The great news for buyers of wheelchair vans and mobility products today is that there have never been as many great, innovative and reliable products as there are right now. The available options for purchasers have increased exponentially…especially in the last five years. In addition to more options for wheelchair vans , there are also more options for assistive seating, wheelchair securement systems and even vehicle financing. As well, the mobility manufacturers have done a great job of creating applications for a wide variety of vehicle styles (SUV’s, sedans, minivans, trucks) made by the largest and most popular manufacturers such as Ford, GMC, Toyota, Honda and many others.
Successfully acquiring the appropriate wheelchair van or accessible mobility equipment to fit your unique needs will put you and your family on the road to independence and make transportation as convenient and reliable as possible. However, in order to be successful in this endeavor, you need to learn from the individuals and dealers who have experience making the right choices. Success in wheelchair conversions is all about making the right choices and/or compromises. In essence, understanding what is critical and what is not and prioritizing your wants and needs in light of your budget are your most important tasks.
Getting Started
Is the wheelchair user planning to drive? While much of the information below will still apply, disabled drivers need to go through different evaluation and decision-making processes than people who are in a transport situation only. Drivers may require hand controls and other adaptive driving aids.
Choosing the Right Category of Product
In order to get started, you need to make a careful assessment of your current situation and make some assumptions about what the future will bring. We can help you by asking some basic questions about the following areas:
- What is the current level of mobility loss? Partial, Wheelchair User, Fully-Immobile?
- What is the expected progression? Temporary, Improving, Stable, Progressive, Rapid Progression?
- What mobility aids or devices are currently being used? None, Cane/Crutch, Walker, Scooter, Manual Wheelchair, Power Wheelchair?
- How large is the disabled individual and their mobility device? Small to Average, Large, Extra Large? Are they expected to grow?
- What is the maximum number of people that will need to be transported simultaneously in the vehicle?
- How is the health and physical strength of the companion(s) to the disabled person? Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor?
- What vehicle(s) do you currently have?
- What are your vehicle preferences?
- Who is paying for this?
- What is your budget? High, Medium, I really don’t have much money
The answers to the questions above will lead you to one of the two following major categories as a starting point for meeting your mobility needs. The answers will also help you make many other important decisions along the way.
Accessible Vehicle Adaptations and Accessories
Mobility products and accessories are geared primarily towards those that are not full-time wheelchair users. Adaptive mobility products are made to assist people in getting in and out of their vehicles with greater ease, comfort and safety. Assistive seating/lift seats, lifts for stowing wheelchairs and scooters, and various grab handles and supports are included within the category of accessible vehicle adaptations. Within this category, very often the modifications and approaches are focused on working to equip your existing vehicle or acquiring an appropriate vehicle that can be further modified later as the need for mobility support increases.
Wheelchair Vans
If you have determined that you need the ability to have an individual in a wheelchair or scooter enter and exit your vehicle, then you need a wheelchair van. The first choice you will have to make is whether or not you require a full-size wheelchair van with a lift or an accessible minivan that has been equipped with a lowered floor and ramp.
Full-Size Wheelchair Vans
If you have a large number of people in your family or the disabled person that you are looking to accommodate is exceptionally tall/large or has large equipment to transport, you will most likely find your needs are best met by a full-size wheelchair van. People who like to take long road trips and like to have extra space and amenities will also find great options in full size vans.
Accessible Minivans
Today, the majority of wheelchair van consumers are choosing accessible minivans to meet their transportation needs. Minivans equipped with lowered floors and ramps are available and will work with all but the largest individuals and wheelchairs. Accessible minivans are smaller and more fuel efficient than full- size vans and are simply preferred by many more individuals.
At VCI Mobility, we have helped thousands of people find cost-effective, safe and comfortable solutions that assist them and their loved ones to enjoy the greatest mobility and independence possible. While there are many decisions to be made, changes to anticipate and solutions that must be evaluated, don’t become overwhelmed! We are here to help…let us put our experience to work for you.