Wheelchair Vans: Types and Features

Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 04:25 am

When it comes to wheelchair vans, there are many options available. The first thing to know is that wheelchair vans are more expensive than just a standard van. In addition, they can be hard to find, especially when you don’t have the internet to access information online.

TYPES

Full-size wheelchair vans

Full-size wheelchair vans are more expensive to drive, maintain, and park than minivans. If you need to transport many people or large items often, a full-size van is probably the right choice. But if your group size is small or your needs are primarily medical, like transporting patients, opt for a smaller van.

Minivan wheelchair vans

If you frequently find yourself in traffic or parking on narrow roads, a minivan might be the best wheelchair-accessible vehicle. There are several types of minivans available on the market today. 

They come with different features such as power doors and windows and other accessories like backup cameras and rear entertainment systems. Though they are smaller than full-size vans, they still allow adequate space to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

Van conversions

Conversion vans are often used for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. So if you’re looking for a wheelchair-accessible van, this is the van for you. They’re built from the ground up with lowered floors and raised roofs. These vans also have more room inside than minivans, so they offer more customization options.

Commercial vehicle conversions

If a wheelchair van conversion is performed on a commercial vehicle, it’s considered a commercial vehicle conversion. This is because the converted vehicle will be used for commercial purposes and can transport people with disabilities. This type of wheelchair van is called an MV-1 (Medium Wheelchair Vans).

FEATURES

Lifts and ramps

Ramps and lifts are two different kinds of equipment. A ramp is a large, portable platform placed at the side or back of your van. Lifts are built-in systems that raise and lower your wheelchair from within the vehicle.

Ramps have some major advantages over lifts, including:

• They’re generally easier to install on your own—no need to pay for professional installation services.

• They’re more affordable than lift systems.

• If you want to stand up in your van so you can move around more freely, ramps are probably not what you need. If this is important, consider getting an adjustable floor system instead.

Automatic ramps: These ramps automatically open up when the van door opens to enter and exit safely. If they are not automatic, they must be manually opened with levers by someone inside the vehicle.

Hand controls and tie-downs

You must use hand controls to brake and accelerate the vehicle. There are two types of tie-downs:

• One type is for securing the wheelchair in place. This helps prevent it from moving around while you drive, which can be dangerous for you and your passenger.

• The other type is used to secure the wheelchair during transport. For example, if you need to lift it into or out of a van, these tie-downs will help hold it in place while you do so safely.

The winch system allows you to easily raise or lower either end of the ramp independently; this is especially useful when loading passengers onto or off a vehicle.

Swivel seats

Some newer models of wheelchair vans have swivel seats that rotate to face the front passenger seat when entering or exiting. This feature allows easy access to both sides of the vehicle and enables passengers to face forward while riding in the van.