Transport for people with reduced mobility, known as TPMR in France, covers a wide range of needs: difficulty walking, age-related loss of independence, disability or temporary limitations after a procedure. When arranging a journey, it is important to distinguish passenger assistance from vehicle equipment. Authorisation to transport people with reduced mobility does not mean that a vehicle is adapted for passengers to remain in their wheelchairs.
First Class Partner holds the authorisations for transporting people with reduced mobility, but does not have adapted vehicles. Our vehicles do not have a ramp, a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair space with restraints for carrying a passenger seated in their wheelchair. Before booking, contact us to check whether your needs are compatible with our vehicles and the assistance we can provide.
What journeys can First Class Partner consider?
We can assess a request for a passenger who can travel on a vehicle seat wearing its seat belt. The ability to get in and out, seat height, available space and assistance required must be discussed in advance. A booking is subject to confirmation of these conditions; do not book on the assumption that an adapted vehicle will be provided.
If you use a folding wheelchair or walking frame, provide its folded dimensions, weight and details of your luggage. Carrying it in the boot depends on the space and loading arrangements of the chosen vehicle. Do not assume that an electric wheelchair or bulky equipment can be accepted without checking.
If you need to remain in your wheelchair throughout the journey, our current fleet is not suitable. You need to book with an operator that has a specially adapted vehicle and confirm its compatibility with your wheelchair.
The driver’s role and the limits of assistance
Listening to passengers, allowing them time and planning the meeting point help make a journey easier. Explain the assistance you would like: luggage handling, traveling with a companion, an accessible meeting point or assistance between the vehicle and an entrance. Only the services agreed at booking are included.
Do not assume that carrying a person, negotiating stairs or physically transferring someone from a wheelchair to a seat is included. Describe any access difficulties and confirm the necessary arrangements before traveling. If a relative or companion needs to help, arrange for them to be present at departure and arrival, and reserve a seat for them if they are traveling.
A private chauffeur does not replace a healthcare professional. Medical monitoring, treatment, handling medical equipment or traveling lying down requires appropriate arrangements with the relevant professionals.
What journeys can you enquire about?
- Family visits and everyday activities: personal appointments, meals, shopping or errands, with timings and access details agreed in advance.
- Cultural outings and leisure: restaurants, museums, theaters, concerts or sightseeing. Also check accessibility at the venue and the pickup point afterwards.
- Work or school journeys: a one-off or regular request can be assessed according to your needs, availability and transport conditions.
- Station and airport transfers: provide the train or flight, terminal, luggage details and any assistance booked with the station or airline. That assistance is separate from the car journey.
- Medical appointments: a private journey may be possible if the travel arrangements are suitable. If medical transport has been prescribed, follow your doctor’s instructions and check which transport you should use.
- Long-distance journeys and events: specify the duration, breaks needed, stops and return arrangements so that feasibility and a quote can be assessed.
Adapted vehicle, local service or medical transport: which should you choose?
To travel in your wheelchair
Find an operator equipped for this requirement. Have them check your wheelchair’s dimensions and weight, vehicle access, ramp or lift capacity, available space and the restraints for both the wheelchair and its occupant. An adapted vehicle does not necessarily accommodate every wheelchair. Our current fleet does not have this equipment.
For a local or institutional service
Ask the local council, an association or the accessible transport service in your area. Compare eligibility, permitted journey purposes, operating hours, booking notice, fares and whether other passengers may share the journey. These services are not automatically medical transport: conditions depend on the particular scheme.
For a journey related to healthcare
Reimbursement by France’s Assurance Maladie depends on specific conditions, including the prescription and transport used. A VTC is neither an approved medical taxi (taxi conventionné) nor a light medical vehicle (VSL). Our reduced-mobility transport authorisations do not constitute an agreement with Assurance Maladie. Do not book our service assuming that it will qualify for medical transport reimbursement. See the official transport reimbursement conditions (in French).
Information to provide before booking
- Exact addresses, date, times and whether a return journey is needed.
- Whether you can travel on a vehicle seat and any difficulty getting in or out.
- Steps, stairs, lifts and distances between the vehicle and the entrance.
- The mobility aid used, its folded dimensions and weight.
- The number of passengers and companions, suitcases and other equipment.
- The practical assistance requested, stops and any waiting time.
- A contact number and, for a station or airport, the train or flight details.
Describe the practical needs relevant to arranging your journey; you do not need to send a medical file. Ask for confirmation of the vehicle, agreed assistance and total price before booking.
Price, waiting time and booking
Your quote depends on the route, timings, duration, vehicle and agreed services. Confirm breaks, waiting at your destination, stops, any additional charges and cancellation terms. If you do not know when an appointment will finish, agree on the return arrangements in advance.
First Class Partner operates in Paris and Île-de-France. We are available 24/7 by reservation, subject to availability and the suitability of the journey. Payment is made online after the service has been confirmed.
Frequently asked questions about transport and reduced mobility
Do you have a vehicle with a ramp or wheelchair lift?
No. We hold the authorisations for transporting people with reduced mobility, but do not have adapted vehicles. We therefore cannot carry a passenger who remains in their wheelchair.
Can I travel with a folding wheelchair?
Your request must be assessed before booking. You must be able to travel on a vehicle seat, and the folded wheelchair’s dimensions, weight and other luggage must be compatible with the boot and loading arrangements.
Can a relative travel with me?
Yes, subject to seats being available in the confirmed vehicle. State the total number of travelers and whether your relative’s help is needed at departure, arrival or during the journey.
Does the driver provide medical assistance?
No. Explain the practical help requested when you enquire, distinguishing it from treatment, medical monitoring or physically transferring a person.
Can I book for an outing rather than healthcare?
Yes, you can enquire about leisure activities, family visits, work or station and airport transfers. The same suitability checks apply whatever the purpose of your journey.
Do reduced-mobility transport authorisations guarantee reimbursement?
No. They mean neither that the vehicle is adapted nor that the service is approved for reimbursement. For prescribed transport, check the arrangements with your doctor and health insurance provider before booking.
Plan your journey with First Class Partner
Explain your journey and requirements before confirming a booking. We will check whether our service can meet them. If you need to travel in your wheelchair, contact a transport operator with the necessary adapted vehicle.
