Wheelchair-Accessible Medical Transport in Bakersfield

For patients who use wheelchairs, getting to a medical appointment involves more than just finding a ride. It requires a vehicle that's properly equipped, a driver who's trained to assist, and a provider who treats you with dignity — not as an afterthought.

Here's what you should know about wheelchair-accessible NEMT in Bakersfield.

Not every vehicle that claims to be accessible is truly equipped for safe medical transport. A properly outfitted wheelchair transport vehicle includes:

• Hydraulic or fold-out ramp for easy boarding without lifting
• Securement tie-downs that lock the wheelchair in place during transit
• Lap and shoulder belts designed for wheelchair users
• Adequate interior space so the passenger isn't cramped or uncomfortable
• Climate control to keep passengers comfortable, especially those with medical sensitivities

At Unity Medical Transit, our vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure every safety feature works as intended.

A wheelchair transport driver isn't just a driver — they're an assistant. When you book with Unity Medical Transit, your driver will:

• Meet you at your door
• Help you navigate any steps or uneven surfaces
• Assist with boarding and ensure your wheelchair is properly secured
• Accompany you to the entrance of your appointment if needed
• Arrange your return trip so you're never stranded

This door-to-door service is what separates NEMT from a standard rideshare. We don't just drop you at the curb.

Communicate your needs when booking. Let us know the type of wheelchair you use (manual, power, transport chair), your weight, and any other equipment you bring (oxygen, IV pole, etc.). This helps us assign the right vehicle.

Allow extra time. Boarding and securing a wheelchair takes a few minutes longer than a standard pickup. We account for this in your scheduled arrival time, but it helps to be ready when your driver arrives.

Bring what you need. If you use a cushion, blanket, or other comfort items, bring them. Your comfort matters during the ride.

Ask about return trips. We can schedule your return pickup at the time of booking. This is especially helpful for dialysis or chemotherapy patients who may feel fatigued after treatment.

Some patients — those recovering from surgery, managing severe pain, or with conditions that prevent sitting upright — require gurney transport. Unity Medical Transit offers gurney transport for patients who need to travel lying down. Our vehicles are equipped for this, and our drivers are trained to assist safely.

We provide wheelchair-accessible and gurney transport throughout Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County communities. Whether you're heading to a dialysis center, a specialist's office, or a hospital across town, we'll get you there safely.

Call (661) 805-8161 or book online to schedule your wheelchair transport today.