Honda is introducing a compact minivan that has a ramp - but before you get too excited about it, I've got to tell you it's not going to be available in the US for those looking for a "better-on-gas" van alternative.
Another issue? The description of the wheelchair accessibility features a manual ramp, which will require assistance for some.
| · | The rear of the wheelchair-accessible variation is lower than the standard Freed. It’s equipped with an easy-to-pull-out aluminum wheelchair access ramp with a sure-grip surface and a slope of just 11°. Used in combination with the wheelchair safety belt, care-providers will find it a safe and convenient means of enabling smooth ingress and egress for people in wheelchairs. |
| · | The design of the second-row captain’s seats helps provide wheelchair passengers with an unobstructed view and helps caregivers easily keep track of all their passengers. There is also a specially designed 3-point ELR seat belt with independent chest and waist belts for the exclusive use of wheelchair passengers. |
It's called the Freed and you can read about it
here.
The photo shows the back of the minivan with the ramp deployed and a manual wheelchair at the bottom of the ramp, ready to board.
5 comments:
Too bad US car makers fail to come up with an idea on an accessible car that is better on gas, smaller and would get more of us on the road.
You'd think there would be a market for families who need a van and want better gas mileage too.
In the accessibility market, Honda makes the Element with a ramp, although my friend tells me she gets about 18 MPG with it. Toyota used to make the ScionxB rampvan which is a bit smaller. I know the Mazda5 is a smaller van some folks are using if they can put a folding wheelchair in it themselves. They say it's greener. As for US car makers, I don't have any information on them working on a smaller accessible vehicle. All the ones I saw at expos have been from overseas, including the very small "smart" cars for single or 2 passengers with a rear ramp.
Also agree families would be eager to purchase a more gas friendly van....
I'd love to have something like that. Not sure if I could manage the weight of the ramp myself, but seems like something like that could be mechanized.
The nice thing about the convertible Element is that since the seats already fold aside, you don't lose seating permanently in the vehicle because of the ramp (i.e., my husband can take my scooter in and out for me when he's with me and we could use all 4 seats). It's pricey, however, $49,000! With gas prices like they are, who knows, it might pay for itself versus a minivan. I miss driving my CR-V. I could not get a lift I could use to work in it and keep the kids' seating.
Frida-my friend has a Honda Element with a ramp - nice car. I hear you - it's hard to find a smaller car that works with the assistive devices...
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