Loading / Unloading wheel chair?

Aptera Community Aptera Discussions Loading / Unloading wheel chair?

Aptera Community Aptera Discussions Loading / Unloading wheel chair?

  • Loading / Unloading wheel chair?

    Posted by joe-lyddon on August 22, 2022 at 12:45 pm

    With the wheel chair folded up, it is approx. 12″ high and weighs about 35-40 lbs.

    It must be lifted and moved into the trunk.

    In looking at the end of car, it looks like the opening is about ~12″ from the end. This is quite a distance to lift over to get into the trunk.

    It might be easier to lift over the side into deeper area of trunk.

    Using a heavy blanket over the car would have to be done to protect surface.

    Does anyone have any experience with this? Suggestions? Even possible without breaking ones back?

    Thank you!

    laura-batchelor replied 2 months, 1 week ago 6 Members · 8 Replies
  • 8 Replies
  • Loading / Unloading wheel chair?

  • len

    Moderator
    August 22, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    Well Aptera You Tube video on Debunking shows some typical larger items packed inside.

    An old Pet Kit rendering shows what looks like a protective pad in that area.

    I plan on trying to get my old 76# dog in the back by just flipping the seat forward to let her in and out. Not sure that is an option for you…

  • kerbe2705

    Member
    August 22, 2022 at 6:44 pm

    Perhaps lifting it onto the tail upright and then “wheeling” it into the cargo bay before flipping it onto its side?

    Trying to do a “dead lift” over the side of the vehicle – which is taller and wider than the tail – might be very difficult…

    • joe-lyddon

      Member
      August 22, 2022 at 9:28 pm

      That’s a good idea! Fold it… Load / wheel it… Lay it down… !!

      With a good tough blanket for protection!

      Thank you very much! You have made my day… perhaps, my purchase!

      🙂

      🙂

      • This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  Joe Lyddon.
  • joe-lyddon

    Member
    August 22, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    Don’t forget…. You will want to put that little ladder in there too!

    🙂

    • This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  Joe Lyddon.
  • SteveW

    Member
    August 22, 2022 at 10:40 pm

    I had to load/unload a wheel chair in the back of a Toyota Sienna. I got used to a spin-hoist maneuver, but it was a real pain. I can’t imagine getting it in/out of the back of the Aptera because of the extra height and wider lip. Use a ramp? I wonder if you can find an ultra-light aluminum chair? I think a ramp would be the only way.

  • joe-lyddon

    Member
    March 25, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    It looks like it may be easier, per new design.

    I sure hope so…

    If I cannot easily put it in, I just may be forced to leave it in San Diego! 🙁

  • paul-schultz

    Member
    March 26, 2023 at 3:09 am

    Lifting the wheelchair is common for all sedans/hatchbacks for loading it into any trunk area. What is the challenge is getting it over that back lip. A folded harbor freight moving blanket could be used. Lift the chair and rest/balance it on a blanket placed on the rear lip of the opened hatch/trunk. Slide it in. Reverse the procedure to get it into the same position for removal.

    Keep the folded moving blanket tucked away in the back or under than rear cubby.

  • laura-batchelor

    Member
    March 29, 2023 at 12:12 pm

    I had to life a wheelchair in/out of a Honda CRV. One trick I used was a stiff bungee cord (left in the trunk when the wheelchair was in use) run around/through the arms to keep it in a closed position while lifting. I would do the swing-sideways lift to get the large wheels into the car and then slide it into the final resting place. An old blanket with a smooth woven surface (not fleece) on the carpet and over the lip helped with sliding and protected the car. The blanket would move on the carpet and be all bunched up, but would unbunch when you pulled the wheelchair out, so get a twin bed sized or larger, not a baby blanket.

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