Today it’s easier than ever to rent a vehicle that will serve your needs as a person with a disability. Several major car rental agencies in the United States offer cars for the physically challenged and several companies exist that offer accessible vans throughout the United States and into Canada. Whether you’re planning to attend a special event in-town, take a short excursion, or go on your dream vacation, a little time spent planning ahead can make your adaptive car or van rental a pleasant and safe experience. Consider the following before you reserve a vehicle:
Why you’re renting People rent vehicles for a wide variety of reasons, including local excursions, vacations, and special occasions like weddings, funeral, graduations, and reunions. You might also want to try out various options by renting before purchasing specialized equipment and/or an accessible vehicle. Trying before buying can help you assess features before making a big purchase.
1. Your physical abilities and accessibility needs. If you’ll be the driver, think about what accessible equipment you’ll need. Major automobile rental companies can easily install hand controls and spinner knobs (let them know if you’ll need left or right) and offer other assistive and adaptive devices, including left foot accelerators, transfer boards, swivel seats, and panoramic mirrors for vehicles in their standard fleet. Accessible van rental companies—devoted entirely to meeting the needs of disabled persons—provide mini and/or full-size vans with wheelchair ramps or lift systems, raised roofs or lowered floors, four-point tie downs, power driver seats, and remote control power doors and power ramps. They can also provide hand controls and spinner knobs. Keep in mind that not every location offers both transport-type vehicles that enable you to transport a person with disabilities and vans that are drivable by people with disabilities.
In addition to your driving and/or seat needs, think about any assistance you’ll need getting in and out of the vehicle. While transferring unassisted or with a transfer board might be manageable for an occasional transfer, if you’ll be traveling for an extended period you might want to consider a van with a lift rather than a smaller vehicle.
2. Who will be driving.Most automobile rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, but some—especially accessible van rental companies—require a minimum age of 23 or 25. If the person with a disability is not going to be the driver, he or she can still rent the car and charge it to a credit card as long as their driver meets the minimum age requirements and has a valid driver’s license. If you’ll be traveling alone, Dale Richardson, president of Wheelchair Getaways, recommends renting from a company that will meet you with the vehicle to show you how to use the equipment. Some adaptive rental companies can also provide drivers or point you to companies in the area who provide this service.
3. The size vehicle you’ll need.Think about how many people you’ll be traveling with, how much luggage you’ll be bringing, whether any of the bags will be oversized, and whether you’ll need space for one or more wheelchairs or scooters. While a smaller vehicle might be fine for short excursions, consider renting a larger vehicle for longer trips so everything—and everyone—fits comfortably.
4. When you’ll be traveling.Since rental companies have limited stock on hand, it’s best to call as soon as you know your plans. Most companies require a minimum of 24 to 48 hour advance reservations for adapted vehicles, but some companies may be able to accommodate shorter notice.
If you’ll be traveling during peak times, make sure you plan far in advance—weeks or even months. Thanksgiving, Christmas, school breaks, Rose and Super Bowls, and large conventions are among the busiest rental periods. Traveling to tourist destinations, like popular Florida attractions and great snow in Colorado, during peak season are also busy rental times. According to Tammy Smith, president of Wheelers, the oldest accessible van rental company in the United States, another peak time is Mother’s Day, when people rent vehicles to take mom out to celebrate the special day. If your travel plans are flexible, Smith recommends calling ahead about vehicle availability before making plane or train reservations; sometimes changing your dates by a day or two may mean a vehicle will be available.
5. How long you’ll need the vehicle. Companies generally offer multiple day/week and/or special weekend rates. Weekend rates usually run from 12 noon, Thursday to Monday. Expect to pay between $80 and $135 per day for accessible van rentals. Automobile rental companies offer accessible equipment at no extra charge from their usual rates. Shop around for the best price, which can vary widely between the major companies.
6. How far you’ll be traveling. An adapted sedan might be fine for short excursions or running errands around town, but if you’re taking a longer trip with the family, you might want to consider renting a mini- or full-size van instead. Wheelchair users often find accessible vans safer and more comfortable for longer excursions. Keep in mind that some dealers offer unlimited mileage while others charge per mile over a set number of miles. Always ask, and read the contract thoroughly before signing.7. Will you be traveling by air or train or otherwise need delivery? If you’re renting an accessible van, find out ahead of time if the company will meet you at the airport or railway terminal. This helps alleviate the stress that can accompany traveling. If you’re using one of the car rental companies, most offer accessible vans for pickup but call ahead to make sure they’re aware of your needs for both pick-up and drop-off of the vehicle. The company can provide special transportation if their regular shuttle buses aren’t accessible. If you’re renting a vehicle from a location other than an airport or major train hub, find out if the company offers delivery to your door. Most accessible van companies do, as does Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
8. How often you’ll be renting.If you are a frequent traveler consider joining a rental company’s Preferred Customer program that will speed up your reservations, pick-up and drop-off process.
9. Other things to consider • Find out how the rental fleet is. Richardson points out that since accessible vans have many modifications, this leads to a high maintenance rate. While some accessible van companies rent used vans that are also up for sale, Wheelchair Getaways prides itself in having the newest rental fleet available with each vehicle being no more than five years old with less than 60,000 miles driven.
• Plan ahead if you’ll need a scooter or wheelchair when you arrive at your destination. Accessible van rental companies also rent these.
• Companies should allow you to bring your service animal, including guide dogs, signal dogs, or other individually trained animals who work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. You shouldn’t be required to provide any type of identification or certification of the animal having been trained. You also shouldn’t be required to be separated from your service animal at any time.
• Some companies provide information on local accessibility, including tourist attractions, restaurants, and lodging, so ask a representative if you think you might need this information.
Once you’ve decided on your rental needs, call one or more of the toll-free numbers listed below to reserve a vehicle and, if needed, to discuss options for traveling between airport terminals and off-site rental car lots. Some companies have a line devoted solely to people with disabilities, while others will transfer you to a dedicated line once you’ve identified yourself as an individual with a mobility issue.
AVA Accessible Vans of America 888-282-8267www.accessiblevans.com
Wheelers Accessible Vans800-456-1371www.wheelersvanrentals.com
Wheelchair Getaways800-642-2042www.wheelchair-getaways.com
Rainbow Wheels of Florida (Florida Only)800-910-8267www.rainbowwheels.com
Alamo Rent-A-Car800-651-1223 800-522-9292 TTYwww.alamo.com
Avis Rent-A-CarAvis Cares® Program800-331-1212 800-331-2323 TTYwww.avis.com
Budget Rent-A-Car888-221-1203800-826-5510 TDDwww.budget.com
Dollar Rent-A-Car800-800-3665 800-232-3301 TTYwww.dollar.com
Enterprise Rent-A-Car800-325-8007 866-534-9270 TTYwww.enterprise.com
Hertz800-654-3131800-654-2280 TDDwww.hertz.com
National Car Rental888-273-5262 800-328-6323 TTYwww.nationalcar.com
Read more:For information on other types of accessible vehicles, see New ATV Models are Accessible For All Abilities.
Check out Get Up and Get Out: Accessible Outdoors to learn about ability-equipped RV's and accessible campsites.
For accessible transportation information, see Transportation Resources.
April 3, 2008 computergeek1020 said:
I just found out my local company has changed their name to Ability Van Rentals. Just in case anybody needs to rent a van in Ohio, their website is www.abilityvanrentals.com. I noticed they weren't listed in this article.
