MobilityWorks Adds GoShichi Wheelchair Accessible Pickup Trucks To Its Host Of Alternative Driving Solutions For Disabled Drivers

Largest Adaptive Van Dealership Now Offering Production Model Pickup Trucks for Driving from a Wheelchair. GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado 4x4 Truck Conversions Available at 13 USA Showroom Locations. End Quote

Akron, OH (1888PressRelease) September 27, 2010 - The country's largest retailer of accessible vans for people using a wheelchair is now representing the GoShichi line of 4x4 truck conversions, a re-engineered pickup with a built-in wheelchair lift for disable drivers. Headquartered in Fort Wayne Indiana, GoShichi modifies four-wheel drive GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado truck models by welding an elevator-style lift to the driver side or passenger side door. The door and lift is then motorized to slide out like a drawer, allowing the lift and wheelchair passenger to lower to the ground with the use of a remote control. The addition of a pickup truck to the MobilityWorks consumer lineup gives their customers another alternative to a minivan for people who want to drive something other than a minivan, having just recently added an accessible motorcycle solution this past year.

"A lot of men and women have a real passion for pickup trucks" said Guy Hanford, MobilityWorks Director of Marketing. "We wanted to respond to their needs with the best product on the market" added Hanford, noting that the company started offering its Conquest wheelchair accessible motorcycles for the same reasons.

GoShichi quadriplegic founder Steve Kitchin decided to design a wheelchair converted truck after using an adaptive minivan for ten years. An auto accident had left him paralyzed from the waist down. He had said in a recent interview that the experience of driving a minivan left him feeling like a 'soccer mom' and he missed driving a 4x4 truck. He named the company for the Japanese interpretation of 5 and 7, the softball jersey numbers worn by himself and the mechanical engineer co-founder who helped with the original design.

GoShichi began its manufacturing operations in January 2010 and expects to be producing 30 trucks per month in the near future. GoShichi trucks are available as driver-side or passenger-side conversions. Hand controls can be fitted and installed by MobilityWorks after a required certified driver-evaluator meets with the client. Hand control equipment generally requires the driver to pass a special training class on using the controls - and in determining if someone is physically capable of safe driving.

About MobilityWorks

MobilityWorks is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers and resellers of wheelchair vans that serve the disabled community. They have 13 consumer showroom locations in seven states throughout the USA, including a showroom in Akron Ohio that also serves as the company's headquarters. MobilityWorks also provides wheelchair rental vans with daily and weekly rates. The Inc 5000 company is Ford Motor Company's largest 'upfitter' of mobility vans for commercial businesses, including custom fleet conversions using new Ford E-Series full-size vans and Ford Transit Connect models. Go to www.mobilityworks.com for additional information.

Press Contact:
Guy Hanford
Director of Marketing
MobilityWorks
810 Moe Drive, Akron, OH 44310
P. 330-633-1118

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