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As ALS progresses, traveling outside of your home can become a challenge. But that doesn’t have to stop you from visiting family and friends, going to the movies, attending sporting events or concerts, or even taking a trip. In fact, getting a change of scenery and venturing out into society is an important part of enjoying and staying engaged in life.
Thinking one step ahead about your future transportation needs will help you avoid getting stuck, whether you need a ride to a doctor’s appointment or want to travel to a relative’s home for Thanksgiving. This section covers various transportation options. |
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Driving Your Own Vehicle
As ALS progresses, the question of how long you should continue to drive may arise. It can be hard to consider giving up the independence that driving provides, but if you continue to drive after it has become unsafe, you could hurt yourself and put others at risk. Learn how to gauge whether you can still safely drive on our Driving and ALS page.
Rides from Family and Friends
If you are not in a heavy motorized wheelchair, friends and family may be able to meet your transportation needs using their own vehicles. But they must use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury when helping you move in and out of the vehicle.
If you are in a heavy motorized wheelchair, you will need to ride in a special vehicle with a lift, whether it is your own, a rental, or handicap-accessible transportation.
If you are in a heavy motorized wheelchair, you will need to ride in a special vehicle with a lift, whether it is your own, a rental, or handicap-accessible transportation.
Ride Services
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If you cannot drive but are not in a wheelchair, you may be able to use public transportation, regular taxis, or ride service apps like Uber or Lyft.
If you are in a wheelchair, you can contact private transportation services or cab companies that have handicap-accessible vans and provide ADA-equipped services. Your public transportation system may offer special handicap-accessible options as well. You can search for medical transportation options in your area on the Rides In Sight website. Be sure to call ahead to ask if they can provide the assistance you need, such as transferring you in and out of the vehicle and accommodating your specific type of wheelchair. Find out how much it will cost, how payment works, how far ahead you need to schedule, and how long you will need to wait. Ask your local ALS organization for transportation recommendations. Also ask if there any transportation grants or assistance that can help pay for rides to your ALS-related medical appointments. |
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Handicap-Accessible Vans
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For greater freedom of movement, you may decide that it is worth making the longer-term investment of purchasing a van. New handicap-accessible vans can be expensive, but there are options for purchasing used vans at a more affordable price—and you can often resell them at a slightly lower price, as they tend to retain their value.
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Start by asking your local ALS organization for suggestions or leads. Craigslist is a popular and free website that lists many things for sale, including handicap-accessible vans. Click on your city and enter “handicap vans” in the search box.
Here are some important things to know before purchasing a van or lift:
Veterans: Ask at the VA about automobile grants.
Here are some important things to know before purchasing a van or lift:
- Medical insurance never pays for a wheelchair lift or special vehicle to transport wheelchairs.
- Make sure you know which power wheelchair you will be using before you purchase a van.
- The easiest logistical option is a van where you can drive the wheelchair directly inside and lock it down.
- Some families decide to purchase a lift for the back of their current vehicle. This option is less expensive, but the logistics with this option can be cumbersome. You will still need to transfer from the wheelchair to the passenger seat and then the caregiver will need to lock down the wheelchair to the lift on the back of the vehicle.
- Always check with your local ALS organization for practical advice on van models and to ask if they know of any families selling a van.
- Reasonably priced handicap-accessible vans are in high demand. If you find one you like, be ready to move quickly.
- When purchasing any used vehicle, have your mechanic inspect it first.
Veterans: Ask at the VA about automobile grants.
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Are you getting a custom power wheelchair?If so, visit our Transporting Your Power Wheelchair page to learn more about your transportation options—including vans, lifts, and ramps.
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