individual to install adaptive equipment purchased in the private market is hard to find. Most dealers won’t install equipment that they did not sell.

Contacting Manufacturers: As stated previously, there are many equipment manufacturers. Most of them have very informative web sites. You can either research them before you go to a dealer or have a dealer inform you of the brands they carry and then research them. You can contact most manufactures to verify if your dealer is an authorized distributor of their products and confirm if the dealers recommendation are appropriate and applicable to your vehicle. 

NMEDA: NMEDA can help you by providing contact information of dealers in your area and tell you which ones meet the strict requirements of the Quality Assurance Program. NMEDA can also inform you of any unresolved complaints against a particular member. NMEDA cannot provide information on your equipment, vehicle needs or sources of funding.

What You Need to Know and Decide Before Purchasing  back to top

Prior to making a purchase the following must be considered:

• Your Wheelchair or Scooter – The size, dimensions and features of your wheelchair or scooter can greatly influence the vehicle and equipment that will work best for you and can therefore greatly affect the cost of your adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications. It is always preferable to contact a dealer and discuss your needs and desires for your vehicle prior to purchasing your wheelchair or scooter. If you already have your wheelchair or scooter, inform your dealer if you plan on buying a different one soon. This may allow the dealer to recommend adaptive equipment that may be useful for your current and future wheelchair or scooter. For information on wheelchair safety and compliance (e.g., SAEJ2249) visit http://www.travelsafer.org/.

• Will you be using the vehicle independently or with fulltime assistance? – The answer to this question can greatly alter what vehicles and equipment will be appropriate for you. If you have fulltime assistance, you can possibly save considerable money by buying manually operated products as opposed to automatic products. If you will be using the vehicle alone, the dealer will offer you adaptive equipment suited to your specific needs and abilities.

• Will you be remaining in your wheelchair during ingress and egress from the vehicle, and while the vehicle is in motion? – This question can also be dependent on your answer to the previous question. Again, your equipment and vehicle options greatly vary depending on whether you remain in your mobility aid or not when entering, exiting or traveling in the vehicle. Your physical abilities play a significant role in the options that are available to you.

• Are you driving the vehicle with adaptive equipment or riding as a passenger? – Driving a vehicle with adaptive controls can vary from relatively simple inexpensive modifications such as spinner knobs and hand controls to more complicated and expensive systems costing as much as the vehicle. The process of driving a vehicle with adaptive controls is a serious matter and needs to be undertaken in a very thorough manner with many considerations that only industry professionals can assist you with.

• Where and how are you going to use the modified vehicle? - Consider issues such as road conditions in your usage area, weather, number of passengers and cargo weight and size requirements.

The answers to these questions are important to determining options that are available to you. Consulting with NMEDA dealers, manufacturers, driver trainers/evaluators and other members of the disabled community is essential for you to get the best value and the appropriate vehicle/modifications to suite your circumstances. Your NMEDA dealer will help you navigate through the maze of options and decisions that you will be faced with.

Safety and Compliance  back to top

Your safety along with the safety of your passengers and all others on the roadway is a serious consideration when purchasing and using an adaptive vehicle. The following are the four main issues that relate to, and assist with, your safety:

• NMEDA and QAP – Quality Assurance Program – NMEDA provides its members with information and services that make them the most informed and quality minded companies in the industry. NMEDA also provides its members with technical support and represents them and you to the various regulatory agencies so that future regulations consider the needs of the adaptive vehicle industry. NMEDA administers a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) that requires that all participating members be inspected by an independent engineering firm to monitor quality, compliance and other company issues such as insurance and proper registration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The QAP is a voluntary program and participating dealers agree to abide by industry guidelines, developed by NMEDA, in regard to the procedures and process they follow when modifying vehicles. Dealers participating in this process and therefore abiding by the Guidelines, make a substantial effort in both time and money to ensure that their company is evolving with the industry and staying educated. Using these dealers as your source for adaptive equipment can increase the chance that you will receive a vehicle that complies with industry safety standards and that the process of modifying and delivering your modified vehicle to you is done in a manner designed to reduce the chances of undesired catastrophic events.

• NHTSA Registration – NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is a federal government agency that, through the Department of Transportation, develops and enforces safety regulations for OEMs.  All dealers of adaptive equipment are required to be registered with NHTSA and sell adaptive vehicles and modifications that comply with the regulations.  Call 888-DASH-2-DOT (888-327-4236) or go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/Modifier/Index.cfm to verify your dealer is registered. 

• FMVSS – Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards - These are regulations developed and administered by NHTSA that primarily apply to OEMs. You, as a consumer, would require a substantial amount of education to determine if your adaptive vehicle and modifications are in compliance with FMVSS. Always ask your dealer about how they conform to FMVSS and how these regulations relate to your modifications. 

• Delivery Process – The Delivery Process is the term used to describe the method by which the dealer provides you with your completed vehicle. This process should be very thorough and never rushed. Your proper education on how to use and maintain your adaptive equipment and vehicle is crucial in reducing the chances of personal injury to you or those who use your vehicle. During this process you should receive and review the owner’s manuals from each piece of adaptive equipment in your vehicle with your dealer. This is also the time to determine your responsibilities to ensure that the equipment stays in safe and good operating condition.

Warranty and Service  back to top

The level of service and the warranty you receive are substantial factors in what you get for your money. Consider the following questions when making your choices:

• Where is the Service Location?  If you buy from a dealer in your local market your service location is usually the same as the sales location. If you purchase from an on-line retailer or personal individual, finding a service location can be difficult. Many dealers won’t service equipment brands that they do not offer. 

• Is after-hours service available?  With your special needs and your dependence on your adaptive vehicle considered, a system malfunction can be a huge issue. In many cases having access to technicians after normal business hours can be of tremendous value to you. NMEDA dealers provide 24 hour after hours answering service.

• Can you get the adaptive equipment serviced/repaired when on vacation? Buying nationally known brands that are distributed via a dealer network plays a large role in this. As stated before, dealers usually don’t service products they don’t offer. Buying nationally known products that are sold through dealers greatly increases the chances of finding an appropriate service location across the U.S and Canada.

• What are the terms of the warranties?  All adaptive equipment and modifications should come with a warranty. Like vehicle warranties, warranties for adaptive vehicles and equipment vary in terms and coverage. Some warranties only cover parts and others cover parts and labor. Always require the dealer to provide you with the written terms of all warranties during the sales process. Extended warranties should also be considered. Repairs to adaptive equipment can be very expensive and warranties can help lower the lifetime operating costs of the equipment.

Summary – The Top 10 Factors  back to top

The following are our Top 10 Factors that determine what you need to consider and what your end result will be. No matter how or where you make your purchase, consideration must be given to all these factors:

1. The Consumer – You, as the consumer, have special needs and abilities. You need to consider all of these factors and what your abilities and needs will be for the life of the vehicle.

2. Wheelchair or scooter – If you are staying in a wheelchair, the size, dimensions, and type of wheelchair or scooter that you have or will be purchasing can alter what vehicles and equipment are available to you.

3. Vehicle – There are many vehicle choices. Where, how, and why you will be using the vehicle as well as your adaptive equipment needs dictates your choices. Consider issues such as living off a dirt road, the need to carry several passengers frequently, or whether you will travel in your wheelchair.

4. Products – Many products are available. Only industry professionals can determine what combination of products are best suited for you based on your vehicle, wheelchair, and your specific needs.

5. Compliance – Compliance with industry standards and Federal regulations assists you in getting a vehicle, equipment, and/or modifications that are safe and appropriate.

6. Delivery Process – The time and effort spent by your dealer in educating you about your products and modifications can provide you with critical safety, maintenance, and usage information.

7. Training – Being properly trained in the use of adaptive driving controls, equipment and related systems saves lives.

8. Warranties – Warranties can greatly alter the life time costs of owning, operating, and maintaining an adaptive vehicle.

9. Service – Servicing adaptive equipment and adapted vehicles is not the same as a routine oil change. Strong consideration needs to be given to your ability to easily and efficiently get your adaptive equipment serviced.

10. Your Comfort – Your comfort with the purchase process and all related issues is the final word. Always be fully informed about the above issues, develop personal relationships with your retailer, speak with references, research companies and products and make a decision only when your are comfortable. If you are not, something may not be right. 

Funding  back to top

Purchasing a modified vehicle can be very expensive. There is no cure all to finding funding for these purchases. Below are a few options to research:

• State Agencies – Every state has a Vocational Rehabilitation Program. These are state funded programs that assist disabled individuals to get back into or remain in the work place. In some cases they provide funding for vehicle modifications. Check with your local program for qualifications.

• Veterans Administration – The Veterans Administration funds adaptive equipment for qualifying veterans. Inquire at http://www.va.gov/about_va/ or call Bruce Grimes (202-273-7124)

• Charitable Organizations/Churches – The options here are extensive. You will have to research what is available in you local market.

• Mobility Rebate Programs – Most vehicle manufacturers (Ford, GM Toyota, etc.) provide rebates to purchasers of new vehicles that require modifications for disabilities. Before you purchase a new vehicle for modifications, inquire with the dealer about applicable rebates.

• Special Finance Programs – A wide variety of programs are available for financing mobility vehicles including loans with extended terms, leasing packages and more. Please ask your dealer representative for more information about special financing programs offered.  

Resources  back to top

1. NMEDA - www.nmeda.org/consumers.htm - This website will assist you in finding many industry organizations, contacts to VA and VR agencies, OEM Rebate Programs, Mobility Equipment Dealers, and industry information.

2. NHTSA – www.nhtsa.gov - The portal to the Federal agency that regulates adaptive vehicles. Once on the home page click “Traffic Safety” at the top of the page then select “Disabled Drivers and Passengers”

3. RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety - www.rercwts.org - This page gives important information about WC-19 compliant wheelchairs. These are wheelchairs designed to be safe during transit in a vehicle.

4. ADED - The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists - www.driver-ed.org – On this site you can locate Driver Trainers/Evaluators (CDRS) - Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists.

5. Ride Safe Brochure – www.travelsafer.org – Information to help you travel more safely in motor vehicles while seated in your wheelchair.

6. Lawrence W. Schneider, Ph.D.
   Research Professor
   Head, Biosciences Division
   The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
   Chair, RESNA Committee on Wheelchairs and Transportation
   Director, RERC on Wheelchair Transportation Safety
   Ph: 734 936-1103
   Fax: 734 647-3330
   email: lws@umich.ed