How to Find a Transportation Service to Drive Someone in a Wheelchair

Transportation services help to open up the world to people with wheelchairs who cannot drive on their own. While you’ll find quite a few rideshare programs in many metropolitan areas, the sad truth is that they’re not always equipped to help people who use large mobility devices. Finding professional transportation services that specialize in helping people with wheelchairs is easier when you use these strategies.

Ask About Geographic Boundaries

Ideally, you should be able to rely on a transportation service to take you to most places in the local area. Finding a company that operates in major cities helps you ensure that your loved one can get to essential medical appointments or even the grocery store. However, you might also need to make sure the company offers services that extend beyond the typical boundaries. Knowing who to call for a ride to locations further away ensures that you or your loved one never has to worry about making it to an important appointment or event.

Search for Multipurpose Transportation Services

Many transportation services tend to fall under specific categories. For instance, you might find that one company only handles medical rides. Meanwhile, another might be open to taking people in wheelchairs to run errands or attend social events. Finding a transportation service for people in wheelchairs that will help, no matter what the reason may be, helps to ensure continuity in your or your loved one’s care plan.

Choose Drivers With Special Training

Many rideshare programs won’t work if your loved one needs assistance that goes beyond the capabilities of a new and inexperienced driver. Scheduling rides with an established transportation company that serves people in the community with disabilities is best for making sure your loved one has high-quality assistance. Ask about the types of training a company provides to the drivers. Hearing that drivers are trained to provide caring assistance to people in wheelchairs helps everyone feel comfortable with using the service.

Look for Around-the-Clock Hours

Like everyone else, people in wheelchairs don’t only need to go places between normal business hours. If your loved one needs a ride to work in the late-night hours, then it’s important to have a safe mode of transportation. Choosing companies that operate around the clock means that your loved one can enjoy total freedom to manage their needs.

Inquire About Same-Day Rides

The same is also true about sudden needs for transportation. While some medical transportation companies require you to schedule rides in advance, you need an option for when life sends surprises your way. Being able to reach out for a ride on the same day means that you or your loved one can manage sudden needs to travel outside of the home.

Once you find a transportation service that your loved one prefers, make sure that everyone involved knows how to schedule rides. By sticking with the same transportation company, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a reliable vehicle and driver can take you or your loved one anywhere they need to go.