Glide Rite - a 'dignified approach' for wheelchair using passengers

Date posted: 
4 May 2007

For the first time in Australia, there's now a wheelchair vehicle access system available that doesn't leave a person who uses a wheelchair in full view of passing traffic and more importantly provides them with a dignified approach to transport.

The system, called Glide Rite, is from Tysons Pty Ltd, a 100% Australian owned family business that's had over 30 years experience converting vans for various uses, but they believe this latest system is not just an innovation but a revolution.

Sales Manager for Tysons, Ryan Tyson, said: 'Until now, anyone using a wheelchair suffered from difficult access to vehicles, or at best a very steep ramp.

'They were also positioned in the back of vehicles, away from other passengers and either stuck up in the air on a platform, or down in a pit in the rear of the vehicle. It robbed them of dignity.'

The Glide Rite system has airbags replacing the conventional suspension and unique technology allows the vehicle itself to be lowered, the floor also lowers and an access ramp deploys to allow safe and easy entry to the vehicle for wheelchairs (manual and electric) and mobility scooters.

The low ramp angle, in conjunction with a 'soft start' winch allows the carer to be with the passenger at all times and reduces the risks involved in high lift transfers.

The passenger is able to be a part of the dynamics within the vehicle during transport and not confined to the rear or worse, in a lowered floor area.

The discreet installation of the Glide Rite system allows dignity and comfort in a vehicle that externally is no different in appearance. The ramp folds into a dedicated area and cannot be seen from outside the vehicle.

The system also uses modern technology with the use of alloy/honeycomb construction that reduces the weight of components and also the risk of injury to carers.

The system has been fitted to a range of vehicles for evaluation and assessment including the Renault Master and Mercedes Benz Vito among others, and to over 70 vehicles in the Sydney Lime taxis fleet.

Mr. Tyson said: 'This new approach to an old problem eliminates most of the hazards and OH & S issues associated with transferring wheelchair clients into and out of vehicles.'

He went on: 'We are continually striving to provide better solutions for wheelchair access than has previously been available on the market - we believe with the GlideRite system we have the best.

The system is currently available for:

  • Mercedes Benz Vito Wagon
  • Mercedes Benz Vito XLWB
  • Renault Traffic
  • Renault Master

Under development:

  • Volkswagen T5 - due for release later this year.

Further information/pix:

Tony Hill
M: 0410-643328
O: 07-32621542