Whether you are looking for a wheelchair-accessible van or already have a vehicle that needs to be converted for mobility, you must make some significant decisions. First, you must decide whether a rear or side-entry modification suits your vehicle and mobility needs. This will also affect your price.
Seating
Wheelchair vans come in various seating options tailored to your mobility needs. These include different floorplan options, seating configurations, and wheelchair securement systems. Seating is an essential feature in a wheelchair van, as it can help to provide a comfortable ride for passengers and passengers with disabilities. Several different seating options are available in these vehicles, including standard seating with the ability to fold down or replace seats for additional space. Some ADA compliant wheelchair vans also have a middle bench remount option that takes the OEM bench seat from the front of the vehicle and mounts it in the second row for more room for wheelchair passengers. This option is perfect for families with lots of passengers who need to travel in a wheelchair van. A reputable ADA wheelchair van dealer can guide you through choosing a van to meet your specific mobility needs. They can also assist you with financing and trade-ins. The most basic decision is whether you want a side-entry or rear-entry conversion van. This is a big one because it affects wheelchair seating positions, parking options, and storage availability.
Storage
There are several ways that ADA-compliant wheelchair vans can help you stay mobile. Choosing the right one for your specific needs can be challenging. Still, with some research and help from a mobility consultant, you can find the perfect ADA-accessible vehicle for your lifestyle. The first step is determining your mobility needs and how you will use the van. This will give you a better idea of what type of vehicle to shop for and whether you should go with a side-entry or rear-entry conversion. If you need to access your wheelchair through a side door, you should look into a side-entry handicap van. These vehicles have a lot of benefits, including being able to enter and exit curbside away from traffic, more storage space, and more options for parking. However, side-entry wheelchair vans require more room next to them to deploy the ramps, which can make parking difficult in some locations. This is especially true in busy parking lots. Rear-entry handicap vans, on the other hand, do not require any extra space for a ramp. They are easier to drive and park and more affordable than a side-entry conversion. Regardless of your chosen vehicle, you should take it for a test drive to see how comfortable it is and if it meets your mobility needs. If you are looking for a new or used wheelchair van, do not hesitate to ask as many questions as possible.
Accessibility
Purchasing a wheelchair van is not an easy decision, and it’s essential to make sure you choose the right one for your mobility needs. Each person’s disability and preferences are different, so it takes time and research to find a wheelchair van that suits your unique needs. Fortunately, there are a variety of wheelchair van conversion options available to meet your specific needs and budget. These include side-entry and rear-entry handicap-accessible vehicles. Side-entry wheelchair vans are typically the most common, offering access to the center of the vehicle’s seating areas and the driver and passenger seats. These vehicles also accommodate more modifications than rear-entry vans. Rear-entry handicap-accessible vehicles feature a fold-out ramp that manually or automatically extends out the back cargo area of the van. This option is less expensive than side-entry vans, but wheelchair users cannot sit in the front driver or passenger seats. In addition to the ramp type, you’ll need to consider other wheelchair van accessibility features. These features will affect the way you enter and exit your wheelchair van, where you’ll place a wheelchair inside the vehicle, the number of people you can accommodate in the car, and your parking options. Choosing the right wheelchair van for your needs will help you get the best possible mobility and independence for yourself or your loved one. Researching, discussing your specific requirements with mobility experts, and shopping for a wheelchair van that fits your budget will ensure you can regain your independence on the road.
Safety
When you are looking for the right wheelchair van to suit your mobility needs, it is essential to consider all of the safety options available. You will want to choose a van that can handle the weight of your wheelchair and that meets ADA standards. You also want to make sure that the vehicle has securements that will keep your wheelchair firmly in place while you are driving. There are a variety of wheelchair-accessible vans to choose from, with a range of features that will meet your specific needs. There are a few key things you should look for in your search, including door opening heights, whether or not the vehicle has tie-downs and restraints, the width of the wheelchair lifts and ramps, and specific dimensions and slopes of the ramps. Aside from these key features, it is essential to look at the manufacturer and ensure they have a track record of producing safe vehicles. It would be best to ask your dealer to show you ADA-compliant wheelchair vans in their inventory. The ADA was created to protect the rights of people with disabilities, and it is an essential piece of legislation that ensures equal opportunity for everyone. These regulations set the standard for accessibility in many areas of life, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
