Many driver and passenger requirements can be accommodated through accessible private hire vehicles. These can be used for work away from home, temporary use when a personal accessible car is being repaired or for holidays.
A range of accessible cars and vans through specialised companies are available for hire to cater for a range of disabilities and include:
- vans adapted to accommodate wheelchairs
- automatic transmission cars adapted with hand controls
- automatic transmission cars with adapted foot controls such as accelerator operation with the left foot.
Some accessible hire vehicles can also be organised with a driver if required. They may also come with roadside assistance in case of breakdown and be hired for short or longer term use and be of varying sizes depending on the number of passengers required. When choosing a vehicle, consideration may also need to be given to insurance costs and vehicle delivery or return fees.
Mainstream car rental agencies may also offer vans modified for wheelchair use.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
If people need to travel for work it is not always possible to take a personal vehicle especially if travelling interstate. Accessible hire vehicles are now available in most parts of Australia to enable independent travel for people with disability when it’s not possible to use a personal vehicle. Accessible taxis are also available if a car is not required at all times and a shorter journey is required.
For information on private hire vehicles, please see the links below:
References
Disability Hire Vehicles 2010, Transport for the Independent Disabled Traveller, Disability Hire Vehicles, Sydney, viewed 5 December 2011, http://www.disabilityhire.com.au/.
Flashcab Rentals 2008, Wheel Chair Access Car Hire Pty Ltd, Arundel, viewed 5 December 2011, http://www.flashcabrentals.com.au/.
Freedom Motors 2011, Accessible Vehicle Rentals, Freedom Motors Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 5 December 2011, http://www.freedommotorsaustralia.com.au/rentals/.
Wheelaway 2010, About Wheelaway, Wheelaway, Melbourne, viewed 5 December 2011, http://www.wheelaway.com.au/.