New guy with a question

[Lone Beagle]

Hi all!

I am going to get a Mazda5 for a different reason. I am a wheelchair user and we just had the last kid move out. So I am getting rid of the modified van and going for something smaller and more fun to drive. Since my 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan had the floor cut out in the conversion process, it lost some stiffness, a lot of ground clearance and is getting noisy (body squeaks and rattles). That should mean a not cut up vehicle will be a lot of fun!

Anyway, I want to get a Mazda5 and install the Speedy-Lift and XL-Board from these people http://www.adaptsolutions.ca/products/index.php?prd=4

The question is, does anybody on here know anything about this equipment?

Thanks,
John

 

[Davicho]

Hello John and welcome. I am stoked about following your thread. This is the first time I see our beloved Mazda5 being used and slightly modified to accommodate wheelchair accessibility. Unfortunately I can't offer any help but I'm definitely sticking around to see your thread develop. Please keep us updated including pics.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Welcome John. I can't comment on the equipment but the fact that the company uses a Mz5 as the showcase car sounds promising! YouTube has a video on how it works. Good luck!

 

[phunky.buddha]

Oh wow, that equipment looks pretty cool! Watching...

 

[ChEPhD]

We too are considering a new Mazda5 as a good option for a wheelchair user. I can't comment on the modifications you are looking at (we only need hand controls), but I have a request for anyone needing to make mobility modifications to a Mazda. Currently most auto manufacturers provide rebates in the US for anyone who has mobility options installed in a new car. (These things are very expensive!) Mazda is one of the few manufacturers that do not have a rebate program. (For some reason Mazda Canada has one, but not MazdaUSA.) Please write an email to MazdaUSA to let them know they are way behind on this. If enough people do this, hopefully they will implement a program here.

Thank you!

 

[Lone Beagle]

Good point ChEPhD!

I am fortunate that Worker's Comp pays for conversion as I was hurt on the job. I have two different vendors getting me pricing information and will share that when it gets here.

Now another question. When I ride in my wife's Toyota Highlander I have trouble actually getting my head out of the door when I am transferring. I am a fairly big guy 6'2" and have steel rods it my back so I don't (can't) bend my back. Can somebody tell me what the vertical distance from the seat to the top of the door opening is?

Thanks

 

[ChEPhD]

A 6'4" guy tried out the 2013 Mz5 and had no trouble with the transfer, although he can bend his back. With the high roof, the extra headroom made it easier for him to work with than many other cars. Hopefully you are close to a local dealer and can take a look at how the car might work for you. With your height, you may also want to confirm that there is enough legroom for you.

You are fortunate to have Worker's Comp pay for conversion. In our case, they paid to install hand controls on one car (20+ years ago!) and wouldn't pay for installation on any subsequent cars.

 

[Davicho]

Okay so I got some measurements for you John. With the seat in the lowest and furthest back position. The measurement from the seat bottom where it meets the back to the highest point of the door opening it is roughly 35.5" and the measurement from the gas pedal to the seat back is roughly 42" hope this helps you.

 

[Lone Beagle]

Thanks Davicho!