How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Van

Wheelchair vans come in a wide range of options and are available all over the United States. With several things to consider when choosing the best wheelchair van for you and your needs it can feel a little overwhelming. Take a deep breath and know that there is the perfect van out there for you. It will have the features that you need and will make your life one of improved mobility.

A wheelchair van is converted van that has been supplied with the accessories that a person in a wheelchair needs to get around. They come in a rear entry version with a ramp out the back or a side entry version with a lift. Rear entry vans work well for those who will be riding in the van, but won’t be driving it. On the other hand, side entry vans work very well for those who will be driving themselves.

A rear entry van will have a ramp that is counter-balanced and loaded with magnetic anti-rattle provisions. This makes the ramp safer and less noisy during travel. Often these ramps are manual and fold up, but some can be found with electronic or hydraulic ramps.

Your wheelchair van will be fitted with a number of features for safety, comfort and convenience. Your van will have either a lowered floor or a raised roof. This gives more head space and makes it easier for the person in the wheelchair. The floor will be of a durable steel supported fiberglass and will have an anti-slip surface for easy and safe maneuvering. Customizable features include the ability to have two wheelchairs in the van or even a wheelchair and a mobility scooter. You can choose where and how you would like safety features such as four or five point tie downs for the wheelchairs and how you would like the seat belts to be arranged. Additionally your van can be equipped with total hand controls, 6-way power seat in driver position, and even outside entry controls. Vans can even be fitted with easily accessible storage for those needing to carry items along with them.

Wheelchair vans come in a wide variety of manufacturers, price ranges and styles. You can find many dealers who buy and sell these types of vans at a reasonable price and often the first step is to visit with them. You may be able to get a wheelchair van in the form of a Ford Winstar, Ford Freestar, Ford Mercury Monterey, Dodge Grand Caravan, or even options for Chevrolet, GM, Plymouth, Honda, and Toyota.

Buying a wheelchair van is an important decision. You need to consider how you will be using it and the features that you need. You should also consider how much money you can spend and where you will go to get the van. It is always a good idea to talk to the dealer about your needs with the hopes that they can help you get a van that will meet those needs and make your life easier and more efficient.

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