Car Enthusiast Shows BraunAbility Vehicle at Car Shows

CUSTOMER STORY

Car Enthusiast Shows BraunAbility Vehicle at Car Shows

“A lot of people know BraunAbility does vans, but a lot of people don't know they do SUVs.”

From a young age, Lee Helmer has been captivated by cars. During his childhood, he watched his uncle participate in car shows. As an adult, he has attended NASCAR races and visited local short tracks. This early exposure fueled his lifelong passion for showcasing cars and their capabilities.

"My dad and my brother think all guys are car guys. I like keeping my car all nice and shiny and showing it off to people," Helmer said.

Today, that passion is on display in his wheelchair accessible vehicle, a BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse.

Describing his vehicle, Helmer said, "I love it. It's black. I've customized it with red accents. What I love about the Traverse is it's an SUV. I like how the door opens, and I like how the ramp comes out. It's a lot sportier, and I like showing it off."

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Lee Helmer, from South Carolina

Having the Traverse feels amazing because it opens new experiences for me.

Lee Helmer, from South Carolina

What's cool about it is that when you look at it, not many people know it's modified. If you look at it from afar, it looks like a stock vehicle,

Lee Helmer, from South Carolina

Life Before a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

Before owning a wheelchair accessible vehicle, Helmer's parents lifted him and his manual wheelchair in and out of a vehicle each time they went out.

"Before I had any type of accessible vehicle, it used to be very hard on my parents," Helmer said.

Now in his 30s, Helmer has been a loyal BraunAbility customer for many years.

Finding Freedom With a Wheelchair Accessible SUV

Day to day, Helmer uses his accessible SUV to get to and from physical therapy.

"Last year, I had a couple of surgeries on my feet. The surgeries helped with my independence, but right now, I'm taking the Traverse back and forth to physical therapy. It has definitely helped my mom and the people who take me back and forth to appointments," he said.

He described the Traverse and its customizations, including a removable front passenger seat that allows him to ride up front while staying securely in his wheelchair.

"I roll up in the vehicle, get myself secured, and then we take off," he said.

For Helmer, the vehicle is about more than transportation. It gives him the freedom to pursue his interests and explore new places.

In his small hometown of Johnsonville, South Carolina, Helmer said, "Having the Traverse feels amazing because it opens new experiences for me. It lets me go to new places and helps me go downtown."

What I love about the Traverse is it's an SUV. I like how the door opens, and I like how the ramp comes out. It's a lot sportier, and I like showing it off.

- Lee Helmer

The Chevrolet Traverse at Car Shows

Helmer enjoys taking his wheelchair accessible SUV to car shows. Having collected multiple trophies over the years, he enjoys showing his vehicle to others and answering questions about it.

"When I take it to car shows, people are amazed. Many people comment on my vehicle. What's cool about it is that when you look at it, not many people know it's modified. If you look at it from afar, it looks like a stock vehicle," Helmer said.

Helmer's passion for cars and racing remains a significant part of his life, and the Traverse allows him to fully embrace that passion.

"I'm a big NASCAR fan. I love racing. I go to Darlington Raceway. I go to the local short tracks around where I live. I just love taking the Traverse out," he said.

Changing Perceptions of Accessible Vehicles

Many wheelchair users believe minivans are the only option when purchasing an accessible vehicle, but that is no longer the case. Helmer initially used wheelchair accessible minivans because they were the primary option available at the time. Today, however, he is the proud owner of a wheelchair accessible SUV.

"A lot of people know BraunAbility does vans, but a lot of people don't know they do SUVs," Helmer said.

Whether he's at a car show or simply out in the community, Helmer enjoys showing off the vehicle and educating others about wheelchair accessible vehicle adaptations.

Considering an Accessible Vehicle

For those looking to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle, Helmer said, "Definitely check out BraunAbility. The vehicles have always been reliable. They always stand behind their product and make sure you're taken care of."

Helmer is supported by BraunAbility and his dealer, MobilityWorks in Myrtle Beach, SC. When you purchase a mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community.

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