Explore the world on your own terms with wheelchair accessible car rentals. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about renting accessible vehicles, including hand controls, wheelchair-accessible vans, and booking strategies.
Wheelchair Accessible Car Rentals
Types of Accessible Rental Vehicles
Understanding the different types of accessible rental vehicles available can help you choose the right option for your needs.
Hand Control Vehicles
- Hand control systems - Vehicles equipped with hand controls for acceleration and braking
- Left-foot accelerator - Vehicles with left-foot accelerator for right-leg disabilities
- Spinner knobs - Vehicles with spinner knobs for easier steering
- Pedal extensions - Vehicles with pedal extensions for shorter drivers
- Automatic transmission - Vehicles with automatic transmission for easier operation
Wheelchair Accessible Vans
- Ramp access - Vans with wheelchair ramps for easy entry and exit
- Lift systems - Vans with wheelchair lift systems
- Wheelchair securement - Vans with wheelchair securement systems
- Driver position - Vans with accessible driver positions
- Passenger position - Vans with accessible passenger positions
Convertible Vehicles
- Convertible cars - Cars that can be converted for wheelchair access
- Convertible vans - Vans that can be converted for wheelchair access
- Modular systems - Vehicles with modular accessibility systems
- Quick conversion - Vehicles with quick conversion capabilities
Major Rental Car Companies
Several major rental car companies offer accessible vehicles, though availability varies by location.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Hand control vehicles - Hand control vehicles available at select locations
- Wheelchair accessible vans - Wheelchair accessible vans available at select locations
- Accessibility services - Comprehensive accessibility services and assistance
- Booking process - Special booking process for accessible vehicles
- Pickup and delivery - Pickup and delivery services for accessible vehicles
Hertz
- Hand control vehicles - Hand control vehicles available at select locations
- Wheelchair accessible vans - Wheelchair accessible vans available at select locations
- Accessibility services - Comprehensive accessibility services and assistance
- Booking process - Special booking process for accessible vehicles
- Pickup and delivery - Pickup and delivery services for accessible vehicles
Avis
- Hand control vehicles - Hand control vehicles available at select locations
- Wheelchair accessible vans - Wheelchair accessible vans available at select locations
- Accessibility services - Comprehensive accessibility services and assistance
- Booking process - Special booking process for accessible vehicles
- Pickup and delivery - Pickup and delivery services for accessible vehicles
Budget
- Hand control vehicles - Hand control vehicles available at select locations
- Wheelchair accessible vans - Wheelchair accessible vans available at select locations
- Accessibility services - Comprehensive accessibility services and assistance
- Booking process - Special booking process for accessible vehicles
- Pickup and delivery - Pickup and delivery services for accessible vehicles
Specialized Accessible Rental Companies
Specialized companies focus exclusively on accessible vehicle rentals and often offer better service and selection.
Wheelchair Getaways
- Wheelchair accessible vans - Wide selection of wheelchair accessible vans
- Hand control vehicles - Hand control vehicles available
- Accessibility services - Comprehensive accessibility services and assistance
- Nationwide coverage - Nationwide coverage with multiple locations
- Specialized equipment - Specialized accessibility equipment and modifications
Accessible Vans of America
- Wheelchair accessible vans - Wide selection of wheelchair accessible vans
- Hand control vehicles - Hand control vehicles available
- Accessibility services - Comprehensive accessibility services and assistance
- Nationwide coverage - Nationwide coverage with multiple locations
- Specialized equipment - Specialized accessibility equipment and modifications
Mobility Works
- Wheelchair accessible vans - Wide selection of wheelchair accessible vans
- Hand control vehicles - Hand control vehicles available
- Accessibility services - Comprehensive accessibility services and assistance
- Nationwide coverage - Nationwide coverage with multiple locations
- Specialized equipment - Specialized accessibility equipment and modifications
Booking Accessible Rental Vehicles
Booking accessible rental vehicles requires special consideration and advance planning.
Pre-Booking Considerations
- Book early - Book accessible vehicles as early as possible
- Contact directly - Contact rental companies directly about accessible vehicles
- Verify availability - Verify availability of accessible vehicles at your destination
- Check requirements - Check driver's license and insurance requirements
- Plan for pickup - Plan for pickup and delivery of accessible vehicles
Booking Process
- Special booking process - Accessible vehicles require special booking process
- Documentation requirements - Special documentation requirements for accessible vehicles
- Insurance considerations - Special insurance considerations for accessible vehicles
- Deposit requirements - Special deposit requirements for accessible vehicles
- Cancellation policies - Special cancellation policies for accessible vehicles
Hand Controls and Adaptations
Understanding hand controls and vehicle adaptations can help you choose the right accessible vehicle.
Types of Hand Controls
- Push-pull hand controls - Push-pull hand controls for acceleration and braking
- Push-right hand controls - Push-right hand controls for acceleration and braking
- Left-foot accelerator - Left-foot accelerator for right-leg disabilities
- Spinner knobs - Spinner knobs for easier steering
- Pedal extensions - Pedal extensions for shorter drivers
Vehicle Adaptations
- Steering adaptations - Steering adaptations for easier operation
- Brake adaptations - Brake adaptations for easier operation
- Accelerator adaptations - Accelerator adaptations for easier operation
- Gear shift adaptations - Gear shift adaptations for easier operation
- Mirror adaptations - Mirror adaptations for better visibility
Wheelchair Accessible Van Features
Wheelchair accessible vans offer specific features designed for wheelchair users.
Entry and Exit Features
- Ramp systems - Ramp systems for easy wheelchair entry and exit
- Lift systems - Lift systems for easy wheelchair entry and exit
- Wide doorways - Wide doorways for easy wheelchair access
- Low floors - Low floors for easy wheelchair access
- Automatic doors - Automatic doors for easy operation
Interior Features
- Wheelchair securement - Wheelchair securement systems for safety
- Accessible seating - Accessible seating options
- Accessible controls - Accessible controls for easy operation
- Accessible storage - Accessible storage options
- Accessible lighting - Accessible lighting options
International Accessible Car Rentals
Renting accessible vehicles internationally requires additional planning and consideration.
International Considerations
- Driver's license requirements - International driver's license requirements
- Insurance requirements - International insurance requirements
- Vehicle availability - Limited availability of accessible vehicles internationally
- Language barriers - Language barriers when booking accessible vehicles
- Cultural differences - Cultural differences in accessibility services
Country-Specific Information
- European rentals - Accessible vehicle rentals in Europe
- Asian rentals - Accessible vehicle rentals in Asia
- Australian rentals - Accessible vehicle rentals in Australia
- Canadian rentals - Accessible vehicle rentals in Canada
- Other countries - Accessible vehicle rentals in other countries
Cost Considerations
Accessible rental vehicles often cost more than standard rental vehicles due to specialized equipment and modifications.
Cost Factors
- Specialized equipment - Cost of specialized accessibility equipment
- Modifications - Cost of vehicle modifications
- Limited availability - Higher costs due to limited availability
- Insurance costs - Higher insurance costs for accessible vehicles
- Maintenance costs - Higher maintenance costs for accessible vehicles
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Book early - Book early for better rates
- Compare prices - Compare prices from multiple rental companies
- Look for discounts - Look for discounts and promotions
- Consider alternatives - Consider alternative transportation options
- Plan for longer rentals - Plan for longer rentals for better rates
Insurance and Legal Considerations
Understanding insurance and legal considerations is important when renting accessible vehicles.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance - Liability insurance requirements
- Collision insurance - Collision insurance requirements
- Comprehensive insurance - Comprehensive insurance requirements
- Personal injury protection - Personal injury protection requirements
- Uninsured motorist coverage - Uninsured motorist coverage requirements
Legal Considerations
- Driver's license requirements - Driver's license requirements for accessible vehicles
- Medical requirements - Medical requirements for accessible vehicles
- Age requirements - Age requirements for accessible vehicles
- Experience requirements - Experience requirements for accessible vehicles
- Training requirements - Training requirements for accessible vehicles
Additional Resources
For more information about accessible travel: