BraunAbility
On this page: Conversion Vans, Wheelchair Lifts, Chair Toppers, Companion Seats
The story of the Braun Corporation is in essence the life story of a man named Ralph Braun. As a child, Ralph Braun was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy; a degenerative disease, which, by the age of 15, had rendered him completely unable to walk.
However, Ralph, not being one to let life pass him by, constantly strove to develop equipment that would help him to overcome his physical limitations. Ralph’s first invention was the world’s first electric scooter; the “Tri-Wheeler”. As word began to spread through the disabled community about the “Tri-Wheeler”, Ralph began accepting orders and building the scooters in his parent’s garage. His new-found business went by the name; Save-A-Step Manufacturing.
Several years later, Ralph created the “Lift-A-Way”, the first wheelchair lift. Based on the overwhelming responses he received to the “Lift-A-Way”, Ralph made the decision to leave his full-time job in favor of focusing his energies on the development of his own business. Save-A-Step Manufacturing was soon incorporated under the name The Braun Corporation, and the organization enjoyed phenomenal growth through the 70′s and 80′s. Many of Ralph’s first customers became dealers across the country, laying the foundation of a strong distribution network that endures to this day.
With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the disabled community was awarded unprecedented access to public places. Soon after, a revolutionary product was introduced: the Entervan. The Entervan lowered floor minivan offered ease of access for wheelchair users, and it quickly became the flagship of the Braun product line as thousands discovered a new found independence. Over the course of a 20 year span, what started out in Ralph’s garage grew into a worldwide corporation; one which Ralph still sits at the helm of to this day. Braun’s corporate tagline; “Life is a Moving Experience”, clearly defines the mission and the pride of the company.
VCI Mobility has been a dealer for The Braun Corporation for over 18 years. During that time, we have seen many, many happy customers head down the road to independence in their Braun accessible vehicle. We are proud to be a dealer for a company whose commitment to serving the disabled community is as strong today as it was when Ralph Braun first began “tinkering” in his garage many years ago. The Braun Corporation offers an array of options to fit even the most unique mobility needs, which allows us to be able to better serve you! In addition, their commitment means you are guaranteed a high-quality product that you can rely on and be proud to own.
The Braun Corporation offers wheelchair van conversions as well as wheelchair lifts, chair toppers and companion seats.
Wheelchair Van Conversions
- Entervan/Entervan XT
- Rampvan
- Companion Van
Wheelchair Lifts
- UVL Series Lifts- Under Vehicle Lifts
- Vangater Series Lifts- Tri-Folding Platform for Ambulatory Access
- Millennium Series- Side-Entry Platforms for Tight Parking Situations
- Century Series- Dual Hydraulic Lifting Arms, Economical Lift Options
Chair Toppers
Customer wheelchair carriers located on the top of a vehicle.
Companion Seats
Assistive, turning seating to aid in entry/exit to a vehicle.