Are you or a loved one in search of a mobility vehicle? Finding the wheelchair van and equipment you need to best suit your disability is often overwhelming. Time and time again you hear about consumers who have questions about equipment and lift features. Speaking with your occupational therapist, social worker or medical provider can point you in the right direction. Before searching for the perfect wheelchair or mobility van find out what type of occupational wheelchair or scooter lift you will be requiring.
What is an occupied wheelchair or scooter lift?
To put simply, an occupied wheelchair or scooter lift is a mechanical platform that raises and lowers the individual inside the wheelchair in order to enter and exit the vehicle. Depending on your specific needs and the conditions of your disability, you will want to find out which type of lift you will be requiring.
What are the different types of occupied wheelchair lifts?
There are several types of occupied wheelchair lifts. The standard types are the following: Standard dual-post, single post-split platform, dual post split platform and under vehicle.
Which occupied wheelchair lift or scooter lift will I need?
A standard dual- post lift is going to be ideal for heavier wheelchairs and scooters. Standard dual-post lifts are incredibly strong, sturdy and reliable. The lift uses two, hydraulic arms and a heavy-duty platform to lift some of the heaviest wheelchairs. Standard dual-post lifts provide larger and heavier duty platforms. One of the problems associated with dual-post lifts is the front passenger in the van may have less legroom or a difficult time reclining.
A single-post split-platform lift has a platform that splits or folds, allowing easier access to the entryway. One of the nice things about a single-post, split-platform is the lift doesn’t have to be deployed in order for others to enter and exit the vehicle. Since the single post is located in the rear of the vehicle, the front passenger has more legroom and the ability to recline.
Dual post split-platform lifts combine some of the aspects of a standard dual-post and single-post split-platform. These have the stability and strength of dual post split-platform lifts and the visibility of the single-post split platform. The platform folds horizontally and is hidden from outside view when the lift is stowed.
Under vehicle lifts are ideal for full-sized vans and are built upon the passenger side. They are nice because they don’t take up any additional room in the van.
Searching for your next full-sized or mini wheelchair van? Look no further, Classic Vans has an extensive selection of new and used quality handicap vans. Call (866) 370-8222 or browse inventory https://www.classicvans.com/full-size-wheelchair-vans/.