Wheelchair Van Lifts
- Wheelchair Van Lifts perform the important function of helping to lift you and/or your wheelchair into your vehicle. Many vans available today can be modified to permanently support wheelchair access. Although wheelchair lift fittings are dependent on the make and model of your van, there are basically two types to choose from. They are minivan ramps and full size van ramps.
- Most wheelchair vans are not customized at the factory, but instead are purchased as normal vans or minivans, and are subsequently customized for wheelchair users in a workshop. For minivans, this is usually done by lowering the floor of the van rather than raising the ceiling, thus giving everybody inside the van the same line of sight and, as much as possible, ceiling space too. Major sellers of wheelchair van lifts are Ricon, Braun and Vangate.
- Braun wheelchair lifts are available to fit most full-size vans and many domestic mini-vans and models for the Volkswagon Euro van. Options include: Power Door Operators, Rear Entry Platforms, Remote Controls and Remote Switch Stations. One recent addition is the Braun Swing-A-Way Wheelchair Lifts. Wheelchair and scooter users are well aware of the challenges that tight parking spaces can create. The Braun Swing-A-Way Lift was designed to eliminate concerns over the ability to enter or exit your van in these situations. The unique design makes it possible to use the lift with as little as four feet of clearance, which usually includes standard parking spaces. The side-mount platform minimizes the need for extra space by allowing you to board parallel to the van. Plus the low ramp angle makes boarding easy.
- Crow River Vangater wheelchair lifts have been a top seller for many years and since their recent acquisition by Braun, they're better than ever. The VanGater's single post mounting design provides improved seating room for the front passenger seat and the unique fold-in-half platform models provide easy access to the van for passengers without the need to lower the lift.
- The Ricon Clearway lift is fast becoming the most popular personal van lift on the market. The Clearway features an auto-folding platform that leaves the doorway open for easy passenger access without lowering the lift. It can be installed in the side or rear doors of full size vans including the Chevy Astro/GMC Safari and the '99 and up VW Eurovan.