The world of wheelchair accessible vehicles has changed dramatically in recent years. Learn how below.
New mobility equipment, hand controls and suspension-lowering designs have made wheelchair vans more beneficial, comfortable and safer. However, vans aren’t the only vehicles that have made waves in the world of mobility. Wheelchair accessible pickup trucks are also available, and offer some pretty significant advantages.
Passenger Space
While you might think a wheelchair pickup truck would limit the number of passengers in the vehicle, you can actually fit up to 5 people within one of these advanced designs. Wheelchair vans can certainly tow a smaller payload, but they are really not designed for such use. However, wheelchair pickup trucks can tow almost anything you want, from a boat and trailer to campers and everything in between. For anyone who has ever been stuck in the mud or snow, having 4-wheel drive is an obvious benefit. With this feature, wheelchair pickup trucks can literally take you anywhere you might need to go.
Different Types of Handicap Vans
Side Entry Vans
A side entry van enables you to enter and exit effortlessly on the curbside. You can drive car either from wheelchair or sit in front passenger seat. You can have more room for maneuverability in side entry vans and maintain rear storage space.
Rear Entry Vans
They can be parked in any space. You don’t need any extra room for ramp. It has a lot of ground clearance as most of the floor has not been modified and rear of the vehicle is elevated a bit. It is basically less costly for conversion.
In Floor Ramp Vehicles
People who choose these types of vans want a ramp to be out of the way of entrance.
Lowered Floor
For an adult in the wheelchair to enter the vehicle and sit upright, the floor is dropped by around 14”. This modification is known to be lowered floor conversion. The increased height of interior from lowered floor can help caregiver in loading.
Foldout Ramp
It is another common type of ramp used these days. It can be either powered as per the design or manually operated. It rests upright around the inside of closed door when it is not used. It can be deployed over the sidewalk or on the curb.
t to meet their needs, such as providing mobility scooters, installing ramps, and providing free support to/from the car. This is where handicap vans are required.
Handicap vans are made in regular manufacturing units, on the same assembly line after regular vans. After getting assembled, they make their way to the conversion facility. Most shops across the country are converting common vans into handicap vans or installing ramps on vans. After conversion, the shops ship the vans back to the dealer or to the buyer.
Handicap Van at Low Cost
Wheelchair vans usually have adequate power, but sometimes that’s just not enough. Wheelchair accessible pickup trucks, on the other hand, have more than ample power and performance to handle anything that life or the road (or off-road) might throw your way. While mobility vans may cost more than standard vehicles, there are programs available from the government or other groups for those in certain situations or with certain disorders. If you can’t find assistance, many dealers will offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles as rentals for much less, so you can rent them as you need them.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles usually don’t require you to transfer from wheelchair to car seat. This prevents unnecessary pressure on the shoulders (if the wheelchair user is doing his own transfer) or the back (if the move is being done by a caregiver). Handicap vans prices can start from $40,000 to $100,000+. This all depends on the user, & the quality of the vehicle. Discover more vans in your area.