Need space for a wheelchair!

[SubSlr88]

Hi everyone - I put my reservation in last week. However, my wife is stuck in a wheelchair (regular fold-up type) and I was wondering how much room is behind the seat in the Passion coupe? The chair folds to about 11" thick and measures about 39" high by 33" wide. Will this fit back there? Any wheelchair users out there driving one?
Also thinking about the Cabrio but the top uses that area to fold down - I think?? Any info you great folks could provide would be appreciated.

Gee, I would really feel badly if the wife had to miss out on the rides! ;)

[Old smart]

The floor area is 39”W x 21”D. I'm not sure how much height there is, but it may fit laying on its back if there isn't 39" of height.

[scdaf]

Took a tape out to the car and it looks like it'll work IF you don't need the seats all the way back. It's the 33" wide that makes it tight, going to have to go back there at an angle to make it fit.

[jwight]

20 deep x 39 wide x 28 high; not enough height.

[scdaf]

Originally Posted by jwight

20 deep x 39 wide x 28 high; not enough height.

Unless you lean the chair...

[Smart Enuf]

Perhaps the smart bike rack set up for two bikes will do the trick? That would free up the boot for more cargo.

[sheureka]

Originally Posted by SubSlr88

Gee, I would really feel badly if the wife had to miss out on the rides! ;)

So buy her an electric chair!

Having used a manual chair for many years, and knowing how unwieldy they are I have a feeling it may not work. I would definitely take the chair to a Smart dealer and try it. The bike rack would probably also work, or have a tow ball installed and use a platform carrier on it.

I use an electric chair now, and have a little one that fits into the cargo area on my Cabriolet. Here's a picture of what that looks like.

[JPaul]

Thank you sheureka,
I just spent 10 minutes trying to trace your original post down. I just know that the thread had to do about "what did you stuff..." but couldn't find it.
In the meantime, you did it!
Now, remains to see if SubSir88's wife will agree to trade "her" wheels? Doesn't one sort of get used to one kind over another?

[sheureka]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Thank you sheureka,
I just spent 10 minutes trying to trace your original post down. I just know that the thread had to do about "what did you stuff..." but couldn't find it.
In the meantime, you did it!
Now, remains to see if SubSir88's wife will agree to trade "her" wheels? Doesn't one sort of get used to one kind over another?

I really meant that as a joke. But I've thought of another possible alternative - if her chair is one of the ultralights with popoff wheels there shouldn't be a problem either. I still think the only way to really tell is to take the chair to a Smart dealer.

[SubSlr88]

Originally Posted by sheureka

But I've thought of another possible alternative - if her chair is one of the ultralights with popoff wheels there shouldn't be a problem either. I still think the only way to really tell is to take the chair to a Smart dealer.

I knew you guys would come thru! The dealer is about and hour and half drive so I can't just pop in there. Having the measurements is a great help however. I can see how it would go on it's back but is there really only 28" of space above the floor? Or maybe the roof curves down or something . . . ?
I have been looking at a new chair for her - and one of my choices is a lightweight with removable wheels. That would be a big help. I really don't want an electric. She's still mobile - she just has no balance to walk or stand. And the more she can do for herself the better.
Thanks very much for all your help. . . great forum, too!