Gabe Tries the Matrix

As a new amputee just 3 1/2 months post-accident, Gabe's ready to have some independence back! He's signed up for classes at college, and needs transportation, so he's looking for a car that he can get in and out of with his wheelchair on his own.
His aunt thought the Matrix looked like a good possibility. He thought about convertibles and vans, but thinks a hatchback will work best. He's looked at Saabs and Subarus so far, but the Matrix works best!
Everything in the back folds down completely flat and is made of smooth hard plastic. Both of these characteristics makes it easier for Gabe to move thru the vehicle.
The front passenger seat folds down flat too, making his transfer into the front seat safer and easier than it is in other cars.
The Matrix has good gas mileage, which is always important.
Add hand controls, and Gabe will be good to go!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• amputee car
• Matrix
• Gabe Goreham

[imsuperhotboy90]

@atvchick09 His legs were both amputated due to severe injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

[atvchick09]

I would recommend a rigid chair for him, its so much easier to be independent with one and much lighter and easier for him to transport, it will make his life a whole lot easier!

Out of curiosity if you dont mind me asking how did he lose his legs?

[TiLiteJoel]

switch to a rigid chair its so light weight even my mom can lift it with no problem !

[Gameboykd]

ya get down, and he lifts you up! ya get down! and he lifts you up! you get down and he lifts you up! EVERY TIME YA DOWN THE LORD LIFTS YA UP!!!!

[handihomo]

a very sexy boy



[WBarts]

dont forget. Mini van seats can be removed and you can park your wheelchair in that spot and drive. Electric or manual chair connects to the floor and locks in. You can Drive into the van right into the drivers seat.

[WBarts]

Also, get the removable quick release wheels for the chair, or get a Rigid chair much easier to handle one handed trying to load into a car ect.

[WBarts]

Ive been using my Regular old wooden cane to push my pedals and it works fine with a few days practice. Power steering must be very Lite too for one handed turning.

[jgaryj]

A friend of mine has the 2 1/2 door Saturn.  ( I dont think they make it any more) She had half of the rear seat cut out and carpeted. It is great. The rear 1/2 door opens suicide style. It takes no time to pop the wheels off, toss the chair in and away she goes. I have driven the car a lot. Hand controlls and cruise control. It is a great wheelchair car. More cars should be designed like that.

[tmsboston122]

completely agree with the others. you've got to get a different chair. with an ultralight L frame chair, you're talking 15 pounds max, that quickie probably weighs 40. you roll up to the driver's seat, hop over, pop the wheels off, toss them in the backseat, fold the backrest down, pull the chair in and you're good. you're not stuck waiting for someone to close the hatch or stand there and make sure the chair doesn't roll out, plus you'd still have a usable passenger seat and trunk/cargo area.