On the island, I go to either Petro Canada or Co-op gas stations. I have been told Shell and Chevron will [pump for you] as well. When you pull up to a pump, call them, tell them you are a wheelchair user and they will send someone out to pump your gas. They either tap your credit card or take it into the station to process and bring you the receipt. I have a credit card just for gas with a low limit in case I need to give them my password. I haven’t had to yet. I do pump my own gas occasionally. Just make sure you give yourself room to maneuver your wheelchair between the car and the pump. And make sure you don’t park on the wrong side for the pump. Done that before and what a pain.
I try to pick the outside island if it’s available so I can park with lots of space between the pump and my van for my wheelchair. I always pay ahead even if not required because many pumps are too high for me to use the pay at the pump screen.
I have only once had to pump my own gas in the Fraser Canyon. If travelling to the BC Interior I plan out the “Super Save Gas Stations.” They have been great for pumping gas even now they have started to have part self service. Plus I live in Coquitlam where all Gas Stations have full service by law.
Co-op gas stations all have a full service, some you may have to phone to get an attendant.
I grumpily transfer out and do it myself whilst grumbling the whole time. I also make a mental note of where all Super Save stations are throughout the interior - they’re full service.
The disability fuelService app is great. It lists gas stations which will help and has a direct call and directions to them. Shell also has a pay app so you don’t need to leave your car.
Our peers love the fuelService app!
Download the app on the Apple Store for IOS and Google Play for Android users.
I don’t have any full service pumps in my neighborhood, but I normally just end up calling the gas station that I need to fuel up at and somebody comes out and helps me. If you explain your situation, I feel like they’re always happy to help. in my experience people were always super friendly. There’s also an app that calls to gas stations that you’re at for you, I used it a couple times, but I find just calling the station directly is a better way to go. Hope this helps!
This article was originally published in the Fall 2023 issue of The Spin. Read more stories from this issue, including:
- A Peer’s Passion for Race Car Driving
- Virtual Reality
- Aging with SCI
And more!
