Nidge2 wrote:
So if a rear loader get @rse ended and mullers the doors how do you get the wheelchair and passenger out? They can't climb over the folded seats because they're in a wheelchair.
My answer is for those who travel in the wheelchair, since those that can get out of their chairs usually do.
When a wheelchair user travels in their wheelchair, they don't get in or out on their own whether, side or rear loading. The clue is in the word
wheelchair which the vast majority use because they have mobility problems. The wheelchair is supposed to be fixed into the vehicle with straps or clamps, which no wheelchair used can remove on their own. Therefore it follows that assistance is required to remove them in the event of an accident.
There is generally only one designated door for loading/unloading a wheelchair passenger in any type of WAV. In the case of TX vehicles it is well known that it is difficult to get a wheelchair passenger in or out of the correct door, even without any accident damage to it. The door on the offside is restricted by the driver's partition and would require the passenger to be removed from their wheelchair.
In my rear loading WAV - A VW Sharan, which cost rather more than £10k when new - I do not require to fold up seats or remove seats to carry a Wheelchair passenger. They sit in the area originally intended for the rearmost row of passengers. The centre row of seats are all quick release and easily removed in event of an accident. This gives two alternative exits for the passenger to be removed, instead of the one alternative found in most side loaders.
Incidentally, how many alternative exits does your saloon have for a decamped wheelchair user sitting in the front of your saloon? I would imagine the gearstick, centre console and steering wheel would present formidable problems, even with assistance.
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I've driven a WAV before, a proper on with side loading doors on the nearside kerb, not on the back loading ones from the road. Read the RAJAR report on rear loading WAV's, they don't like them neither do some of the diabled groups.
Yes, everyone's an expert after five minutes driving someone else's motor, aren't they? Reports normally say as much about the people who commissioned them and their intent. I'd love to read it though, have you got a link?
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What would you buy a £10,000 rear loader that's good for nothing or a £25,000 motor that does the job correctly and has two escape doors in the event of a rear end shunt?
I think I've answered that already.
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Come on common sense will prevail on this one.
I agree. Let me know when you acquire some.
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