"The focus is on the customer, who wants to be mobile again independently and optimally without outside help. This is what our 360-degree approach stands for," says Alexander Nerz, Head of Marketing at PARAVAN GmbH. The support already starts with the search for the optimal solution, the right choice of vehicle, the application to the cost unit and the conversion and adaptation. If technical appraisals or driving school training are necessary, this can also be offered at the PARAVAN Mobility Park Aichelau or the Heidelberg branch.

Vehicle premiere Hyundai Staria as a disabled-friendly driver and ride-sharing solution

The mobility tinkerers are still working flat out in the Aichelau workshop: With the Hyundai Staria, PARAVAN GmbH presents a new platform for vehicle conversion for the disabled as a driver and ride-sharing solution. The modern Multivan is equipped with a PARAVAN cassette lift, the Space Drive driving and steering system and a four-way joystick. Secondary functions such as indicators, horn, lights or even the electric sun visor, can be operated via PARAVAN Touch or by voice control. To ensure the necessary headroom of 1.40 cm, the vehicle floor was lowered from the A to the C pillar. The result is a spacious interior with room for a third row of seats in addition to the wheelchair. Optionally, further individual adaptations are possible depending on the symptoms: whether the Space Drive driving and steering system with the respective input devices is to be used, light steering, a gas ring or various hand devices for operating the gas and brake.

Everything is possible! In addition, the vehicle can be individually equipped with the PARAVAN Touch, with the PARAVAN voice control or with the universal multi-function rotary knob MultiMote on the steering wheel, as required. "We are always on the lookout for practical vehicle alternatives," says Joachim Glück, mobility consultant at PARAVAN GmbH. "But the choice is getting smaller, as many models are now only available as electric versions. With regard to the battery in the vehicle floor and the permissible total weight, these are currently difficult to adapt." After the discontinuation of production of the VW T6.1 and the combustion engine model of the Peugeot Traveller, the mobility experts have long been on the lookout for an affordable alternative for the ever-popular vans and have found what they were looking for with the new Hyundai Staria.

Versatile PARAVAN electric wheelchair range for every application area

In addition to individual mobility solutions for the vehicle, PARAVAN develops power wheelchairs for very different target groups: From child care, to the functional all-rounder wheelchair with standing, reclining and edging functions, to the heavyweight Heavy Duty – agile, compact, and modularly designed, developed to meet the needs of the customers. In the meantime, the PARAVAN wheelchair range has grown to eight models. With the various possibilities for use, the users are mobile in their leisure time or at work and with the PARAVAN PR 50 additionally in the car, as a driver’s seat. "We always develop our range of power wheelchairs to meet the needs of our customers, in dialogue with them," says Stefan Ludwig, Head of Wheelchair Systems. "For the user, his power wheelchair is as important as a well-broken-in pair of shoes. It must be absolutely reliable and suitable for everyday use, as well as individually adapted to the specific clinical picture and the respective life situation."

Development does not stop at the wheelchair segment; in addition to new developments, there are always product updates such as the PARAVAN Allrounder PR30/II or improvements with regard to reach or R-Net joystick control – individually adaptable. Depending on the symptoms, head and chin controls as well as special sliding aids, rain canopies or storage tables are available for a relaxed everyday life. All models have an armrest that can be adjusted up to 12 positions – customisable with a wide range of arm pads. This also applies to the colour scheme of the trim, from dino green to red to elegant matt black.

All wheelchairs are manufactured in Germany. "This allows us to realise short delivery times, on average about four weeks," says Ludwig. Five sales representatives, including Simon Derrer and Matthias Enneper – two rehab child experts – support sales in Germany, which is mainly handled by the cooperating medical supply stores. PARAVAN GmbH has had wheelchairs in its product portfolio since 2008. "This is a very important component for our 360-degree approach of supplying everything from a single source," says Joachim Glück, Head of Vehicle Sales. "Together with the PARAVAN wheelchair team, we can offer a total solution, from the adapted vehicle, to the way into the vehicle, the appropriate adaptation to drive the vehicle independently, to the customised wheelchair solution."

PARAVAN Driving School: Get in and drive off

The PARAVAN driving school will also be on site at REHAB 2023 and offer test drives. Driving instructors Ralf Buhmann and Carsten Seidler will be on hand to answer questions: Can I really drive a car? What is necessary to apply for a driving licence? What is the best solution for me? At REHAB you can take a test drive in a driving school car. The PARAVAN mobility advisors will also be there. And, of course, PARAVAN driving instructors will be on hand in the open area in front of the exhibition hall to give trade fair visitors the opportunity to get behind the wheel themselves. The highlight here is the new extremely adaptable driving school car, with which almost 95 percent of the complaint patterns can be covered without major conversion. The Mercedes Sprinter is equipped, among other things, with an innovative camera system with environment recognition, which enables training in the case of limited field of vision. The other possibilities are manifold, from a simple hand-held device or multifunctional knob to highly complex vehicle adaptation.

Visit PARAVAN at REHAB, hall 2 stand C24

"For PARAVAN-GmbH, Rehab is an important leading trade fair in the field of therapy, rehabilitation and inclusion as well as an industry get-together in southern Germany and a pleasant must-attend event," says Alexander Nerz. "The event is an excellent networking platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences within the industry. For many years, REHAB has had a regular place in our trade fair calendar and is an important showcase for trade visitors and for customers at the same time." Anyone who wants to find out about a comprehensive solution and get an overview can do so at the PARAVAN stand C24 in Hall 2 at the exhibition centre in Karlsruhe.