Hebert is supported by BraunAbility and his local mobility dealer. When you purchase a mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community.
CUSTOMER STORY
A 5,000-Mile Test Drive: One Driver’s First Look at the Next Generation Traverse
“I was excited. I was optimistic. But I’ve learned you don’t get in a vehicle, drive it 10 miles, and suddenly say it’s great. It takes a series of tests before you can really give full judgment. I tested it a bunch of times, then gave input.”
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Dave Hebert has lived life as a paraplegic for over 40 years and worked as an assistive technology professional (ATP) for more than 30 years, helping people find mobility solutions that fit their needs. He relies on his vehicle multiple times a day, navigating a wide range of environments as he visits clients in homes and hospitals.
Hebert recently had the opportunity to take part in testing the next-generation BraunAbility Traverse before it became available to the public. Over the course of 5,000 miles, he put the vehicle through real-world use, evaluating how it performed in various environments.
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Testing the Next Generation BraunAbility Traverse
Having previously driven a BraunAbility Traverse, Hebert was eager to drive the new Traverse, and he brought both professional expertise and personal experience to the testing process. Rather than drawing quick conclusions, he approached the opportunity with intention. This type of real-world testing and feedback plays a critical role in BraunAbility’s product development process.
“I was excited. I was optimistic. But I’ve learned you don’t get in a vehicle, drive it 10 miles, and suddenly say it’s great. It takes a series of tests before you can really give full judgment. I tested it a bunch of times, then gave input,” he said.
After 5,000 miles of real-world driving, Hebert felt confident relying on the next-generation BraunAbility Traverse as part of his daily routine and even felt comfortable sharing his positive experience with clients who were considering an accessible vehicle.
The Next-Generation BraunAbility Traverse: Improvements and Features
During testing, Hebert used the vehicle as he normally would: visiting clients for work and driving in a variety of conditions. As someone who enters and exits his vehicle multiple times a day, efficiency and reliability were top priorities.
“I’m in and out of homes and hospitals five to seven times a day. Having a vehicle that’s more efficient gives me a lot more confidence using it,” he said.
Throughout the testing period, Hebert noticed several purposeful refinements compared to prior model years.
A notable improvement Hebert mentioned was the vehicle’s quiet ride. “I’m on the phone all day talking to referral sources, manufacturers, and doing quotes. The Traverse being quieter makes a big difference,” he said.
He also appreciated interior updates that improved accessibility and usability.
“The cup holders were more convenient and didn’t interfere with my transfers, and the display from Chevrolet is better on the dashboard. It’s more user friendly”, he said.
Designed with a Range of Needs in Mind
As an assistive technology professional, Hebert also paid close attention to features that could benefit drivers with different mobility needs, even if he didn’t personally rely on them.
“I learned that the driver’s armrest flips back,” he said. “I didn’t need it to flip back, but it’s good for some of my friends who can’t transfer as easily as me.”
He also noticed improvements in how the vehicle systems worked together.
“The kneel and ramp systems seem more in sync with the door. It feels quicker and more efficient, which makes a difference when you’re using it multiple times a day,” he said.
While Hebert primarily helps people obtain wheelchairs and other mobility aids, he found a few of his clients showed interest in his test vehicle. For clients who were already familiar with the Traverse, Hebert was able to discuss the differences, highlighting how the vehicle had evolved based on real-world use. According to Hebert, a handful of his clients have already placed deposits on the next-generation BraunAbility Traverse.
Built to Trust: BraunAbility’s Quality Promise
Making an SUV wheelchair accessible requires innovative engineering. Not only does an accessible SUV need to include essential features like a ramp, kneeling system, and wheelchair securement points, but all those features need to be present in a vehicle that is more compact than a traditional wheelchair van. Designing an SUV also required re-engineering of the standard SUV door into a sliding door, comparable to those found on accessible vans.
With thoughtful refinements, the Traverse reflects BraunAbility’s commitment to manufacturing vehicles that are Built to Trust, supporting independence, reliability, and confidence on the road.
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