Hey All!

I just wanted to share a quick note about how a 2007 Cooper S provided freedom once again!

About 2 years ago I was in a motorcycle accident where I was left a paraplegic, and loss complete use of my legs. During the recovery phase, I was unable to drive for almost two years. I have always loved motor vehicles of all kinds, and greatly missed being behind the wheel. When the time came, we shopped long and hard for a vehicle that would be easy for me to get in and out of, and something we could adapt with hand-controls. We eventually chose a Mini!

I have the 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This combo allows me complete control of the Cooper… I hardly miss having a manual transmission. I have to say, the Mini Cooper is one of the ABSOLUTE best vehicles for a person in a wheelchair!

If you want to see a short video of me getting into the Mini S, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fiHp...&feature=feedf

Although the video was shot for a contest, it does show how well the Mini works for someone in a chair.

Thanks Mini Cooper for providing me FREEDOM once again!!!
MiniWheeln

 

Amazing story Chad and great video. I know you probably hear this all the time, but you're an inspiration for not letting a tragedy get you down.

I flipped my Harley 3 years ago when another bike clipped my back wheel and paralyzed my face (cut the 7th nerve). The first year was hell, so I can only imagine what you went through.

The MINI is such a fun car to get around in, you must be having a ball driving again.

BTW, I see that this is your first post....Welcome to NAM

 

Thanks Kemo!

I appreciate your kind words... and you are correct, I am having a ball driving again!

Sorry to hear about your own accident. It looks like you own one again. Nice! Although, my bike wasn't a Harley... it was part of the family. It was a Buell 1200 Firebolt. Great bikes!

I plan to ride again down the road... will look at something like the Can-Am Spyder...

Take care -- MiniWheeln

 

Welcome, Glad to hear that you're on the road again!

I have the automatic too, I really like it.

If you want to get on bikes again, consider a sidecar. I am a member of the United Sidecar Association,

http://www.sidecar.com/

We have a number of disabled sidecarists in the club, there are even some members who have modified sidecars that allow them to wheel right in and drive the rig from the sidecar.

Dave

 

Chad
Welcome to NAM!
Thank you for your story.

 

Yeah Chad, I bought another bike. Still not sure if I should have bothered, since my eyes don't close anymore it makes it hard to ride any distance. It one of those things though, I had a bike most of my life and right now I just can't see not having one in the garage.

I agree, the Buell's are great bikes. I sold Harley's for a long time and got to ride all the Buell's.......well excpet for the Ulysses (since I'm only 5'9", I couldn't get on the damn thing without a stool )

If you do eventually decide on a Can-Am Spyder, I think you'll be impresed. They manufacture them in Quebec, which is the next Province over from me, so we see quite a few on the road. I took one out for a test ride last summer, handles great and the technology is endless.

 

Thanks for the info on the sidecar Dave!

 

Another plus is that MINI USA may pay for part or all of the adaptations required to make the Cooper handicapped-accessible

 

I know! However, I wish I would have known that when I bought my cars. Subaru also does it, but nobody ever mentioned it. It was a months later that someone mentioned the manufacture will pick up the cost!

Oh well.. Next time!

 

Very cool.....happy motoring!!

 

Welcome to the community...

great to hear that your getting great emotions from your motroring!

 

Thanks Mini Cooper for providing me FREEDOM once again!!!
MiniWheeln[/quote]

MiniWheeln,
So good to read your news. I've had MS for a few years and this little MINI Cooper of mine has been absolutely great for me too. I'm so happy for you !!
If you don't mind my asking, what model is your Ti-lite chair? I watched your video and am thrilled at the possibilities the wheel chair provides and the ease of stowing. My MINI is an automatic transmission also, with the thought of possible hand control adaptions down the road.
Thanks again and so awesome to see your video.

 

I'm not sure if there is a time limit on the MINI reimbursement, but I think you just need an application, plus the receipt(s) for the material and labor. If the conversion was costly, it might be worth contacting ASK MINI.

 

Great thread!!!

 

MiniWheeln,
What model is your Ti-lite chair? I watched your video and am thrilled at the possibilities the wheel chair provides and the ease of stowing. .[/quote]

Hello Kathy,
Thanks for the kind words!

The TiLite is a ZRA. Since the filming of the video, I have acquired a new TiLite, which is a ZR2. Believe it or not, its actually about 9 pounds ligther than the one shown in the video. The video is about a year old. Since then I have perfected my transfer, and I can get in and out of a chair in less than a minute!

TiLite makes an amazing product. I would recommend taking a good look at a Ti.. I love their products!

Good luck
MiniWheeln

 

[QUOTE=MiniWheeln;3266392]Hey All!

I just wanted to share a quick note about how a 2007 Cooper S provided freedom once again!

About 2 years ago I was in a motorcycle accident where I was left a paraplegic, and loss complete use of my legs. During the recovery phase, I was unable to drive for almost two years. I have always loved motor vehicles of all kinds, and greatly missed being behind the wheel. When the time came, we shopped long and hard for a vehicle that would be easy for me to get in and out of, and something we could adapt with hand-controls. We eventually chose a Mini!

I have the 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This combo allows me complete control of the Cooper… I hardly miss having a manual transmission. I have to say, the Mini Cooper is one of the ABSOLUTE best vehicles for a person in a wheelchair![QUOTE]

Hope you see this, I am incredibly thankful for your video, accident at work and i in a wheelchair while I learn to adjust to life with a walker, I know I'm very lucky but yesterday's discussion with family and docs was giving up my MINI. Now I know I don't have too.

May take awhile but I WILL figure out the transfer.

 

I recently got a TiLite Aero X Folding wheelchair. I don't need it on a regular basis but it is ready to go when I do need it. The movie I watched was such an inspiration and my little MINI is a life saver.
Not only does it spiff me up to see it shine after I'm finished polishing on it but it seems to adapt to every situation I've had to confront.
I've practiced the transfer, the anchor routine and have a very good routine already in place, for those certain times, if the chair is needed.
It's been an expensive little car since I purchased it in 2010 but we're almost to the "everything in it is new" point and I'll keep it forever.