Upfitting cars, vans and trucks with specialized components that enable disabled drivers to get behind the wheel requires the utmost care and caution. As you might imagine, when dealing with the elderly or other people with physical impairments, significant repercussions can occur for aftermarket manufacturers and installers alike if a vehicle modification or add-on fails to fully function.
With global demand for disabled-friendly vehicles experiencing unprecedented growth as reflected in population demographics, the need for obtaining expert education for both business owners and technicians is critical when venturing into this segment, according to Dave Hubbard, executive director and CEO of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA).
He explains to Aftermarket Business World that “the liability can go through the roof, and if you’re not trained properly the cost can go through the roof.”
Such concerns are a key part of the agenda when the Feb. 25-27 NMEDA Annual Conference and Product Exposition is gaveled to order in Daytona Beach, Fla. An “all-new and re-imagined” event will offer an enhanced program of manufacturer technician certifications conducted by three top industry vendors, extensive sales training sessions and additional networking opportunities among the industry attendees. (The expo is not open to the general public.)
Aftermarket businesses pondering entry into the segment can gain valuable insights by participating in the convention, and your marketing efforts can be augmented by leveraging possible inroads during the annual National Mobility Awareness Month in May.
Spearheaded by NMEDA, the four-week period is dedicated to educating seniors, veterans, caregivers and people with disabilities across the U.S. and Canada about the variety of mobility options available to them.
According to the Harris Poll, sponsored by the federal National Organization on Disability (NOD), nearly a third of the respondents reported that inadequate transportation was a problem; of those individuals, more than half of them said it was a major problem.
About 54 million people have some type of disability in the U.S. alone, and in the U.S. and Canada combined, more than 18 million people are dealing with mobility issues. Six million of mobility-challenged in both countries are military veterans – a figure that has jumped 25 percent since 2001.
In the U.S., annual production of new lowered-floor wheelchair-accessible vehicles amounts to 15,000; the used-vehicle marketplace encompasses 60,000 units, says Hubbard, who with his staff has addressed a series of additional questions:
Q: Could you please describe the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association?
A: Founded in 1989 as a non-profit trade association, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) supports nearly 600 mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists in the U.S. and Canada dedicated to expanding mobility opportunities for people with disabilities. NMEDA also spearheads the annual National Mobility Awareness Month in May.
Q: What is NMEDA’s mission?
A: NMEDA strives to unify and improve the mobility equipment industry and service to people with disabilities. Transportation is the key to freedom and NMEDA is the key to quality transportation.
Q: What is the Quality Assurance Program?
A: The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the recognized accreditation program for the mobility equipment industry. The only program of its kind, QAP was developed to promote quality, safety and reliability within the mobility equipment industry. A QAP designation enhances vehicle modification and mobility equipment installation in a manner consistent with the highest guidelines available.
Q: What is National Mobility Awareness Month?
A: Introduced in early 2012, the annual National Mobility Awareness Month serves to educate seniors, veterans, caregivers and people with disabilities on how to live an active and mobile lifestyle through the use of wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive mobility equipment. The awareness month is celebrated throughout the U.S. and Canada each May. A quadriplegic triathlete, veteran and entrepreneur, Mike Savicki, serves as the national spokesperson.
Q: What are the key steps when purchasing a mobility vehicle?
A: 1.) Locate a mobility equipment dealer.
2.) Consult with a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS) for a personal evaluation.
3.) Make a final purchase decision.
4.) Receive training on how to use the mobility equipment.
5.) When available, apply for mobility reimbursements.
Q: How does a prospective purchaser find a NMEDA dealership?
A: Please visit our dealer locator at www.nmeda.com and search by zip code or state/province.
Q: How can a dealer assist in the buying process? What should shoppers look for when comparing dealers?
A: We recommend dealers who are NMEDA, Quality Assurance Program (QAP) accredited. It is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the adaptive mobility equipment industry. QAP is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality. The program elevates the level of dealer performance to reliably meet consumers’ transportation needs in the safest manner possible.
Dealers are required to follow guidelines written in accordance with motor vehicle safety standards, a professionally managed dynamic and static testing program, and proven quality control practices that advocate the highest level of performance and safety.
QAP Requirements:
- Maintain product and completed operations and garage keepers insurance for liability purposes.
- Have certified welders if they perform structural modifications to vehicles.
- Have technicians certified for the equipment they sell, install and service.
- Maintain records of all adaptive work.
- Undergo an inspection/audit process at least annually by an independent auditing firm to ensure compliance to the NMEDA Guidelines, certain aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and “Make Inoperative” mandates.
- Abide by the NMEDA Mediation Committee’s decisions when a complaint is lodged by a consumer, a dealer, or any other person or entity.
- Provide 24-hour service to their customers.
- Meet shop facility and equipment requirements.
- Have four-corner scales.
Q: When making a vehicle purchase, how does someone determine which vehicle is best suited for them?
A: Buyers may consult with NMEDA dealers to determine the most suitable vehicle for their needs now and into the future. Though, generally speaking, a minivan or van is more practical, particularly for those individuals in wheelchairs. The individual is not required to transfer from a wheelchair to a seat, as they can drive from the wheelchair. Plus, the additional space is ideal. The wheelchair does not need to be broken down when storing in the vehicle either.
Depending on the budget, one can also adapt SUVs, pickup trucks and some sports cars. With the fluctuating gas prices, individuals should consider how important gas mileage is to them versus style and convenience.
Q: What level of maintenance is required for mobility vehicles?
A: Individuals should have a service inspection every six months by a qualified professional. However, to keep the warranties intact, every piece of equipment requires maintenance at different times. All equipment needs to be inspected for damage, alignment and proper operation. Electrical wiring checks include frayed wires and loose connections. The parts need to be cleaned, adjusted and lubricated.
Vehicle owners should also:
- Keep the inside clean so leaves, debris and dust don’t inhibit the smooth operation of all adaptive equipment.
- Vacuum the bottom door track of the van every few weeks so leaves and debris don’t build up. Debris in the bottom track will cause the door motor to work harder and even weaken or burn out prematurely. Drain holes should also be free of debris.
- Complete regular maintenance on the ramp or lift to avoid costly repairs. Keep those dates by writing them on a calendar so they are not forgotten. The vehicle will last longer and be worth more at trade-in time.
Q: Are veterans eligible for vehicle and adaptive equipment grants?
A: Yes, grants are available. It is important for veterans to do their research. Review the Veterans Administration’s website and speak with the VA directly whether via a regional office or a health care facility. Also, they may visit NMEDA’s website or contact one of NMEDA’s participating Quality Assurance Program dealers. NMEDA members work with the VA daily to help get veterans driving again.
Q: Does NMEDA conduct any product or equipment testing?
A: No, NMEDA is the trade organization for the industry. Although, NMEDA does have a Compliance Review program that examines testing documentation on products through a panel of independent engineers to determine compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
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