By Shea Northcut

(AXcess News) Washington - The 14 million American adults who use wheelchairs or motorized carts can now ride shotgun in a vehicle specifically designed for their transportation.

Two models of the 2011 MV-1 rolled into Washington as part of The National Council on Independent Living conference on its 27-city road show across the United States. The event also helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The construction process began five years ago in Mishawaka, Ind., at the same production location for the Hummer H2. The Vehicle Production Group held 52 focus groups to see what customers wanted - wider doors, higher ceilings and a larger space to maneuver. VPG's vehicle door measures 36 inches wide and 56 inches high.

Marc Klein, co-founder and executive vice president of business development, said VPG designed a vehicle for customers and commercial fleet transportation, such as rental cars and taxis.

"This wheelchair vehicle prioritizes freedom for everyone and was designed for the modern age to last hundreds of thousands of miles in all cities," Klein said.

Wheelchair users have been able to refit a standard car or van, but retrofits often resulted in faulty equipment with a short lifespan. In addition, the price of the car and the retrofitting usually cost more than $50,000. The 5,000 pound MV-1 will be listed for less than $40,000.

Marc Buoniconti, president of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, collaborated with VPG on specifications for the vehicle. He became paralyzed 25 years ago while he was playing tackle football. Going from the best shape of his life to the worst in a matter of moments, Buoniconti said he has struggled with transportation ever since.

"I am more excited about this vehicle and more excited for what this means for the disabled community then I have been about anything since I have been in this wheelchair," Buoniconti said. "People treat us as afterthoughts when we should be forethoughts ... that's what this vehicle is all about."

After rolling in the model car, Scott Crawford, 44, of Jackson, Miss., said he was impressed by all of the maneuvering room. Crawford was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999 and cannot drive. He said he hopes organizations will embrace the concept and see it as medical necessity.

"It's time for this country to become a more welcoming place for those who have disabilities," Crawford said. "If we are ever going to get people outside nursing homes and back into the community where they belong, they need transportation options like this one."

VPG sticks to its mission to provide "white glove service" by allowing customers to order online and have home delivery. Made with a heavy frame, the vehicle was created for durability and also offers a "green" option to have a factory-installed

compressed natural gas system. The company also guarantees roadside assistance if the vehicle breaks down.

VGP also met and exceeded ADA requirements that ramps hold 600 pounds - the MV-1 holds 1,200 pounds. And the ramp is less steep than minimum ADA requirements, making entry to the vehicle easier.

Vehicle production will start later this year with delivery available in January. More than 4,000 vehicles have already been reserved online.

Source: Scripps Howard Foundation Wire