Wheelchair vans provide the safety, freedom and space that is desired when you or your loved one lives with mobility impairment. As adaptive equipment and technology increase, mobility vans have become more useful and easier to operate. Families that have a member living with a disability have found that the overall quality of life increases by having the access to a wheelchair van. Caregivers have found that they can provide better support to clients and loved ones requiring adaptive equipment with the use of these conversion vans.
Mobility vehicles come in all sizes and with a wide variety of different mechanisms. They have become increasingly easier to use and provide a great amount of safety. Lifts and ramps installed in adaptive vans allow for wheelchair users to safely enter and exit the vehicle. Since wheelchair vans are manufactured specifically for the mobility-impaired passenger, the chair restraints, tie downs and safety belt systems are better suited for those in an adaptive chair. In general, minivan’s and full-sized conversion vans are incredibly safe and reliable vehicles.
Caregivers and family members love the ability to easily and safely assist wheelchair users in and out of the van. Adaptive technology has come a long way. In the past, those assisting the disabled often physically struggled to seat them properly. With lifts that can carry the weight of up to 600lb’s with the touch of a button, these vans allow for less work on the part of the caregiver and more autonomy to the wheelchair user. Many mobility vans have the function of allowing the wheelchair user to drive them. Driving aids such as low-effort steering, hand-controls, left foot accelerators and other equipment make it much easier for the mobility impaired to drive them to whatever destination they please.
Safety is always a key priority when purchasing any vehicle, especially a Mobility Equipped Van. Wheelchair vans provide additional safety to passengers requiring adaptive equipment. Regular vehicles often do not feature the proper restraints and tie-downs necessary to secure a wheelchair. Certified Mobility Vans have undergone many crash tests as well as federal standards for safety. Lifts and ramps have been tested to make sure they provide strength and an unobstructed entrance for wheelchairs.
The two most common types of wheelchair vans are Mini-Wheelchair Vans and Full-Sized Wheelchair Vans.
Mini-Wheelchair Vans: Mini-Wheelchair vans are perfect for families, couples or caregivers seeking to provide comfortable access for one wheelchair passenger, a driver, front seat passenger and possibly an additional passenger in the rear (depending on they location of your lift).
Full-Sized Wheelchair Vans: These vehicles are larger and better equipped to carry up to two wheelchair passengers, additional riders such as family members and caretakers as well as a driver and front seat passenger. Generally a full-sized wheelchair van will provide greater headroom, space and storage.
How do you go about finding a wheelchair accessible van?
Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find your mobility vehicle. Unlike other cars, wheelchair vans can be life changing and provide freedom and greater comfort to those requiring mobility assistance. Start by following the three steps bellow:
Research! Research! Research! And more Research!
Unlike searching for other vehicles, your wheelchair van will have many more features and equipment choices to decide upon. Do you require a side-entry vehicle or rear- entry? Are you looking for a ramp for your wheelchair or a lift? Wheelchair equipped vans can come very basic with few luxury features. These vehicles are generally better for quick trips around town. Other vans will offer fully loaded amenities. These tend to be incredibly comfortable for longer trips.
Make an Appointment with a CDRS (Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist)!
A CDRS or Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist is an expert at helping those with disabilities find proper driving accommodations. A CDRS can help you become re-acquainted with driving after rehabilitation from a disability or assist you in finding the proper equipment you will require for your mobility van. They also provide driving lessons with new adaptive equipment.
Financing Options
Since purchasing a new or pre-owned mobility van can be a costly an investment, be aware of all of your financing options. Inquire about grants, long-term loans as well as factory rebates.
Searching for a new or pre-owned mobility van? Classic Vans is Northern California’s largest dealer of new, pre-owned, full-sized and mini wheelchair vans. For nearly 30 years Classic Vans has been family owned and operated. Specializing in providing customers with conversion vans to suit their needs. Call (866) 693-6184 today or visit www.classicvans.com.
Don’t live in California? No problem! Classic Vans offers low-cost, hassle free nationwide van delivery.