Vendor Newsmaker Q&A: Dave Hubbard

Jan. 1, 2020
Dave Hubbard is the director of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA).
With May marking the inaugural National Mobility Awareness Month, Dave Hubbard, director of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), recently answered several questions about how the vehicle conversion segment relates to the rest of the aftermarket:

Like this article? Sign up for our enews blasts here.

What are some of the ways that an aftermarket business can participate in and/or express support for May’s National Mobility Awareness Month?

If you know someone who has a disability, have them enter the “Local Heroes” contest to win a free mobility vehicle. Go to www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com. Beyond that, they can partner with a local mobility dealer, senior living facility, local government service agency, etc. and prepare an information presentation or event to inform people about mobility solutions available and how where to get them.

How would you rate the growth of mobility vehicle conversions in relation to population demographic trends?

The Mobility industry tends to grow in direct proportion to population growth with slightly less in recent years due to medical advancement in the field of birth defects and prosthetics.

Are more baby boomers now caring for their parents? Are more baby boomers themselves in need of vehicle conversions?

Yes. People are living longer and baby boomers are becoming the caregivers for their parents. Baby boomers are 10 to 15 years away from making a significant impact on the senior mobility market as a consumer group.

Has the need to serve older or disabled drivers increased over the past few years?

Yes, as people live longer.

What types of conversions and related equipment are available?

Lowered floor minivans equipped with ramps, high-tech driving controls, special lifts and swivel seating; see our website: www.nmeda.com.

Does the industry have a steady production of conversion vehicles sold off the lot, so to speak, or is each vehicle custom prepared on a per-order basis?

More and more of the industry is turning to vehicles that have been modified in a more mass produced manufacturing process and less vehicles are customer altered on an individual basis. Mobility manufacturers also have to adhere to FMVSS just the same as OEMs and carry the request warranties and service training to support their product lines. The dealers would them customize the vehicles with special driving controls, seating, environmental equipment, wheelchair securement, etc. as needed based on a customer evaluation by a driving rehabilitation specialist.

Are you seeing more OEMs adding conversion features to vehicles rolling off the assembly line?

No. It’s generally considered too low a volume product to mess with.

Are most of your industry's vehicles sold to individuals? Or to medical-type institutions and related facilities such as hospitals, rest homes, etc.?

Most vehicles that NMEDA members deal with are sold for personal use. However, there is a commercial end of the business that deals with municipal transit and other institutions.

Are you seeing other types of businesses outfitting vehicles to serve an aging population? Such as resorts or hotels aiming to provide more convenience for the patrons who are getting older?

It seems more businesses are beginning to prepare for the aging baby boomer population and paying more attention to the American Disabilities Act and supply accessible accommodations and transportation options. However, NMRDA does not collect information or statics in this area.

What does the setup/selection process entail for a business wishing to sell conversion vehicles?

Most of the people in the mobility industry (manufacturing and installation & service) got into the business because they themselves or some loved one had a disability. It does require a good amount of specialized training to deal with mobility products, not to mention the people with disabilities themselves.

The liability alone keeps the average business person from entering this end of the automotive business. Remember that we are talking about installing equipment to allow a person in a wheelchair to drive a vehicle. A miss-step in that process can create a risky situation for everyone on the road. This is not to say that it can’t be done safely with the right equipment and training. Even just adding a scooter lift to a vehicle can result in an unbalanced vehicle and create a safety issue.

At NMEDA we see examples all the time where unqualified mechanics have installed equipment a hap hazard fashion and set up an unsafe situation. This is why NMEDA exists. We have developed Guidelines for our members to follow that help ensure that products are installed correctly, tested and double checked. In fact, NMEDA members are audited at least once a year to make sure they are following the Guidelines.

NMEDA members are also required to have all the proper tools, and have training certificates on file for all the products they install. We also make sure our members are doing business out of facilities that can safely accommodate a person in a wheelchair or maneuvering with other types of equipment. Of course, they must be ADA compliant. Also, when dealing with people with a disability it is critical to have 24-hour emergency service. Imagine a person in a wheelchair stuck in mall parking lot at 10 o’clock at night and for some reason they can’t get their ramp or lift to operate. Service availability is critical.

Also, nearly all of NMEDA member mobility dealers work with a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) to evaluate customers and the type of equipment they would need. A CDRS is generally someone who is an OT or PT and is also a licensed driving instructor trained to evaluate people with disabilities and what they would need in the way of equipment and training to either drive a vehicle or be transported. It is also worth mentioning as this point that the average sale of either adapted vehicles or mobility equipment generally takes more time than traditional OEM vehicles and aftermarket accessories. It can take months to sell a vehicle that is properly equipped. This is especially true when dealing with third party funders and government agency who supply financing and grant for people with disabilities.

NMEDA does not try and discourage people for going into the mobility business. On the contrary, we need more qualified mobility dealers. However, they should come with the right attitude and commitment that serving people with disabilities requires. It’s a great industry and can supply a lot of “pride in self” and satisfaction in their work and helping others, but it takes the right kind of person.

What is the extent of technician training required to work on specialized features such as wheelchair lifts and the like?

The insurance carriers require it in most cases and much of the equipment is very specialized. Many of our manufacturers will not sell their products without a training agreement.

How long does it usually take for a vehicle conversion to be accomplished at the dealer or upfitter level?

Six- to eight-week minimum.

For more information, visit www.nmeda.com.

Sponsored Recommendations

ZEUS+: The Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Solution for Smart, Fast, and Efficient Auto Repairs

The new ZEUS+ simplifies your diagnostic process and guides you through the right repair, avoiding unnecessary steps along the way. It gives you the software coverage, processing...

Diagnostic Pre- and Post-scan Reports are Solid Gold for Profitability

The following article highlights the significance of pre-scans and post-scans, particularly with Snap-on scan tools, showcasing their efficiency in diagnosing issues and preventing...

Unlock Precision and Certainty: TRITON-D10 Webinar Training for Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics

The TRITON-D10 lets you dig deep into the systems of a vehicle and evaluate performance with comparative data, systematically eliminating the unnecessary to provide you with only...

APOLLO-D9: Trustworthy Diagnostics for Precision Repairs

The APOLLO-D9 provides the diagnostic information and resources you need to get the job done. No more hunting through forums or endlessly searching to find the right answers. ...

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!