Written by Angela Coate for AllAccessDisneyland
If you’re anything like me, the idea of traveling can seem like such a scary and stressful thought. Maybe you feel like it’s too complicated to plan and takes more energy than you can give. I know that feeling well. Whether you use a wheelchair part-time or full-time (like me), traveling can be a pain for many reasons.
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve found to be a traveler’s nightmare is trying to find services that provide accessible transportation. That’s why I’ve done some digging and put together this comprehensive list of wheelchair accessible travel options while you’re on vacation.
Here you’ll find some of the best and few companies in Southern California that are able provide you with a comfortable and safe travel process. After all, traveling to the happiest place on earth shouldn’t be that difficult!
So, lets explore our options…
Please note that I am providing the following information to you as a courtesy and am not affiliated with any of these companies or their subsidiaries.
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Accessible Van Rental Companies
Thankfully, the greater Los Angeles area offers several companies to choose from that specialize in renting wheelchair accessible vehicles for people with disabilities. Many of them will even deliver the vehicle to the airport for your convenience. Lets take a look at the main companies that can help with your travel needs.
Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals
- This company has over 25 years of experience providing wheelchair and scooter accessible vans to rent.
- They use only the best of modified vehicles in the country, such as Amerivan from Eldorado, Braun, Vantage Mobility International (VMI) and others.
- They serve the following areas: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Glendale, Huntington Beach, Santa Clarita, Ontario, Los Angeles International Airport, LAX, Orange County Airport, John Wayne Airport, Long Beach International Airport, Ontario Airport, San Francisco International Airport, San Jose Airport, San Diego International Airport, Sacramento Airport, Santa Ana
- They offer delivery to the airport
For information on prices and other questions, contact them online at www.wheelersvanrentals.com
Or by phone: (Local) 623-776-8830 or Toll-Free 1-866-859-8880
Aero Mobility Rentals
- After 30 years in the business, Aero Mobility understand the challenges of wheelchair travel, and their experts are equipped to offer you the best fit for your needs.
- They carry a wide range of manual or automatic ramps on minivans, SUVs, and trucks, including the major brands you trust like BraunAbility, Vantage Mobility (VMI), and Freedom Motors (FMI) accessible conversion vehicles.
- They offer daily, weekly, or monthly rental rates at competitive prices.
- Their main headquarters in Anaheim houses over 50 accessible vehicles available for rent as well as a wide selection of manual, power, and standing wheelchairs or other medical equipment.
For more information on prices or other questions, contact them online at www.aeromobility.com
Or by phone at 1-877-325-4000
Wheelchair Gateways
- Founded in 1997, their goal is to offer competitive rates and quality wheelchair van rentals to their customers.
- Many of their locations will deliver your accessible rental van to your home, work, hotel, or airport.
- They have over 180 rental locations and are partnered with major companies like Mobility Works, Braunability, and VMI to provide you with the most options at an affordable price.
To request more information, contact them at www.accessiblevans.com
Or by phone at 708-536-1842
Mobility Works
- Provides rental locations across the country since 1997
- Service to and from some of the busiest airports in America
- They offer van delivery in some cases
- They have side and rear-entry ramps available
- Their professionals will demonstrate how the van operates, including how to use the ramp and tie downs
- They offer weekday specials and monthly discount rates, including discounts for veterans
- All vans are equipped with easy-to-use retractable tie-downs
- Most locations offer you a newer accessible vehicle no more than 5 years old
- Includes 24 hour emergency hot-line ready to assist you in case of an emergency
For more information, contact them at www.mobilityworks.com
Or by phone at 1-877-275-4915
Airport Rental Company
- Founded in 2007, Airport Rental Company has 14 locations and over 2,000 vans.
- They offer a wheelchair accessible van package that includes: $99 per day van rental, unlimited free mileage with 3 day rental, and no fees for picking you up or dropping you off at the airport.
- They offer wheelchair accessible vans at all of their locations.
- You can rent by the day, week, month, or more long-term.
For more information, contact them at www.airportvanrental.com
Or by phone at 877-826-4680
Accessible Shuttle & Cab Services
Due to several recent shuttle companies going out of business, there are limited shuttle services that are equipped with a wheelchair accessible ramp or lift (at least at this time). Always check back here for updates.
LA City Cab
As one of the premier taxi cab company in Los Angeles, LA City Cab has been serving millions of tourists since 2001. They have a fleet of 170 sedans, hybrid vehicles, and wheelchair accessible vans, and provides 24/7 door-to-door service to all major cities and destinations.
To view their rates, click here.
For more information, contact them at lacitycab.com
Or by phone at 888-248-9222
United Taxi
United Taxi is an independently owned company that serves the greater Los Angeles area. They are dedicated to providing physically challenged customers with the widest range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, including sedans and mini vans.
For more information, contact them at www.unitedtaxi.com
Or by phone at 800-822-8294
Yellow Cab Co
The largest cab company in Orange County offers 60 wheelchair accessible taxi vans! Please note, a reservation and confirmation is needed in advance.
For more information, contact them at yellowcab.com
Or by phone at 719-999-9999
Additional Info
As you can see, there are a variety of companies to choose from that are capable of transporting people with disabilities. I recommend doing your own brief research on each one in order to determine which company will fit your needs the best.
And remember, always reserve in advance. Space and vehicles are limited, so reserving ahead of time is crucial. Most companies have a cancellation policy of up to 2 days before your trip.