Charly the campervan
New Zealand's first wheelchair accessible motorhome!
Have wheels, will travel!
Looking to stay some nights with friends, pop out to the country on a roadie or just plan your holiday as you go - Charly the accessible campervan makes that possible.
Designed and built by ACM motorhomes with the assistance of wheelies, Charly makes the accessible adventure all about the fun and not the logistics!
Wheelchair upfront
Hoist available
Hand controls
Accessible bathroom
Hydraulic lift access
The name Charly…
Charly means “free man” or “valiant” – it’s vital that you have the freedom to do what you love, fight for what you believe, and be with the people that mean the most to you.
Other ways to enjoy Charly
Win One of Four Weeks
Buy a Charly Voucher
We’re for wheelies!
Travel up front
We have gathered specialist knowledge from all levels of wheelies who love adventure and utilised expertise from the very best motorhome designers to make this campervan suitable for as many wheelchair users as possible.
The No.1 condition was that the wheelie got to travel up front!
Some will be able to drive (if they can transfer) but all will be able to be up front as a passenger. We’ve also ensured the bathroom is fit for purpose, thanks to great wheelie input!
Benefiting charities
We also wanted to ensure that charities making a real difference to those living with a spinal cord injury benefited from the funds generated through the use of Charly campervan. 60% of each rental will be donated equally to CatWalk and the NZ Spinal Trust, with the other 40% reserved for the maintenance and management of the vehicle.
Hand control systems
Sure Grip’s FeatherLite controls are the next generation in column mount controls.
By utilising the OEM vehicle electronic signal to manipulate the throttle, we eliminate any mechanical linkage between the driving aid and vehicle’s gas pedal. This in turn increases the driver’s leg and lap room and decreases the need for dash modifications.
Along with these benefits the FeatherLite controls also provide new levels of safety with their one source acceleration technology.
The Kera sit2sit is unique type of hoist that allows a single person to transfer a wheelie who can’t do so for themselves. It makes transfers quick and effortless when going from wheelchair to toilet or to the side of the bed. It is often suitable as an alternative to a sling hoist for many wheelies.
Perfect for the road trip, the Kera is compact, lightweight and requires no batteries. Spend less time on transfers and more time enjoying your adventure!
HT Systems is a NZ company on a mission to help people who have lost their mobility to regain their freedom. We believe the road trip is a wonderful freedom and are delighted to support you on your journey!
Kera transfer hoist
Click here to learn more about the hoist.
Our supporters
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible to drive this campervan if I have a current car license?
YES, you are able to drive this campervan if you have a current class 1 driving license of your country of residence. If you are not a NZ resident and have been in NZ for over a year you must apply for a NZ driver’s license and are not eligible to drive this campervan until you have one. If your driver’s license is not in English you must get it translated in NZ at AA or NZTA before you are able to hire and drive this campervan.
What is legal laden weight for class 1 license?
Under 6 tonne.
I’m a wheelie, can I drive it?
If you’re a para that can transfer and have a current class 1 license, Yes.
How many wheelchairs can this campervan accommodate?
Two if one is the driver, one if the driver is ablebodied.
Do you have hand control options?
Yes, contact us directly with your preferred hand control.
How many people can the campervan sleep?
There is a queen size bed that sleeps two in the overhead/luten, and there is a ready-made fold out couch that is double size that sleeps two. This ready-made fold out couch would best accommodate the wheelchair occupant. It is designed to sleep four and legally you can have four people in it when on the road.
What is the maximum weight for the Kera hoist?
The award winning Kera sit2sit 120Kg has a longer handle and enables the caregiver to transfer a person that weighs up to 110Kg.
Why Kera?
After much research with wheelies, carers and The NZ Spinal Trust we decided the Kera ticked the most boxes as far as the number of people it would suit. The wheelie’s disability and also the strength of the partner/carer was considered as well as the weight for Charly where the overall total must be under 6 tonne.
Key benefits:
No standing strength, sitting balance or holding on required
Users are held firmly by the upper body making the Kera sit2sit ideal for amputees and tetraplegics
Only one caregiver needed
Replacement for a sit-to-stand hoist or sling hoist
We also take a lot of pride in this quality hoist being New Zealand designed.
Please note:
There are no ties downs for a wheelie in the back. There are two permanent seats for two people to sit beside each other with a seatbelt to meet NZ on road permit conditions for a campervan.
What is an “awesome foursome” partner?
Charly’s design and manufacture is funded by four very generous $100k donations. These donors: Sitipek, Hugo Charitable Trust, Greenstone Partner and an anonymous party, are known to Charly as the Awesome Foursome.
How are the wheelies fitted up front?
There is an ezi-lock for those with an ezi-lock on their chair or tie-downs like taxis have.
