Tips for Buying a Wheelchair Van

Tips for Buying Wheelchair Vans

August 4, 2011 | Author: Mike Osbonwww.frontlinemobility.com | Posted in Disability

Wheelchair vans can greatly improve the mobility options available to those who are disabled. Safely getting from one place to another no longer needs to be difficult or dangerous when you have the proper transportation. Wheelchair vans provide many features that help to make mobility safe and easy for those who are wheelchair bound.
Many people who are disabled prefer to stay home because getting around in a standard vehicle is very hard. Wheelchair vans are designed to allow people who are disabled the ability to safely get out and about. The hardest part of transportation for most people is getting in and out of the vehicle. This can be almost impossible to do if you don’t have the right vehicle and equipment.
Wheelchair vans offer a safe way to enter and exit the vehicle. Ramps are one alternative. Ramps usually fold out of the van door so that the wheelchair can be pushed up and into the van. These are an affordable way to add mobility to a vehicle for transporting wheelchairs. Another option for getting into the van is a wheelchair lift.
The wheelchair lift is a mechanical device that operates with the simple push of a button. The unit is installed underneath the van and can be used permanently at either the side or rear door. When the unit is operated the lift comes down to ground level, where the wheelchair can roll in place on it. Once locked in place, the lift can be operated to raise the entire chair and passenger up to the floor of the van. This is a good option for those who want or need to stay in their wheelchair during transport.
When buying an accessible vehicle, make sure that it has the main features that you need. Take into consideration not only your current needs, but also the potential future requirements that you may have for transportation. There are two main types of vehicles that are most often used for wheelchair accessibility. These include the full size van and the minivan. The decision of which to buy is based on needs and on your own personal preference.
The inside of the full size van is more spacious and will accommodate more people along with a wheelchair passenger. The minivan is smaller and easier to drive. The minivan typically requires the floor to be lowered to accommodate the height needs of the wheelchair.