Alternatives For Wheelchair Transportation

There is no doubt about it. Arranging transportation for someone in a wheelchair can be a challenge. Those that suddenly find themselves in a situation like this have oftentimes expressed anxiety and dismay about the thought of having to worry about mobility. Fortunately, there are more viable options today than ever before, so you or your loved ones don’t have to feel like you are confined at home.

Those individuals that are somewhat ambulatory of course have more options. If someone can temporarily get out of their wheelchair, they can potentially ride in a traditional car. Utilizing a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft may be a feasible option, so long as the passenger is able to maneuver themselves into the seat, and the driver is willing and able to fold up the wheelchair and fit it into the trunk of the vehicle.

Many counties have publicly subsidized programs such as the Broward County Transportation Options (TOPS) program or the Miami-Dade County Special Transportation Service (STS), each of which requires an application and eligibility process. The great thing about these services is that because they are subsidized, the cost to the consumer is low. The potential downside according to some users is that it is not always the most reliable service for getting somewhere on time, and since this is akin to taking a bus, not all passengers may like the idea of riding with other people. Some folks have also complained about the cleanliness of the vehicles, as well as the service and care received from the drivers.

For those that can afford their own vehicle, companies like MobilityWorks or In Motion Mobility offer conversions of vehicles that are accessible for wheelchairs. They can even modify vans to have a wheelchair fit in the driver’s seat area and drive the vehicle using hand controls. This is obviously a more expensive option, but an excellent one to give wheelchair passengers additional mobility options.

Another excellent option is hiring a private transportation service. While not as inexpensive as the publicly subsidized services, a private company does mean you get to ride without other passengers. Though the quality of service does vary amongst companies, with RideStat you can be assured that our team of Medical Transport Concierges will get you were you need to go, safely and reliably. We also strive for transparency with our rates, and provide a full rate schedule for all to see.

A common misconception is that wheelchair transportation to medical appointments is always covered by insurance. While perhaps it should be, in reality, this is not the case. Oftentimes insurance does not cover transport at all. In the instances where it does, it is typically limited. One such policy we recently reviewed allowed five covered transports per year, for a passenger that needed rides to medical appointments every week. We sympathize with anyone in that situation and try to make things more economical by providing a discount for multiple rides booked. Moreover, a service like RideStat can be utilized not just to get to medical appointments, but anywhere a wheelchair passenger needs or wants to go. We have transported people to the grocery store, the hair salon, a friend’s home, concerts, stadiums, etc. We are happy to take you anywhere you want to go and promise to do so safely and comfortably!