How to Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Handicap Van

Which accessible van is best for you? You have options. You have a choice between a lowered floor minivan with a ramp, and a full size van with a lift. The first thing to consider is how tall you sit in your chair. Some people have called me and asked: "how much to put a ramp in the side of my van?" If only it were that simple. Consider the height inside a minivan, and then measure how tall you sit in your chair. A normal size adult will not be able to sit up in a wheelchair, inside a non modified minivan. Another thing to consider; a ramp would have to be of considerable length so it is not too steep. Once a minivan is modified, the floor is lowered by 10-14 inches. The door opening height in a lowered floor minivan is between 53 inches and 56 inches. The interior height will vary, depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle.

If you sit over 56 inches tall, you may be more comfortable in a full size van. The best way to determine this is to go to a mobility dealer. This way you can roll into the different size vans to see how you fit. We have seen situations where a customer had a van delivered from an internet dealer. The driver gave him the keys and left. The customer, excited about his new van rolled up the ramp, and saw that he could not fit. He sat up too tall, and was not able to bend his head. This is why it is very important to try different size vans. There are different options available for a full size van. You can raise the top for optimal interior height. You can also have the doors raised if needed. Sometimes this is not enough. The floor can also be lowered by 6 or 9 inches in a full size van. The lowered floor can be done in the center area only, or a full cut, which includes the front seating area. Some people choose to lower the floor without the raised roof and doors. It all depends on your individual needs. This is why it is important to try before you buy. Other options are remote entry, where the doors open with the touch of a button on your remote. Luxury interiors are also available, with 19 inch digital screens, sound systems, and other high end interiors and electronics from which to choose. There are several packages available. Having trouble deciding between full size and minivan? Send me an email. I will help best I can.

Let's say you prefer a minivan. Your next decision is between a fold out ramp, or an in-floor ramp. Let me point out a few things. Should your vehicle lose power for any reason, the fold out ramp is easily pushed out for a quick emergency exit. For manual operation, the in-floor ramp would need to be physically pulled out from outside, or cranked out from the inside. This would be a challenge for anyone with decreased upper body strength. Another thing to consider is that you lose an inch of interior height with the in-floor ramp conversion. I am a paraplegic who drives a lowered floor minivan. My preference is the fold out ramp just because of the reasons stated above.

Next, should you choose a lowered floor minivan with a power ramp and door, or a manual ramp and door? That depends on your situation. If you are not a driver and have someone with you all the time, the manual conversion may work for you. Please consider that it takes some effort to deploy and stow the ramp manually. An older or less agile person may not be able to do this with ease. This is why the majority of lowered floor minivans sold have the automatic ramp and door.

Dave Bergeron
dbergeron@advancedmobility.net
http://www.advancedmobility.net

Dave is with Advanced Mobility Systems of Texas, Inc, located in the the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We are a member of NMEDA and are licensed vehicle modifier in the State of Texas. We install wheelchair lifts, hand controls, and other driving aids. We also have wheelchair accessible vehicles available for immediate delivery. Take a look at our website to see what we have in our inventory.

Determining What You Need From a Handicap Wheelchair

There are many kinds of handicapped wheelchairs to fit all kinds of accessibility needs. Wheelchairs can widely be classified into two categories: manual and motorized. Manual wheelchairs are still available even though motorized wheelchairs are becoming much more common these days. Of course, there are certain pros and cons that come with each kind of chair. Furthermore, many of these chairs have convenient features such as belts, cup holders, cushions for the seat and back, leg rests and trays.

For instance, manual wheelchairs do not require batteries, so they can operate without relying upon power. The user also gets to exercise his or her arms with a manual chair. However, this can become tiresome if the user has to travel long distances or for a long amount of time. One may also have to wear gloves when operating a manual machine, especially when the ground is wet. Those who plan to be outside a lot may want to look into a motorized chair.

With a motorized device, the user does not have to get his or her hands dirty by turning the wheels and get better shock support for rough surfaces. Those who do not have as much strength in their arms may also benefit most from an electric chair. Furthermore, if one plans to spend much time outside, this kind is perhaps the most convenient. In fact, an electric chair is not the most ideal for those who need a chair for inside use unless it is specially designed for indoor maneuvering.

In addition, with a motorized chair, the user has to remember to charge the battery overnight. Not surprisingly, these chairs also tend to be much more expensive than manual chairs. However, for those who can afford them, they get the convenience of operating the machine with a simple control such as a joystick. People who have more mobility capabilities can look into scooters that have front headlights and a storage basket.

There are many reasons why one may need a handicapped wheelchair. Afflictions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and strokes can affect the body in debilitating ways, so a little assistance may be required. Even temporary emergencies such as broken bones or other injury may cause the need of a wheelchair. However, when one believes he or she needs a wheelchair, it is important to understand what type of chair is best to suit his or her needs.

Kevin writes for a website about handicap chairs, which contains articles on handicapped wheelchairs.