Elaine Anne Lift System

Providing an alternative to existing vehicles for people with disabilities (i.e., vans and minivans), the is adapted to full-size Chevy and GM SUVs, crew cabs, and extended-cab pickups up to 1-ton dualies. The driver enters behind the steering wheel and operates the vehicle from his/her wheelchair. Since only the driver’s area is renovated and the roof does not need to be raised, the vehicle’s style and passenger capacity are unaffected. The driver uses a logic controller to control lift entry/exit and a manual control box for the other functions. Among the system’s many safety features: (1) lift platform moves forward/backward behind the steering wheel, (2) driver’s door reinforced, (3) tie-down automatically secures wheelchair to lift platform, (4) adjustable headrest for head, neck, and upper body support, and (5) optional side supports. Also, the wheelchair tie-down locking mechanism accommodates a standard driver’s seat, allowing others to drive the vehicles.

Cost: $46,000 (plus driving controls)

Impairment Category: Lower extremity