Handicap Accessiblity for the 4Runner

[habakkuk3178]

Just wanted to put some info out there about a great device for handicap accessiblity in the 4Runner. There are a few options available, but this Glide'N'Go Transfer Seat has given my wife & I the best functionality while using original equipment.

Basically, it allows for someone in a wheelchair to get into the front passenger seat (although it can be made to fit the driver's side as well) without having to make an uneven transfer. The passenger seat height is quite a bit higher than the average wheelchair, and this produces a lot of wear on the shoulders.

The original seat bolts are used for the install, as well as the original seat itself. When it's done, there is a post in the back seat.

Inside the post is basically a glorified bicycle chain.

A small motor also goes underneat the passenger seat.

Here is the transfer seat platform itself. It is at the floor level of the 4Runner, which turns out to be a great transfer height for most wheelchairs.

Using this control...

...you can raise the platform up to seat height, or even higher if it makes it easier to get in.

When you're done, the platform can either be removed...

...or it can be folded up between the seat and the door.

I then take the wheelchair around back where the 4Runner has plenty of room to store it in the back without taking it apart. My wife is in more of a sports wheelchair, so it's not as tall as a hospital chair. But then, hospital chairs are foldable, so you could just lay it on its side.

The motor runs off your battery. Installation and all cost $4215. It has a been a spectacular investment for us. If I'm going to be the primary driver, my wife actually prefers taking the 4Runner over our Toyota conversion rampvan.

Here's a web link for the Access Unlimited, the company that makes the Glide'N'Go:
http://www.accessunlimited.com/index.html

 

[Pirate VI]

looks like a great alternative to having to drive one of those converted mini vans, its prolly cheaper too, although over 4grand for that seems a little expensive to me. I guess when it is for something you need and no one else makes it they can charge whatever they want.

 

[habakkuk3178]

Yeah, and the fact that they aren't mass produced means that they basically make each one starting from scrap metal. We were the first to request one for a 4th gen, so they had to do design work in addition to the actual production.

It doesn't work as a primary vehicle for my wife since she still has to get the wheelchair in the vehicle somehow, but it's great when we're traveling together.

She's pretty much a city-girl, too, so making the 4Runner accessible allowed me to take her out to Colorado and get on some "un-paved" roads. I'll post some pics of that trip later!