Every client comes to us with a different situation, but a lot of the same questions come up along the way, servicing, funding, what's actually possible for your circumstances, and who else needs to be involved. Below are some of the questions we're asked most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch and we're happy to talk it through.
How often should a wheelchair hoist be serviced?
We recommend servicing a wheelchair hoist once a year. Hoists are generally very reliable, but regular maintenance helps them keep working as they should, and means you're never suddenly stuck without a way to get into your vehicle.
What happens if my new wheelchair doesn't fit my van's existing docking system?
As power wheelchairs are replaced or upgraded, the docking fixture underneath may need to change too. Book a time with us and we'll fit a new docking fixture to your chair, usually up to a day's work, depending on the situation.
What are my options for lifting a folding wheelchair into a car boot?
Boot cranes are a common solution. A 2-way crane brings the chair up or down and can be manually swung in and out of the boot. A 4-way crane does this electrically, up, down, in and out, which can be especially helpful for carers or partners managing the lift themselves.
What driving aids are available for people with limited grip, arm strength or shoulder pain?
Steering wheel spinners (also called steering knobs) mounted on the wheel allow full steering control with one hand. Some versions also include a button to operate the indicators, useful if reaching the indicator stalk is difficult.
How should families plan vehicle needs as a child with a disability grows?
It's worth thinking ahead before lifting and transfers become physically difficult for a parent or caregiver. As a child grows, they may eventually need to travel in their buggy or wheelchair rather than a car seat. A larger mobility van can often cover a wide range of future scenarios and protect the caregiver's back in the process.
Can I still drive if I have a long-term leg or foot injury?
Often, yes; a left-foot accelerator is a common solution for drivers who can no longer safely use their right leg. This modification requires a full assessment by a specialist Transport Occupational Therapist. ACC-covered clients can get a referral through ACC; others can be connected with a local assessor. We fit and certify left-foot accelerators and can also arrange driving lessons through our qualified driving instructor.
Can amputees drive, and how is a modified vehicle funded?
Many double amputees drive successfully using hand controls, and in some cases with prostheses. A specialist Transport Occupational Therapist assessment is required first. Funding may be available through Enable NZ or a Lotteries Grant, and we can put you in touch with local assessors.
What are the options for stowing a wheelchair after a shoulder injury?
A highline roof hoist, fitted to the roof of the car, allows safe wheelchair stowage without straining the shoulder or arm — a good short-term or long-term option for hand-control drivers recovering from or managing a shoulder injury.
Can utes be modified for wheelchair users or drivers with disabilities?
Yes. We regularly modify utes and 4WDs for clients who want to keep hunting, fishing or driving in the back country. Every build is different depending on the client's abilities and lifestyle, but there's usually a solution.
What hand control options exist for drivers with reduced hand strength?
The right base vehicle matters; some cars naturally have lighter steering than others, and some newer models let you switch between light and heavy power steering settings. Depending on the vehicle's internal power-steering mechanism, we can sometimes lighten the steering to suit a weaker grip.
What can help ageing drivers who feel less secure when transferring into their car?
A fold-away transfer plate fitted at the driver's seat, along with added handles and grips, can make transfers feel more secure — a common solution for long-term hand control users whose transfers have become more difficult with age.
Can people with short stature or dwarfism drive a standard vehicle?
Often yes, with the right modifications. Built-up pedals are a common and effective solution for drivers of short stature, though we'd always recommend a Transport Occupational Therapist assessment first to confirm the right setup.
Can stroke survivors drive again?
Often, yes. A Transport Occupational Therapist assessment will look at physical and cognitive function to determine what's possible. For drivers with one-sided weakness, a left-foot accelerator paired with a steering wheel spinner is a common combination that restores independent driving.
How are wheelchairs secured in accessible taxi vans?
Accessible taxi vans use a restraint system that firmly secures each corner of the wheelchair to the floor, and a seatbelt is a legal requirement on top of this. If you're new to wheelchair travel, a short trial taxi journey is a good way to build confidence before you need to rely on it.
Who is involved in getting a vehicle modification funded and approved?
Most modifications for long-term disabilities require an assessment by a specialist Transport Occupational Therapist, who can also connect you with funding options such as ACC, Enable NZ or a Lotteries Grant. We work alongside these assessors throughout the process.
We recommend servicing a wheelchair hoist once a year. Hoists are generally very reliable, but regular maintenance helps them keep working as they should, and means you're never suddenly stuck without a way to get into your vehicle.
What happens if my new wheelchair doesn't fit my van's existing docking system?
As power wheelchairs are replaced or upgraded, the docking fixture underneath may need to change too. Book a time with us and we'll fit a new docking fixture to your chair, usually up to a day's work, depending on the situation.
What are my options for lifting a folding wheelchair into a car boot?
Boot cranes are a common solution. A 2-way crane brings the chair up or down and can be manually swung in and out of the boot. A 4-way crane does this electrically, up, down, in and out, which can be especially helpful for carers or partners managing the lift themselves.
What driving aids are available for people with limited grip, arm strength or shoulder pain?
Steering wheel spinners (also called steering knobs) mounted on the wheel allow full steering control with one hand. Some versions also include a button to operate the indicators, useful if reaching the indicator stalk is difficult.
How should families plan vehicle needs as a child with a disability grows?
It's worth thinking ahead before lifting and transfers become physically difficult for a parent or caregiver. As a child grows, they may eventually need to travel in their buggy or wheelchair rather than a car seat. A larger mobility van can often cover a wide range of future scenarios and protect the caregiver's back in the process.
Can I still drive if I have a long-term leg or foot injury?
Often, yes; a left-foot accelerator is a common solution for drivers who can no longer safely use their right leg. This modification requires a full assessment by a specialist Transport Occupational Therapist. ACC-covered clients can get a referral through ACC; others can be connected with a local assessor. We fit and certify left-foot accelerators and can also arrange driving lessons through our qualified driving instructor.
Can amputees drive, and how is a modified vehicle funded?
Many double amputees drive successfully using hand controls, and in some cases with prostheses. A specialist Transport Occupational Therapist assessment is required first. Funding may be available through Enable NZ or a Lotteries Grant, and we can put you in touch with local assessors.
What are the options for stowing a wheelchair after a shoulder injury?
A highline roof hoist, fitted to the roof of the car, allows safe wheelchair stowage without straining the shoulder or arm — a good short-term or long-term option for hand-control drivers recovering from or managing a shoulder injury.
Can utes be modified for wheelchair users or drivers with disabilities?
Yes. We regularly modify utes and 4WDs for clients who want to keep hunting, fishing or driving in the back country. Every build is different depending on the client's abilities and lifestyle, but there's usually a solution.
What hand control options exist for drivers with reduced hand strength?
The right base vehicle matters; some cars naturally have lighter steering than others, and some newer models let you switch between light and heavy power steering settings. Depending on the vehicle's internal power-steering mechanism, we can sometimes lighten the steering to suit a weaker grip.
What can help ageing drivers who feel less secure when transferring into their car?
A fold-away transfer plate fitted at the driver's seat, along with added handles and grips, can make transfers feel more secure — a common solution for long-term hand control users whose transfers have become more difficult with age.
Can people with short stature or dwarfism drive a standard vehicle?
Often yes, with the right modifications. Built-up pedals are a common and effective solution for drivers of short stature, though we'd always recommend a Transport Occupational Therapist assessment first to confirm the right setup.
Can stroke survivors drive again?
Often, yes. A Transport Occupational Therapist assessment will look at physical and cognitive function to determine what's possible. For drivers with one-sided weakness, a left-foot accelerator paired with a steering wheel spinner is a common combination that restores independent driving.
How are wheelchairs secured in accessible taxi vans?
Accessible taxi vans use a restraint system that firmly secures each corner of the wheelchair to the floor, and a seatbelt is a legal requirement on top of this. If you're new to wheelchair travel, a short trial taxi journey is a good way to build confidence before you need to rely on it.
Who is involved in getting a vehicle modification funded and approved?
Most modifications for long-term disabilities require an assessment by a specialist Transport Occupational Therapist, who can also connect you with funding options such as ACC, Enable NZ or a Lotteries Grant. We work alongside these assessors throughout the process.