Photo courtesy of Vantage Mobility International

Accessible

Vehicles

Q&A

by Alyssa Quintero

Rear vs. side entry.
Buying online.
Buying used.
What do you need to
know to get maximum
benefit for minimum
expense?

Good information is the key to saving money and getting the most value for the dollar when making a big-ticket purchase like a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

With that in mind, Quest consulted the experts for answers to some common questions facing consumers.

Q
Can’t I just go to the
car dealer down the
street? Why do I need
a certified mobility dealer?
A

Certified mobility dealers help
consumers buy the right vehicle
and adaptive equipment to meet
their mobility needs now and in
the future. Future planning is especially
important for people with muscle dis-
eases that get progressively worse over
time.

“There are so many different products out there, and technology has improved so much. We just want to help people make the right decision,” says Sam Cook, president of Superior Van & Mobility based in Louisville, Ky.

“Many times, consumers will go to a

car dealer and buy [a vehicle] that can’t be modified or one that doesn’t fit their needs. And once you buy a vehicle, normally it’s very difficult to return it.”

Cook serves as vice president of the board for the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), a nonprofit organization that provides consumer guidance and ensures quality and professionalism in the manufacturing and installation of mobility equipment. Members include mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers, driver rehabilitation specialists and other professionals.

NMEDA member-dealers must follow the safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to NMEDA’s own stringent guidelines.

Some dealers choose to enroll in NMEDA’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP), which requires them to adhere to national motor vehicle safety standards, and use proven quality control practices to yield the highest level of performance and safety.

“The QAP dealer is audited by an outside engineering firm to verify that technicians have been trained, make sure