Suggestions for a car that fits a wheelchair in the boot

apple_muncher

We now have a wheelchair user in the household and currently squeeze it into our hyundai i20 by removing one of the quick release wheels, folding the back down and squishing it into the back seat. This is not ideal, both for the car and the chair!

Therefore we are looking to change cars to a hybrid electric one (we do not have any means of charging at home due to the construction of the estate).

With the back folded down, the chair measures 23"x35"x35"

We want a car where the chair will fit into the boot without removing the wheels. We do not have access to motability allowance money.

I hope that this is enough information - do say if I've missed anything.

All suggestions welcome.

fatbelly

You are asking for a regular hybrid with a big boot.

How big a car do you want as it's a bit of a step up from an i20 to say a Skoda Kodiak or Peugeot 5008.

Any reason why you couldn't consider a traditional drivetrain?

How new do you want it?

Grumpy_chap

Do you need the rear passenger seats in the car?

If not, Honda Jazz with the "magic seats". Also avoiding the need to lift the wheelchair up high to get it in or out of the car.

I think some Civic cars also had the "magic seats" option.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6681645/suggestions-for-a-car-that-fits-a-wheelchair-in-the-boot

Basically you just need a bigger style of car. SUVs are popular but they do not always have a lot of boot space, unless you go big and expensive.

So probably a reasonably large hatchback or estate is probably the best bet, and will easily fit a folded up wheelchair that size.

437222

It could also depend on what size and type of wheelchair being used. A fold down wheelchair in an Estate Car worked well for me for years. Saved lifting over the lip of the boot.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6681645/suggestions-for-a-car-that-fits-a-wheelchair-in-the-boot

Fitted one into the boot space of a Kia Niro, just took off quick release whhels each time. No problem.

Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson will take one no problem with wheels on.

What price range car new or 2nd hand are you looking at?

Spoonie_Turtle

https://www.ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-and-about/car-search you might find this site helpful, you can definitely search by boot size (amongst other specifications) and probably filter for just hybrids too.

Cyclamen

My folding chair fits in the boot of a three door nissan micra (older car) we have to take one wheel off but it all goes in boot with a little space to squeeze a small bag and coat. So its not always about the external dimensions.

I dont modern cars and electric car varieties but my other PAs have a quashqai nissan and there is loads of room for wheelchair and a rollator and bags.. and a mini which the chair goes easily in the boot with bags but rollator comes on back seat.

My Dad has a Nissan Cube with a wheelchair ramp.. bought second hand and if I am ever able to drive again I plan to borrow that one.. as wheelchair just pushes in and buckles down so i could use the bigger chair.

MayDogsandCoffee

I used to put a scooter into the back of a Scoda Fabia estate, although I am not sure if they come as hybrids. Honda Jazz can get some kit in either with back seats down or by pulling back seat up and accessing passenger seat wells. As well as measurements you need to look at weight of chair, some SUVs are very high for lifting into. It might have to be a case of hitting the dealerships with the chair and measuring tape to see what is possible. Dacia Jogger might be OK but slightly bigger car all round.

pjran

A Volvo estate holds a wheelchair and shopping. I can’t climb into the SUV type vehicles.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82139839#Comment_82139839

Estates are not very fashionable nowadays, but they can be very useful in this scenario, and generally moving large items, like chests of drawers etc

Although normally as you get older, SUVs are preferred by some, as they are a lot easier to get out of than a low slung saloon/hatchback/estate.