Tag Archives: mobility equipment

The Importance of Servicing Your Wheelchair Van and Adaptive Equipment

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The Importance of Servicing Your Wheelchair Van and Adaptive Equipment
Owning any type of vehicle means that you have to commit to regular service and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Owning a wheelchair van and adaptive equipment is no different – you still need regular service to keep everything operating the way it should. However, it comes with some additional caveats – you can’t just go to any service center and ensure that you’re maintaining your wheelchair van or mobility equipment correctly.

Here at our Mobility Center, not only do we understand the importance of maintaining your mobility vehicle and adaptive equipment, but we take the needed steps to ensure that everything is always in top condition. No other mobility dealer (that we know of) offers the level of maintenance offered by us.

For example, we can maintain primary and secondary driving controls, as well as providing service for wheelchair ramps and scooter lifts. Along with power seat bases, power door operators, wheelchair securement systems and other adaptive equipment. Those are only a few of the areas that our certified technicians can service and maintain. We also have a rust prevention/treatment that we highly recommend.

You’ll also find that we offer installation as well as service for a range of adaptive equipment like lowered floors, raised doors, adaptive steering controls, turning automotive seats and hand controls. All of our technicians are fully certified in mobility equipment so that you always know you’re in good hands with us.

Automotive Innovations has also created a innovative and ever evolving maintenance program over the past 25 years for our customers. We know that making sure your vehicle and adaptive equipment is in good condition is important to you, but we also understand that it can be difficult for you to tell when or if something needs service or repair. That’s why we started our operational preventative maintenance program over 20 years ago. This program ensures that your wheelchair van or mobility equipment is always in the best operational condition possible, but also assesses the need for repairs or replacement most of the time before anything happens.

We’re dedicated to giving you the peace of mind that you deserve and the maintenance you need to maintain your freedom at all times.

 

Sure-Grip Mechanical Hand Controls

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Easyspin RF 360 – New
The Easyspin RF360 utilizes precise radio frequencies to operate up to 6 secondary functions wirelessly from the stylish and ergonomic spinner.

The Spinmaster spinner knob and Easyspin indicator system have been the standard in one-handed steering for more than a decade but our drive to improve and refine led us to supersede these proven performers. While inheriting the distinctive characteristics of its predecessors; featuring durable construction, smooth and reliable operation, and quick release mechanism, as well as the original and unique Spinmaster steering wheel clamp, the Easyspin RF360 ups the ante with its own innovative features.

Suits Any Vehicle Wiring Configuration
The standard configuration for the Easyspin RF360, VAC6, can include up to 6 vehicle accessory controls in only one mode of operation.

With 6 functions you can cover operation of all frequently used accessories such as:

  • Indicators
  • Headlights
  • Horn
  • Washers and
  • Sequential wipers.

You can also control non-essential vehicle accessories such as:

  • Electric windows
  • Tiptronic gear shifting
  • Cruise control and
  • Integrated phone controls while maintaining quick access to those frequently used accessories.

The user can alter the button configuration at any time to suit their needs. Simultaneously holding two buttons for a couple of seconds will instantly swap their functions. Any button, any function, total flexibility.

The design of the Easyspin RF360 with its integrated buttons and unique hammerhead shape has been created specifically to fit your hand’s ergonomics. It didn’t happen by accident, over 18 months were spent undertaking research, development and testing with designers, occupational therapists and clients. It also features a soft rubber overlay grip for your comfort.

Features:

  • Ergonomic shape and soft overlay rubber grip for your comfort
  • Operate up to 6 functions
  • Supported by the world renowned Spinmaster steering wheel clamp, known for providing superior durability and gripping strength without damaging your steering wheel
  • Features a quick release function so that it may be removed at any time with the press of a button, allowing unrestricted access for other drivers
  • Strong, robust design, constructed from heavy-duty mining-grade injection molded glass filled UV resistant nylon to withstand years of regular use
  • 2 years battery life with LED low battery warning light, easily accessed battery slide and life-extending sleep mode
  • Mechanical Hand Controls

Push/Rock
The original and the best, the Sure Grip Push/Rock system, has become known for its comfort, precision and overall safety.

Unlike other hand controls styles, the push/rock system puts the operating handle in a vertical position; the driver eases the handle back to accelerate and pushes forward to brake. This unique rocking motion allows full-range braking and acceleration with minimal hand travel while keeping the hand in a natural position.

Sure Grip’s Push/Rock controls are known for having the easiest gas in the industry today thus, allowing for hours of fatigue free driving. The push/rock style will give you the driving experience you have been longing for.

Sure Grip hand control designs prevents contact with legs or knees at higher speeds. The upright handle also allows the installation of controls in smaller vehicles or tight spaces other controls would not fit. Controls do not impede pedal use.

Push/Pull

The Sure Grip Push/Pull hand control uses the same movement to apply the gas and brake as other Push/Pull controls; however the pivot point for the Sure Grip control is on the left-hand side of the wheel close to the handle, this allows for a shorter stroke and greater leverage. In addition to the pivot point, the handles position is at a slight angle, an angle that makes a big difference to the driver. The benefits of Sure Grip’s unique Push/Pull hand control design include:
Less strain on fingers and thumb
Flexible hand positions for lower fatigue and cramping while driving
The ability for both hands to keep contact with the steering wheel
In addition to the benefits enjoyed as a result of the handle and its position, drivers will also appreciate the other features that Sure Grip’s Push/Pull offers including:
Superior pedal feel, with constant acceleration and no “dead spots”
Limited modifications to the vehicles dash

Push/Right Angle
Unlike other Push Right/Angle controls, the Sure Grip Push Right/Angle’s body doesn’t pivot or move when the accelerator is applied. The pivot point for the Sure Grip control is on the left-hand side of the wheel, and only the handle pivots. A stationary main body has many benefits for the driver including:

Increased leg room for getting in and out of the vehicle, as many installs allow brake rod to pass through the dash
Full acceleration without the control hitting the drivers lap
Greater two-handed contact with the steering wheel due to the shortened stroke of the handle
In addition to the benefits enjoyed as a result of the stationary main body, drivers will also appreciate the other features that Sure Grip’s Push Right/Angle offers including:

Superior pedal feel, with constant acceleration and no “dead spots”

  • Lower fatigue while driving
  • Limited modifications to the vehicles dash

Push/Twist
Pivot Point
The Sure Grip Push/Twist control uses the same motorcycle style acceleration as other Push/Twist controls, but has an auxiliary handle that makes the twisting motion easier and allows for longer, more comfortable driving.

  • In addition to the unique benefits enjoyed with our other hand controls, such as increased leg room and ease of use, drivers will also appreciate the other features that the Sure Grip Push/Twist offers including:
  • Superior pedal feel, with constant acceleration and no “dead spots”
  • Lower fatigue while driving
  • Limited modifications to the vehicles dash
  • Easier braking

AutoLock is an accelerator lock out device that comes standard on all of Sure Grip’s hand controls, and is an added safety feature for the driver or those that share the vehicle. With the push of a button or knob, the accelerator function of the hand control can be disabled and help prevent accidents through misuse of the control by mechanics, valets or any other unqualified user. Autolock is available in both electronic and manual formats.

Sure Grip Recreation
Sure Grip hand control users now have the option of adding the Push/Rock style of driving to their favorite recreation vehicles. Sure Grip has developed easy installation applications for many of the nation’s top selling side-by-sides, go carts and golf carts.

The Handling You Need 

Sure Grip has always given its users great control of their vehicles. Now that Sure Grip has hand controls designed specifically for smaller off-road vehicles that same control can be enjoyed wherever you decide to go.
Unlike other hand controls Sure Grip’s handle is in the vertical position, which gives precision control and the ability to drive with both hands on the wheel. With two hands on the wheel, drivers have the control needed when headed off the beaten path.

Veigel North America Hand Controls

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Veigel is the internationally leading manufacturer of driving school systems and driving aids for handicapped persons. They believe in absolute customer satisfaction which we are achieving by developing and manufacturing our products at the highest quality level.

With over 80 years of experience manufacturing adaptive driving products like, mechanical hand controls, and an in-house R&D facility everything Veigel manufacture has been designed and tested to meet the highest standards in quality, function and design. The average employee has 15 years of experience at Veigel Automotive. The combined effort of so many years of dedication and focus have resulted in the highest quality, most reliable and safest products on the market.

Veigel 4100 Classic Hand Control
The Veigel hand control is an accelerator and brake that fits perfectly into the interior of modern vehicles. Thanks to the ergonomically optimized handle and the additional individual adjustability of the grip angle the acceleration becomes easier, fatigue-free and adapts to every hand position of the driver. To accelerate you simply turn the handle on your hand control clockwise. In order to break, just push the hand control slightly front wise. The break can also temporary be locked in place. The hand control can also easily be fold away.

Veigel 4200 Compact Hand Control
Proven hand control technology from Automotive Innovations and Veigel in a modern design – this is the principle of the COMPACT hand control. The functional principle is rather simple: To accelerate the ergonomically designed handle is only to pull backwards. A short push forward activates the break, which also can be temporary locked in place. As the CLASSIC, the COMPACT can also be fold away.

Veigel Commander
The optional fitted Veigel Commander for CLASSIC or COMPACT allows the driver to conduct the most important secondary functions of the vehicle unstressed with just one finger. The device can be used very easily and merges perfectly with the award-winning Design of the Veigel hand control. In addition the Original lever can still be used as normal.

Veigel Basic-Commander
The Basic Commander enables the driver to indicating in each situation, even at a roundabout, without repositioning or letting your hand loose of the steering wheel. Also this switch is really easy to use and fits perfectly to the award-winning design of the Veigel hand control. Needles to say, that the original lever still can be used as normal.

  • The Basic Commander is available for the COMPACT and the CLASSIC hand control.
  • Classic leather-clad
  • Complying with your request you can order the hand control in leather-clad.

Wells-Engberg Mechanical Hand Controls

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Their mechanical hand controls provide safe, easy and more convenient vehicle operation as well as being priced competitively with other manufacturers. They manufacture 4 different types of mechanical controls to suit all needs.

Wells-Engberg controls come with a universal mounting, using a common set of connectors which allows installation in the majority of domestic and foreign cars, light trucks, and vans equipped with automatic transmission and power brakes. They also have designed special mountings for some vehicles which make installation even easier.

Their two cable controls are supplied with a mounting which allows the cable to be run directly to the accelerator pedal itself. Wells-Engberg is constantly striving to keep up with the automobile manufacturers and supply the physically challenged population with the most advanced products available.

CT-100 Rotary Cable Control

  • Mechanical control with a flexible accelerator cable going directly to the accelerator pedal assembly twist handle (same as motorcycle grip) to accelerate.
  • Push handle toward brake pedal for braking.
  • Control is mostly aluminum and is black anodized.
  • Uses universal mounting brackets.
  • Order either right or left hand.
  • The cable design allows reduced amount of hardware in driver’s area. This gives the driver more leg room.

CP-200 Right Angle Control

  • To operate accelerator pull handle down toward lap.
  • Cable attached to handle goes directly to the accelerator pedal assembly.
  • Push handle toward brake pedal for braking.
  • Control made mostly of aluminum and is black anodized.
  • Uses universal mounting brackets.
  • Order either right or left hand.
  • Cable design reduces hardware in the driver’s area allowing more leg room.

Sure-Lock Wheelchair Tie-Downs


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With over 30 years of experience, Sure-Lok is a leading manufacturer of wheelchair securements and occupant restraint systems for transporting individuals with special needs. Sure-Lok offers a wide selection of wheelchair securements and occupant restraint systems, giving our customers the freedom to choose the system that best meets their needs.

AL700 Titan Series Systems
With its distinctive blue webbing and highly-visible, yellow “locked” indicator tag, the AL700 Titan Retractor Series lets operators know when the retractor is in locked mode. With the auto-tensioning feature, webbing automatically retracts into the housing and stays off the floor, keeping it cleaner and longer lasting. The low-profile design minimizes interference with most wheelchairs and has a sleeker, cleaner retractor case with stud fitting to attach the occupant restraint system. Titan retractors allow operators to quickly secure a wheelchair in seconds — with only one hand.

FF600 Retractor Series Systems
The FF600 Retractor System is a proven and convenient way to secure passengers in wheelchairs. The ergonomically designed handle is quick and easy to grasp, the dual, 24-teeth sprocket mechanism enables the user to more easily increase tension on the webbing and the track fittings are specifically designed to ensure free pivoting action for optimum belt alignment. And the versatility of the system offers users a choice — S-hook or Buckle & Tab hardware attachment styles.

FE500 Manual Series Systems
The FE500 System has been relied upon for nearly 20 years, offering maximum versatility and a quick, simple operation. As our most economical solution, the easy-to-use tie-down is available in Cam, Ratchet and Overcenter Buckle assemblies and offers snap hook and D-ring or S-hook attachment styles. The 1” wide strap provides easy attachment to a variety of wheelchair designs allowing the webbing to conform to the structural frame of the wheelchair, minimizing scratches and dents.
Important Safety Information

Select Sure-Lok Products Suitable for Your Application
The Sure-Lok products that you select must be suitable for your particular application. All products shown on this website and in the catalog are designed and intended to be installed and operated with the occupant in a forward-facing orientation within the vehicle. Installation of products that are not suitable or are installed in an unsuitable manner may compromise proper securement of the wheelchair and occupant, causing injury or death to the occupant, other passengers or driver and wheelchair damage.

Installation and Operation
A qualified person (an individual properly trained in securing mobility aides and positioning occupant restraints) must ensure that the intended application conforms to current, applicable industry standards and government regulations regarding the installation of wheelchair securement and occupant restraint systems.

The vehicle and/or seat manufacturer and/or vehicle modifier must review and approve the system’s location, method of installation and operation of the securement system. The vehicle floor and sidewall structures, where the system anchorages are attached, must have sufficient strength to meet applicable federal government and recommended industry standards.
Not all wheelchairs (e.g. scooter) are endorsed by their manufacturer for use as an occupant seat when transporting an individual in a motor vehicle. Contact the manufacturer of your wheelchair for their recommendation regarding alternative seating options.

Some wheelchairs are compliant with the ANSI/RESNA transit safety standard WC-19, which means that they have been dynamically tested. To determine if your wheelchair is ANSI/RESNA WC-19 compliant, refer to your wheelchair’s labeling or owner’s manual or contact the wheelchair manufacturer.

Standards Compliance
AL700 Titan Series Systems when properly used with a complete Sure-Lok System, comprised of wheelchair tie-down, a complete occupant restraint system (including lap and shoulder belt), track and anchorages are designed to meet the following requirements where applicable:

  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per SAE J2249
  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per Canadian Z605 Standard
  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per National Standards for School Buses
  • 30mph/20g Impact Test Criteria per ISO 10542 Standard
  • 49 CFR Part 38 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • 49 CFR Part 571.222 (FMVSS 222) School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection
  • FMVSS 302 Flammability Test