Welcome! 

Are you ready to learn about Wheelchair Accessible Vans?

"Overview" isn't the most "glamorous" part of our website, but it's packed with useful information.  If you are considering a wheelchair accessible van, this will come in handy.  Remember, knowledge is power!                   

So...grab a cup of coffee (you'll need the caffeine), get comfy, and start reading.  Think of this as "Wheelchair Vans 101."  Relax, there's no quiz at the end!

 

Basic Characteristics of a Wheelchair Accessible Van

A wheelchair accessible van is either a full-size van or a minivan, which has been specially modified to allow you to enter and exit the van while seated in your manual wheelchair, power chair, or scooter.  

Depending on the type of van, your entry and exit from the van is accomplished using either a wheelchair lift or a ramp.  These may be installed in the passenger side door or rear door of the van.

The van doorway must be tall enough for you to enter safely.  The van interior must have sufficient headroom for you to sit comfortably upright when inside the van.  The van must also have a securement system for your chair or scooter. 

Other mobility products can be installed on wheelchair accessible vans to customize them for your needs.

Seating Options for a Wheelchair Accessible Van

In a wheelchair accessible van, you may ride seated in your manual wheelchair or power chair (but not in a scooter).  You do not necessarily need to transfer.  A securement system will secure your chair to the floor of the vehicle, and will include lap and shoulder seat belts for your safety.

Some types of wheelchair accessible van conversions make it possible for you to drive while seated in your manual wheelchair or power chair, or ride in the right front position of the van.                                                               

If you prefer, you may transfer into one of the van’s other seats.  For easier transfers, a powered transfer seat base can be installed in the driver’s position or front passenger position.  This powered base moves the van seat rearward, away from the dash or steering wheel, then swivels toward the center of the van into a more comfortable position for transferring.

Vans Which Can Be Modified as Wheelchair Accessible Vans

• Full-size vans by Ford, Chevy/GM, and Dodge.
• Selected models of minivans by Chrysler/Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Chevy/GM, and Ford. 
• Important!  NOT every van is qualified or compatible with conversion.
  

Know Your Seated Height Measurement

Before you begin shopping for a wheelchair accessible van, have someone very accurately measure your “seated height.” This measurement is the distance from the top of your head to the floor while you are seated in your manual wheelchair, power chair, or on your scooter.

As you may have guessed, not every wheelchair accessible van has the same amount of headroom, doorway clearance, or interior room.  These can vary significantly.

YOUR seated height will determine which accessible vans will work for you, regardless of whether you are considering a new or pre-owned van.

STILL AWAKE? 

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Basic Characteristics of Wheelchair Accessible Minivan Conversions

A standard (unmodified) minivan does not have sufficient door height or interior height to allow an adult to enter or exit the van while seated in a wheelchair, power chair, or scooter.

Therefore, compatible minivans are extensively modified with a “lowered floor conversion,” in order to gain approximately 10"-12” of headroom in the van doorway and van interior, without compromising ground clearance.

Our most popular minivan conversions include a 10”-12" lowered floor, an automatic sliding door, an automatic ramp, and a wireless remote for operating the conversion.  There is also an automatic kneeling system to bring the van closer to the ground, reducing ramp incline as you enter and exit.  Removable driver seat and front passenger seat provide added flexibility for you.  Manual securement systems are included with the conversion.  Other features may vary based on the type of conversion.

To watch a video of how a quality minivan conversion is built, click here!

To watch short videos about all major minivan conversion components and how good engineering increases safety and reliability, click here!

Manual conversions are also available for some minivans.  Instead of an automatic door and ramp, these must be operated manually.  A manual conversion is less expensive than a fully automatic conversion, if you or your companion can operate the door and ramp.

Common Modifications to Full-Size Vans for Accessibility

At a minimum, a full-size van will require a wheelchair lift and securement system.

If your seated height is compatible with a standard van doorway and/or standard roof interior height, the lift and securement system will allow you to enter the van and ride seated in your wheelchair or power chair, making the van wheelchair accessible for you.

If your seated height is not compatible with the standard van door and interior height, the van will need additional modifications to increase headroom for you.

One way to increase headroom is to add a raised roof (also known as a “high top”) to the van.  If van doorway clearance is a problem for you, raised doors can be added.  Raised roof and raised door modifications are compatible with almost all full-sized vans.

Another way to increase headroom is to lower the floor on a full-sized van, usually by six inches.  One method is to lower the floor in the center section only, which is called a “center cut” or “center drop” floor.  More commonly, the floor is lowered all the way into the front driver and passenger area, which is called a “full cut” or “full-drop” lowered floor.  Important!  Not every full-sized van is compatible with a lowered floor conversion.

In some cases, a very tall person using a tall power chair might need a raised roof, raised doors, and a lowered floor in a full-size van, in order to have sufficient headroom.

Some full-size van conversions can be equipped with driver or passenger transfer seat bases.  In full-cut lowered floors, removable driver and passenger seats are available, allowing you to drive from your wheelchair or power chair, or ride in the right front position in the chair.

Other common modifications to full-size vans include automatic door openers, wireless remote control for operating the lift and doors, and electric lockdown systems for your wheelchair or power chair.

Converting Your Existing Van to a Wheelchair Accessible Van

This MIGHT be possible, whether you have a minivan or a full-size van.  We will be glad to discuss this option with you.  Critical factors include year, make, and model of your van, current mileage, and what type of conversion would be required to meet your specific needs.  We will work with you to determine if your van can be converted to meet your needs and if it is a cost-effective solution for you.

Consider New and Pre-Owned Wheelchair Accessible Vans

Often the most cost-effective alternative is choosing an already converted wheelchair accessible van.  These are available in New or Pre-Owned models and we always have a large inventory.

Which is right for you?  That depends on two important factors…your budget and your own personal preferences.  Whether you are looking for a good, older van, the most luxurious new van, or something in between, we will work with you to find the right solution for your needs and budget.

Our most popular selling vans are low mileage, Pre-Owned minivans with brand new conversions.  They provide comfort, function, and beauty, and include remaining factory warranty on the chassis and full warranty on the new conversion.  Our Pre-owned wheelchair accessible vans with new conversions cost thousands less than a New van.

Financing Options for Wheelchair Accessible Vans

We work with lenders who understand our industry and understand accessible van conversions.                                                                     

Extended term financing is one popular option for many accessible vans.  For New vans, the financing term can be up to 10 years.  For Pre-Owned vans in newer models, the financing term is usually less than 10 years, but longer than offered by typical banks or credit unions.  You may also choose a shorter term or pay off the loan early with no pre-payment penalty.

Low-interest loans are also available, if you do not need extended term financing.

Low-interest loans are also available to finance other types of vehicle modifications, even if you do not need a fully accessible van.

If you already have a strong relationship with your bank or credit union and do not need extended term financing, we will provide any information your lender needs to consider financing for your wheelchair accessible van.

 

 

STILL AWAKE???????  FANTASTIC!!!!!   
 

If you made it through all this information, you now have a good “foundation” for exploring the Wheelchair Vans section of our website.. 

Enjoy all the great van photos, watch all the videos, read the descriptions.  This website is for YOU.  Have fun!!!

If you would like to view Oklahoma's largest Inventory of Wheelchair Accessible Vans for Sale, just click on this link. 

You can’t come here to shop for a wheelchair van? No problem! If you live in Oklahoma, we’ll come to you…at no charge. Ask about our at-home demonstrations and test drives.

As always, if you have any questions, please Contact Us by clicking on this link.

Where do you want to go?  Let us help you get there!