Wheel Chair Ramp

Wheel Chair Van Options

There are a number of wheel chair van designs and styles on the market. Be sure to read our review summary and discover what you need to know before you buy one that is just right for you...  

Wheel Chair Van Options

In this article, I don’t want to overwhelm you with information. What I will strive to do is to provide you with the information that you need to be thinking about when you are considering buying a wheel chair van. And I am not limiting this to people who are in wheelchairs; these vans are very compatible for people who use scooters.

The cost of wheel chair vans has decreased in recent years because of higher competition due to a growing market, and the prices have also come down with the current economy.

There are many companies out there who offer conversion vans for wheelchairs/scooters. Most of what you need to is determine exactly what your needs are, and then you can find a company to fit your needs.

Questions to consider:

1. Are you going to be a passenger, the driver, or both?
2. Are you going to enter the vehicle on your own, or do you need a wheelchair/scooter ramp? (If you can enter the vehicle on your own, then you can look into wheelchair/scooter lifts that put your support chair into the back of your van by a robotic lift. The down side of this method is that there is less storage space in the back of the van)
3. If you want a ramp, what kind will suit your lifestyle more, a side ramp or rear entry? This depends on where you will be parking more frequently. Are there plenty of handicap parking spaces that offer side entry/exit sized spots? Or should you look into a rear entry ramp for your entry and exits?
4. If you are going to need a side entry ramp to enter and exit, are there other people who will be in the back of the van who need an easy exit? I.e. children being let out at school? In floor ramps offer less inconvenience to entering and exiting a van, but are often less expensive than in floor ramps.
5. If you are going to be the driver and require hand controls, you will need to pass a training course which teaches you the nuances of driving with those controls. Most dealerships will be able to set you up with a training course.

OK, after you have determined your wheel chair vans needs, then you can start looking at van dealerships. Here are some basics to look for when you are shopping for your wheelchair van:

• 10” Lowered Floor
• Automatic Passenger Sliding Door
• Automatic Kneeling Rear Suspension
• Automatic Bi-Fold (Fold-Out) Ramp OR In-Floor Ramp
• Three wheelchair securement positions
• Keychain Remote
• Removable Front Passenger Seat
• Removable Driver Seat
• Wheelchair/Occupant Securement System
• Interior OEM Control Switches

One innovation that is debated about is the ‘kneeling’ wheelchair van. In the kneeling version of van, once the side door is opened and the ramp is extended, the rear of the van lowers 6” to make the incline of the ramp less. The plus to this is that a person in a manual wheelchair will not have to work as hard to make it up the ramp, especially if they have poor upper body strength. Detractors of the kneeling wheelchair van say that mechanical problems pop up too often, so the device isn’t worth the hassle of repairs.

There are even some companies that will not install the kneeling option because of this reason. Talk to the dealerships about this accessory and get their opinion if you feel this is an option you might want.

When shopping for wheelchair vans, you will find many dealerships willing to work with you, your needs and your budget. With a little research and honest deliberations about what your needs and requirements are, you will be well on your way to the freedom to drive wherever you please!