Handicap Vans - What Are They, and What Should I Look For?

| Monday, December 19, 2011
By Harvey Venkus


Handicapped vans tend to be produced in the same manner as the passenger or cargo van but have been specifically outfitted to allow the lift or wheelchair ramp to very easily be placed into the vehicle, combined with extra space in the vehicle for additional space used up from the wheelchair. You possibly can have a mini van converted to a wheelchair or handicap accessible van, however this can sometimes be pricy and just particular models and makes of vehicles may be converted. In some cases, a standard van can be built with a lightweight handicap ramp, which is the cheaper substitute for having a lift installed. In the event you only briefly need to have a wheelchair accessible van, some spots have them available to rent so you don't really need to spend money renovating your van or even buying a completely new or second hand van.

There are a lot of choices for acquiring a new or used handicapped accessible van. You can purchase a new conversion van which is already been customized. Many are going to have a basic conversion package including a wheelchair lift or perhaps a ramp, safety harnesses in addition to wheelchair tie-downs. In the instance that you discover a bargain yet it does not have all of the features that you would like you'll be able to contact a conversion company to have it customized. You can also uncover some great deals for second-hand handicapped vans and once more, in the event they don't have all the features that's required, you may have all of them put in. Before buying a handicapped accessible van, here are a few issues you should evaluate:

Safety Features

Not surprisingly safety needs to be your primary interest. Especially when selecting a pre-owned handicap van. Typically there should be four tie downs to help secure the wheelchair as soon as it's inside the van and you'll want to be sure they're correctly bolted to the floor. The lift also needs to have tie-downs and/or a safety railing.

Side Entry

Side wheelchair access makes it easier for the driver to get in the van and move into the driver's seat. It additionally allows for much easier access for those who do a lot of parallel parking. Having said that, you could have issues in parking lots whenever people park too near to the side door.

Rear Entry

Rear entry wheelchair accessibility normally costs less to get put in and it is easier for vans designed to haul disabled passengers. A lot of minivans may be transformed to permit a pair of wheelchairs side-by-side and having access in the back makes it easier to maneuver.

Transfer Seat

It's generally not a good idea that a driver remain in their mobility device while behind the wheel of the van. It just isn't stable enough, whatever the safety features you will likely have hooked up, and additionally accessibility to the controls is awkward. Search to buy a van with a transfer chair. These kinds of seats rotate and quite a few even move back from the wheel. After you're sitting down they may be adjusted into the correct operating position.

Hand Controls

A variety of special hand equipment are designed for handicapped van motorists and they're really not very expensive at all. They can be installed in a few minutes and it normally takes a few minutes to learn the way they are put to use.




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