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Does anyone have experience driving a minivan from a Permobil with an EZ Lock or Permalock system?

 I've got secondary progressive MS and, up until last year, I was able to transfer out of my chair and into the driver's seat of my Dodge Grand Caravan which has hand controls. Now I can't do the transfers anymore and need to have to have my dad, nephew or a friend do the driving for me. I appreciate their help but it does get frustrating because I can't go where and when I want all the time. Plus, I miss the joy and freedom of being able to drive myself.

I was told that either the EZ Lock or Permalock system would work with my chair. Permalock was my first choice because the pin that is mounted on the underside of the chair RETRACTS when not in use so that there's less of (or no) chance of it getting hung up on too-high thresholds or uneven pavement. EZ Lock's pin, in contrast, supposedly hangs down in one position and does not offer much ground clearance. The last thing I want is to be rolling along and have the pin catch on something on the ground that I didn't see. I fell out of my previous chair a couple of times and met the pavement with my face, so I don't want to repeat those experiences ever again.

What happens when the van's driver's seat is removed and a docking system is put in its place? I understand that I just have to drive my chair into the van and position it over the docking system until the pin underneath my chair locks into place. What I'm asking is:

• What happens if someone else wants to or needs to drive my van (think valet, car wash attendant or lube mechanic)?
• Am I supposed to drive around with the driver's seat in the van in case someone might need to use it?
• Would the driver's seat even fit over the docking system?

My dad is also making me doubt the safety of driving the van from my chair:

• What happens if I'm in an accident?
• What happens if the power in the van goes out and I can't get into or out of the docking system?
• What happens if the docking system or pin on the chair malfunctions?

I used to be very self-sufficient and active, so my inability to get out regularly has seriously cramped my style.  Can anyone offer me words of advice or encouragement based on firsthand experience with docking systems?

Thanks!

Patti

Patti;

 

I know exactly where you are coming from.  I was in the same place a few years ago that you are now.  I decided to give up my driver's license.  Here is my reasoning:

 

I did not want to reduce the ground clearance of my powerchair. 

 

In today's lawsuit happy society, if you are in an accident, you will have the pants sued off you whether your MS caused the accident or not.  (You will lose!)

 

I found it increasing difficult (almost imposible) to renew my license because of the poor attitude exhibited by the people at DMV.

 

My neurologist expressed some reservations when asked to complete the DMV paperwork.

 

Since my wife is now the only driver covered on our insurance policy, the premiums went down.  (If you are not a licensed driver but the policy is listed solely in your name, insurance may be problematic.)

 

I realize I am VERY fortunate that I had the option of surrendering my license; not everyone can do this.  But I felt the downside risks were too great.  So, I decided to give up my driving privilege and consider it to be just one more thing that MS has taken away from me.  Now, I am content to let someone else do the driving, or I just stay home and be happy.

I drive a Dodge Braun Entervan with the interior lowered 10 inches.  I drive from my power chair with an EZ Lock system.  The driver and passenger seats are easily removed and rolled down the ramp into the garage.  Reinstallation is a breeze, too.

 

When driving from your power chair, by all means use the available seat belts.  In an accident air bags will deploy as apporopriate, the seat belt will hold you in your chair and the chair will stay in place secured by two EZ Lock hold downs.  If for some reason your vehicles's power fails, EZ Lock has a manual release. 

 

I suggest you research both sysstems on the internet.  After that, go to a mobility dealer if possible and see for your self and ask your questions.

 

Driving will give you the freedom and independence you crave.   Much luck in the pursuit of your dreams. 

 

 

 

Thanks for the encouragement, wazabiker!  I'm not ready to give up yet.

 Have you had any problem with the EZ Lock "hook" underneath your chair getting hung up on anything (uneven pavement, high threshholds, etc.)?  That's one major difference between EZ Lock and Permalock (where the hook retracts).

Of course, cost is a big factor too (the quote I got for Permalock equipment and installation is $3,600 which is out of my league.

Thanks again for the info.

Patti

Hello,

 

I had intended to respond to this message thread a few days ago but have been really busy.  I have a Dodge Caravan with a lowered lower.  Although I do not drive, I use the EZ-Lock.  I think it works quite well.  Although you are correct about the pin/hook under the wheelchair as being a potential problem, I find it rarely gets caught on anything.  The heighth of the pen can be adjusted to provide maximum clearance.  Something like a doorway has never given me any trouble.

 

Good luck,

 

T.K. Small, Brooklyn, New York

Patti, yes, I have problems with high centering on threshholds, some curb cuts, uneven pavement and the like.  I did not know the Permalock system was so expensive.  My EZ Lock was about $2200 installed and I thought that was outrageous. 

 

Ask your installer if the EZ Lock floor mounts could be raised so that the docking peg underneath the chair can be shorter.  Also, when measured for clearance, be sure you tires are fully inflated.

 

If equiupment has a medical purpose, the price is sky high.  Case in point--I wanted an auxillary swithch for tilt and elevation.  Pride Mobility quoted $148 plus installation.  I got exactly what I wanted at Radio Shack for less than five dollars, and the technician wired and soldered it free of charge.  That was five years ago, no problems with the switch. 

Hi Patti,

I have a Town and Country Van with an EZ lock system. I drive from my power chair and sometimes the bolt on my chair does scrape on curbs and rocks. The EZ lock system has a manuel release. I haven't been in a accident-so no help there. You should be able to drive and acquire the independence you desire with just a little practice in driving from a chair. Best of Luck!

 

Stay Strong

Vinny 

I contacted another installer and got better prices on both the Permolock and EZ lock, plus information on a third docking system I'd never heard of (QLK) that's the "cheapest" of all at $1926.  QLK is supposed to be similar to EZ lock, but the pin sits 1.5 inches off the ground.

This installer told me she has a customer with Permolock who has been stranded a few times because the retractable pin on his chair would not retract.

Thanks for bringing up the idea of raising the floor mounts, wazabiker, I'll be sure to ask if that can be done.