Mobility Products, News and Answers

Our first Conquest Motorcycles have arrived in Louisville and Indianapolis!  We will be hosting a training session and conducting demo’s on the new wheelchair accessible motorcycles!

Join us in Indianapolis, June 23rd 10am - 4pm

Join us in Louisville, June 24th, 10am - 4pm

More about the Conquest:

For customers who have been told they can never ride a motorcycle because they are in a wheelchair there now may be a way for you to connect with the passion for riding. The Conquest motorcycle you can drive from your wheelchair has been available in Europe for a number of years and over 100 customers bought one in the UK last year.

In 2010 Mobility Conquest was chosen to be the exclusive supplier and assembler in the United States. The Conquest has been described by motorcycle enthusiast as “ Judge Dredd meets Batman” This innovative design allows consumers in wheelchairs to enter the rear ramp of the trike, go up the ramp, and lock in place behind the steering wheel just as they probably do in their vans. This bike was designed for consumers in wheelchairs with strong upper bodies but physical challenges from the waist down.The wheelchair accessible motorcycle has been on display at various motorcycle shows and has received national news support.

Like a number of innovative products for the physically challenged community, this bike was originally designed by Alan Martin whose son was injured at work and unable to participate in his passion for riding motorcycles. After years of development and just under $5 million Alan’s desire to help his son has turned into a business helping a number of physically challenged consumers enjoy the thrill and freedom of riding a motorcycle. You can find a you tube video of a paraplegic driving this innovative wheelchair bike by clicking here and here. 

“One common comment we receive from customers who demo our bike is it is …surprisingly powerful” says Mark Allen Roberts, Mobility Conquest President. The Conquest quickly accelerates its 1200 CC BMW engine from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds. The bike has a top speed of 105mph. Not because Mobility Conquest wants their customers to drive fast, but to provide the power and torch other sleepy custom trikes lack.

The Conquest is the first production motorcycle that can be driven from a wheelchair in the United States

At the recent NMEDA trade conference for dealers like Superior Van & Mobility, Kevin had the chance for a test ride. Kevin was injured in a motorcycle accident 34 years ago and has not been on a bike since. You can see Kevin’s ride here. Kevin now works for Mobility Works in San Jose helping customers with physical challenges regain their mobility.

The Braun Corporation recently initiated a recall that concerns the 2005-2008 GM Uplander, Montana, and Terraza rear trailing arm weldment.  If you received a letter in the mail stating that your vehicle is part of the recall, please contact your nearest Superior Van & Mobility so we can schedule a time for you to come in for us to check to see if your vehicle is in need a repair to this weldment.  If unsure of your nearest Superior Van & Mobility, please call our toll free number, 1-800-458-8267.�

Question From Reader:  I purchased a 2009 Excusion 10 months ago.  If I get a lift, can I still get the mobility rebate from Ford?

Answer From Superior:  YES, but hurry!!  Ford will offer a rebate of up to $1200 towards the purchase of a wheelchair or scooter lift (or other adaptive equipmentf) for your vehicle if A) If was a new purchase and B) You purchase the lift or other adaptive equipment within 12 months of buying your new vehicle.  You will have to pay for the lift upfront, but after you receive a paid invoice from Superior, and then the car dealership sends in some paperwork for you, will will receive a reimbursement check in 4-6 weeks from Ford!  Similiar rebates are offered by almost all vehicle manufacturer’s!�

Question From Reader:  I need a wheelchair lift for my van, but my van is old and I can’t afford a new one for at least another year.  Should I wait on the lift so that its not a wast of money?

Answer From Superior:  Our (unoccupied) wheelchair lifts that go on an outside hitch or on the inside of your van are completely transferable!  As long as your new van can hold the weight and size of your chair, when the lift is removed, it will not leave any type of damage or footprint when taken out of your old van and installed in your new van.  ALWAYS call us first to be sure the application will work when you are thinking about buying a new car to use to carry your powerchair or scooter, but, this is one of the nicest features of the lifts Superior carries! Not all lift brands can say this, so, make sure you are dealing with a reputable lift brand and mobility dealer on this type of purchase.

From Reader:  Is it true that you carry not only New Wheelchair/Scooter lifts, but that you carry used ones as well? 

Answer From Superior:  Yes!  There are many times that a customer no longer has a use for a wheelchair/scooter lift.  If the lift is in good condition, we most times will buy it back from them.  We know in this tough economy that price is sometimes the biggest factor in getting a lift.  For that reason, we stock a small supply of quite a few of our most popular lifts to sell at or around half the new price (and yes, this includes installation)!  Our used lift inventory is always changing, so give us a buzz to find out if the lift that will work with your car and chair is one we have in our used inventory!  They come with a 90 day warranty and a full Superior Inspection when we install them.  Call today for details!

Once again, RHI, along with the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation & Superior Van & Mobility, will be hosting “Hot Air Affair” the hot air balloon company piloted by Alvin Hansen, winner of the 2009 Indy 500 Hot Air Balloon Race who will be offering tethered balloon rides.

When: Saturday, May 8, 2010

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where: In the open field to the west of the RHI campus

4141 Shore Dr.  Indianapolis, IN 46254

For more information, please contact Matt Ritter, mritter@superiorvan.com, 317-250-0987

Balloon Festival Information

Centennial Era Balloon Festival presented by AT&T Fast Facts
WHAT: Centennial Era Balloon Festival presented by AT&T, featuring 33 hot-air balloons. Admission and infield parking are free to the public.

WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield*

*The IMS infield is closed Saturday morning due to the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon; fans can watch the balloons ascend from outside the IMS grounds.

WHEN: Saturday, May 8
May 8:
7:30 a.m.: Founders Race begins (no public access to IMS infield due to OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon)

5 p.m.: Gates open (enter/park via Gate 9A on Georgetown Road north of 25th Street); Oliver Winery wine tasting, “Matt the Balloon Guy” and other entertainment in the Pagoda Plaza; Vendor row opens along the balloon field

5:15 p.m.: Live music featuring the Gin Blossoms and Red Moon

8-9:30 p.m.: Balloon “Glow”

9:15-9:30 p.m.: Fireworks

�

Question From Reader:  I heard that if you buy a new car or van and want a wheelchair or scooter lift installed, you can get up to $1000 back from the car manufacturer.  Is that really true?

Answer From Superior:  YES!  Isn’t that great??  Most car manufacturers (Ford, Toyota, Dodge/Chrysler, etc) will offer you a rebate of up to $1000 toward the purchase of a new lift when you purchase a new car, truck or van.  In some instances, like Toyota, they will offer that rebate up to 12 months from the date you purchase your new vehicle.  Here’s how it works:   Call us FIRST if you are planning on purchasing a new vehicle to carry your chair or scooter with you.  We can tell you if the combination (vehicle and mobility device) will work in your situation.  Once you confirm the application with us, move forward with the purchase of your new vehicle.  We’ll get your lift ordered and scheduled for installation!  Once installed, you will have to pay for the lift and we will sign a “Mobility Rebate” form stating we installed the lift, and provide you with a paid invoice that you will mail in with your Mobility Rebate form.  In 4-6 weeks, you will receive a reimbursement check up to $1000! Please give us a buzz if you would like more information on how these programs work.

Superior Van & Mobility of Louisville is pleased to announce that it has entered the first ever all-hand-cycling team in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2010 Stock Yard Bank Great Bed Race. The Superior Wheelers team includes Handcyclist World Champion and Paralympian Greg Hockensmith, Matt Ritter, Matt Davis, Grant Berthiaume, and Paul Erway.  The Bed Race will take place on April 26 at 6 p.m. in Broadbent Arena.

The Superior Wheelers bed will be bolted to three traditional handcycles and one off-road terrain handcycle called the One-Off. Traditional handcycles are recumbent trikes with two wheels at the rear and one wheel at the front connected to the drive chain.  They are typically used to ride on smooth surfaces.  The One-Off is an all terrain handcycle and designed like a tricycle except the two wheels are in the front instead of the back.  The riding position of the One-Off  is closer to kneeling on all fours than sitting on a seat, which is different from the upright sitting position of the traditional handcycle. The One-Off’s drive from the crank-set goes to the single rear wheel instead of the front wheels, which gives more traction on inclines. 

The One-Off will be ridden by Paralympian and World Champion Hand Cyclist Greg Hockensmith, who will be in Louisville to be a part of Superior Van & Mobility’s 2010 Bed Race team.

“We wanted Greg on our team as he really exemplifies the inspiration and creativity we all try to employ every day with our customers,” said Paul Erway, Rehab Product Consultant for Superior Van & Mobility.  “Watching Greg or any of these team members shows the community, disabled or not, the possibilities around a disability, not the limitations.”

Hockensmith used this same One-Off bike when he set a record for the fastest arm-powered ascent in 2007 when he climbed Mt. Fuji in Japan. He will talk about this inspirational journey during a seminar sponsored by Superior Van & Mobility and Frazier Rehab titled “Reaching the Summit without Limits”.  The seminar is being offered to all of Frazier Rehabilitation’s therapists on April 26 at 12:00 p.m.  at Frazier Rehabilitation. 

ABOUT SUPERIOR VAN & MOBILITY

Superior Van & Mobility, LLC is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our customers with disabilities.  Celebrating 34 years of serving the disabled community, Superior provides only state-of-the-art mobility vans, lifts, accessories and service.  We continually educate and train our staff to be mobility experts, utilizing the best practices of the industry.  Our ultimate goal is to provide our customers with a new level of freedom and independence by delivering the best in transportation solutions.  Superior Van & Mobility has seven locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Eastern Tennessee and also offers equipment training for all of its products.  For more information, visit www.superiorvan.com.

ABOUT GREG HOCKENSMITH

For the past 20 years, Greg Hockensmith has exemplified the spirit of sport, perseverance, and accomplishment. It has been this drive and desire to succeed that has endured him in his handcycling career, a sport in which he was a dominating figure from 2001 to 2006. Greg was injured in a traumatic car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 16.

Determined not to let this slow him down, he excelled as a successful wheelchair racer, which led to wheelchair basketball that enabled him to play for the Temple Rollin’ Owls in Philadelphia.

By the late 90’s, Greg found a new love in handcycling that inspired him to move to Arizona where there is a strong cycling influence. Since then, Greg has won numerous National titles and domestic races. He has won at least 3 International Gold medals, a World Championship, and set at World Record when he rode his bike 252 miles in under 18 hours. Greg’s most major athletic accomplishment was ascending Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, in record time.

Now, Greg spends most of his spare time running a small business called AZ Lift & Care Specialists, which provides lift systems and other specialized adaptive equipment for people with disabilities as well as helping Perimeter Bicycling, a non-profit organization in Tucson, Arizona. Greg helps run a junior handcycling program by loaning bikes to disabled children to race. For more information on Greg Hockensmith visit www.azliftandcare.com.

ABOUT ONE-OFF HANDCYCLES

Developed and manufactured by Mike Augspurger in 1998, the One-Off, built from titanium parts is the first handcycle to bridge the gap between today’s only hand cycles and the chair-lift dependent downhill racers. The bicycle cranks for propulsion and a steering similar to the downhill racers. It is an arm-powered vehicle that is analogous to the modern mountain bike giving excellent speed, maneuverability, positioning and safety for its riders. For more information on the One-Off, visit www.oneoffhandcycle.com.

Question From Reader:  I can’t help to notice that some of your prices are listed but some aren’t on your online inventory on your website.  Why don’t you list them all?

Answer From Superior:  Great Question!  You are correct, all of our Used and Preowned Pricing is listed on our website because these prices do not change.  We do not list the pricing of our NEW inventory because REBATES offered from the manufacturer (Dodge/Chrysler, Toyota, Honda) change on a monthly basis - sometimes even every two weeks!   Since we list all our inventory from all seven of our locations on our website, and we pass every rebate offered directly on to the you, the buyer, we would not want to chance listing the wrong rebate at the wrong time for the wrong vehicle!  It can be a really time consuming project!  Therefore, to make things simple, we ask that you call for the most current price on all our new inventory.  That way, we can be sure you understand the current rebate and how it is applied to the price of that vehicle!

From Superior:  Did you know that we send out a quarterly newsletter?  Its a great publication and keeps our customer base up to date on all things new and improved in the world of lowered floor rampvans, lifts, and driving equipment!  We publish coupons, all our community events, open house annoucements,  and much more!  Call any of our seven locations to be added to our newsletter list!  To take the “green” option, just email us and let us know you would like to receive the electronic version only!!