A road trip can be the ideal way to see more of the places you visit, but finding a hire car that suits your needs can be tricky. Here are some companies offering accessible car rentals for travellers with additional needs.
Integrity Car Sales And Rentals
Our friends at Integrity Car Sales and Rentals offer accessible van and car rentals through their easy online rental platform Chair Share. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country trip, they have a cost-effective short- or long-term rental to suit your needs. Vehicles are available at 20+ Australian locations, and they provide detailed information about capacity and measurements to help you make your selection.Â
Wheelies Van Rental
Wheelies Van Rental goes above and beyond to ensure you have peace of mind throughout the booking process and to know exactly what you’re getting when you arrive to collect your vehicle. Their converted vehicles save a lot of time and effort with transfers, and have plenty of space for luggage and passengers. With fleets in Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Hobart, and the Gold Coast, you can experience their excellent service up and down the country.
GoGet Accessible Carshare
GoGet is Australia’s leading car share network, and they’ve recently added a GoAccessible membership plan for accessible car rentals. Operating from their pod at the Royal North Shore Hospital, GoGet’s modified wheelchair access vehicle is perfect for short trips around the city. The company worked with people with lived experience of disability to ensure that the transport and parking options on offer would suit people with additional needs.
Nationwide Mobility Vehicles
At the moment, Nationwide Mobility Vehicles operates primarily in South East Queensland, but they are ready and willing to go the extra mile for travellers with additional needs. All of their accessible car rentals are automatic, air-conditioned, and come with 4-point Mobility tie-down systems and seat belts. They can also work with you to find a solution that fits with your NDIS requirements, if applicable.
Europcar
Europcar is a Global Mobility Solutions provider, which has partnered with Automobility to offer a fleet of converted Kia Carnival vehicles for accessible car rentals. These automatic and spacious cars are available at select locations across the country, with quick confirmation upon request. Whether you’re hitting the highway or cruising around town, their vehicles are reliable and serviceable for travellers.
Wheelie Campers
If you’re keen to get off the beaten track, Wheelie Campers can help you make it happen. They offer both supported travel and self-drive vehicle hire, along with a wide range of modified campervans and accessible accommodation recommendations (including reviews from other travellers with disabilities). The team will take the stress out of your adventure, and provide an all-inclusive travel plan with your specific needs in mind.
Hertz
Hertz promises exceptional wheelchair user comfort, space, and visibility in their fleet of vans modified by Automobility. With rear access for wheelchairs and five passenger seats, and an aluminium ramp with spring assistance, their accessible car rentals are suited to families looking to holiday together. Plus, their staff will provide demonstrations of all accessibility features to make sure you get the most out of them on your trip.
Top Tips For Accessible Car Rentals
- Make sure you book as far in advance as you can. As travel options open up, accessible vehicles book out quickly.
- If the right vehicle is essential for you to get around at your destination, it’s best to check availability prior to booking flights or accommodation. There may be a very limited number of accessible vehicles available, sometimes just one of each vehicle type.
- Check for hidden fees! A one-way rental (pick up and drop off at different locations) can sting if you’re not expecting the charge, and insurance isn’t always great value.
- Speaking of insurance: sometimes it’s more affordable to take out general travel insurance which covers car hire excess, rather than using the company’s option.
- Take photos before you get behind the wheel. Capture the interior and the exterior of the vehicle so there can be no disputes about the car’s condition when you return it.
This story first appeared in Travel Without Limits magazine. You can subscribe here.
