“It also allows us to talk and enjoy the journey together, instead of just getting through it.”
Being in a wheelchair, tall, and about to go on a car ride can be a challenge. A couple from the Czech Republic explains how a swivel car seat and a wheelchair transfer solution have opened up new transportation possibilities.
As bicycle enthusiasts, Stepan and Jana Šírková know all too well the value of the freedom that independent mobility implies. Due to a cycling accident, Stepan became a wheelchair user, and their everyday lives took a turn. However, the sporty couple didn't let this incident stop their daily routines in their tracks.
New possibilities for wheelchair car travel
A car journey can mean so much more than getting from place A to place B. The adaptation of their car with mobility solutions that made it accessible for wheelchair use made this particularly evident. Our partners at JP Servis in Štěkeň, Czechia, adapted the couple's Volvo with the Carony wheelchair transfer aid, as well as the Turny Evo swivel base. We invited Stepan and Jana to tell us more about themselves, their background, and how they experience their accessibility products on a daily basis.
Stepan, how do you use your car in your daily life?
I mainly use the car for longer trips – we travel to Germany for rehabilitation and treatment, and go on weekend trips.
Why did you choose the Carony transfer wheelchair and Turny Evo swivel solution for your car?
I chose this setup mainly so I can see out of the window during the ride and so my wife can easily reach me if I need a scratch or a drink. It also allows us to talk and enjoy the journey together, instead of just getting through it.
What challenges have you experienced being tall and a wheelchair user?
Being tall is especially problematic when it comes to transportation, as most cars are too low. That means vans are often the only option, but they tend to be uncomfortable, which is a big issue for me as someone who can't maintain stability, making such transport very unpleasant and painful.
How did the vehicle adaptation change your situation?
It completely transformed it. Now I look forward to travelling, and we plan trips without limitations – sometimes even just for a good coffee in Italy. It has truly improved my quality of life, or rather, our life together.
What difference does it make for you to sit next to each other in the front of the car?
It's indescribable. These two ways of travelling can't even be compared. Now I ride in comfort and truly enjoy the journey. I'm also more at ease legally and safety-wise, because before, I didn’t have enough headroom.