Updated June 08, 2015.

How to Find the Right Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

The need for wheelchair accessible vans has led many manufacturers to come up with a variety of convenient features when it comes to vans for wheelchairs. It is always in the consumer’s interest to understand what some of these features are when browsing wheelchair accessible vans for sale.

So, when you are looking at vans for accessibility, ask yourself the following questions:

What type of ramp do I need?

There a few key differences between in-floor and fold-out ramps. For instance, in-floor ramps can actually fold into the floor which leaves the entire doorway open. However, because they are folded into the floor, taller passengers will notice an obvious decrease in headroom. On the other hand, a fold-out ramp is likely going to be a better choice for passengers requiring more height in their vehicle. Fold-outs are also operated manually which can come in handy when it comes to parking and unloading situations.

Do I need side or rear-Entry?

This sounds like a simple question, but there is a lot to consider. Most side-entry vans have their floors lowered while rear-entry vans don’t reply on lowered floors as much. Issues such as ground clearance and ease of parking also come into play.

Will I need a power seat base?

For wheelchair users that still have a decent amount of mobility and can be transferred from their wheelchair to a passenger or driver’s seat, you may want to look into a power seat base.

The power bases make it easier for the individual to transfer from their wheelchair.

Will there be enough room?

Space is a huge point of concern in terms of vans with wheelchairs and limited mobility. Before you even step foot on a lot or speak to a company that will convert your van, you should know the physical measurements of the wheelchair. These measurements will actually make a lot of the decisions for you, as they may limit certain features.

If you keep these questions in mind as a checklist of sorts, you shouldn’t have any problems in choosing the right van.

Compare Prices on wheelchair, scooter and powerchair outdoor lifts.

About the author: Chris Miller is the director of interactive marketing for The Mobility Resource, an online adaptive driving marketplace. His team helps people with disabilities regain driving freedom through vocational rehab, veteran affairs and several non-profit and private organizations.

A graduate of The University of Akron, Chris holds a bachelor of arts in public relations and consumer marketing. Prior to his time at The Mobility Resource, he was an account director at a Cleveland-based marketing communications firm. It was there he serviced accounts for major brands including; the Cleveland Wheelchair Cavaliers, Chevrolet, Reebok, ESPN and the U.S. Army. Chris has been published on disability.gov, ADAP.org and blog.NCPAD.org, to name a few.

Born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of muscular dystrophy, he is passionate about all things disability. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his daughter while they dish up amazing meals for friends and family. Say hello to him on twitter @SweetMobility.