You've likely discovered that portable wheelchairs don't have to be a limitation. Nothing can be more exasperating then feeling restrained when you find you're unable to travel freely like so many around you. The answer too many of your questions can be found in the suggestions given about ramps and lifts. For many the idea of living in a double storey apartment seems more of a nightmare, thankfully you no longer have to live with boundaries. The electric wheelchair lift is a dream come true when it comes to assisting in difficult 'mobile' situations. Stair lifts seem to be a general feature in most homes. The stair wall is the perfect place to attach a wheelchair lift allowing you mobility between the different levels. The great thing about these stair lifts is that they can be uninstalled if you no longer need the lift or wheelchair to get around. For auto travel there are several options for wheelchair lifts. It's truly amazing at the choice as well as the many advantages. Today lifts can be either attached to the rear of your bumper or installed allowing the lift to fold into the vehicle. As the driver you can be assured of no worries or hassles. Specially designed lifts have been created with the physically challenged drivers in mind specifically those who drive vans. Another solution to your problem may be a wheelchair ramp. Ramps come in many forms such as the modular wheelchair ramp guaranteed not to move and easily movable. Another example is a threshold ramp used specifically for steps and entry ways allowing free passage for the wheelchair. Wheelchairs no longer pose a problem when it comes to stairs and vehicles when using a track ramp. If traveling is something you do on a regular basis there are other forms of ramps specifically for this purpose you may wish to research. Built into the van with access from the side the Tri-fold wheelchair ramp is the perfect choice. The name says it all allowing the ramp to be folded both in and out. Large vehicles are best used with a hitch mounted ramp and it literally attached as the words mentioned. Ramps and lifts assist greatly and can be used in conjunction with a portable wheelchair. Mobility is vital for many and certainly accomplished in a portable wheelchair. Even still a lift or ramp maybe need in certain situations. You need not worry about what to travel in or where to go with ramps and lifts made specifically for wheelchairs the world is your oyster.