Choosing the right wheelchair accessible van for transporting people with disabilities can feel a little challenging. You might be feeling overwhelmed by the choices and unsure of what to look for. You want to ensure safety, comfort, and accessibility for everyone who uses the vehicle.
Maybe you’re an adult daycare center looking to transport your clients or a medical facility needing to provide mobile care. We understand your concerns, and we’re here to help.
At AVAN Mobility, we have been manufacturing hundreds of wheelchair-accessible vans annually for over 10 years. Our innovative solutions remove barriers to transportation and healthcare and make transportation easier and more accessible for everyone. Our vehicles are RAM Q-Pro and Ford QVM certified to ensure their reliability, safety, and compliance.
In this article, you will learn:
- The main components of a wheelchair accessible van
- Different types of wheelchair vans
- Benefits of wheelchair vans
We trust that by the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have a better idea about which direction to move forward in. Let’s dive in.
What is a wheelchair accessible van?
A wheelchair accessible van is a vehicle specially modified for people who use wheelchairs. These vans make it easy for them to get in, get out, and travel without leaving their wheelchair.
Imagine your organization needs to transport someone who uses a wheelchair. A regular van would be tough to use because the person would have to transfer from their wheelchair to a seat, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes even unsafe.
In a wheelchair accessible van, they can stay in their wheelchair the whole time. These vans have features like ramps or lifts to help them get in and out easily.
What are the main components of a wheelchair accessible van?
There are a few components that play a big part in wheelchair vans. Let’s take a closer look.
The floor
One essential feature of a wheelchair accessible van is its floor. In many vans, the floor is lowered. This creates extra headroom and space for wheelchair users, making the ride more comfortable and spacious.
Imagine having more room to stretch out your head during a trip. Lowering the floor ensures that the person in the wheelchair can sit comfortably without worrying about bumping their head on anything.
Tie-downs and wheelchair restraint systems
Another key component is the system that secures the wheelchair during travel. These systems act like seatbelts for the wheelchair, preventing it from moving around while the van is in motion. This is crucial for the safety of the person in the wheelchair.
Knowing how to properly use these tie-downs and restraints is important to ensure a secure ride.
For instance, picture transporting a client to an adult daycare center. With these restraint systems, you can be confident that the wheelchair is firmly secured, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
The wheelchair ramp/lift
One of the most important features of a wheelchair accessible van is the ramp or lift. This allows wheelchair users to get in and out of the vehicle without transferring to a regular seat.
Ramps: These can be either manual or powered and are typically located at the side or rear of the van. Manual ramps are operated by hand, while powered ramps use a motor.
Lifts: These are hydraulic and controlled with a hand device, making it easy to raise and lower the wheelchair.
Both ramps and lifts significantly enhance the convenience and independence of wheelchair users when entering or exiting the van.
These features—lowered floors, tie-downs and restraint systems, and ramps or lifts—work together to make wheelchair accessible vans safe, comfortable, and user-friendly. They ensure everyone can travel with dignity and ease, providing a reliable solution for organizations transporting individuals with mobility challenges.
What are the different types of wheelchair accessible vans?
There are various types of wheelchair accessible vans that you can choose from.
Wheelchair accessible minivans
These are smaller and easier to drive, making them a popular choice. Minivans are great for getting around tight spaces and city streets. However, they might not always have enough room for larger wheelchairs or multiple passengers. When choosing, consider how much space you need and whether a minivan can meet those needs.
Full size mobility vans
These vans offer a spacious interior. Full size vans are ideal for organizations that need to carry multiple passengers with different mobility needs. For example, an adult daycare center might find a full size van perfect for transporting several clients comfortably and safely.
Cutaway buses with wheelchair access
These are the big guys. They can carry over 10 passengers at once and are equipped with a wheelchair lift. Cutaway buses are perfect for larger programs or organizations that need to transport many people at the same time. If you run a large facility and need to move a lot of people, including those in wheelchairs, a cutaway bus could be the right fit.
Each type of wheelchair accessible van has its own strengths. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, like how many people you need to transport and how much space your program requires. Remember, it’s all about finding the best fit for your organization’s unique needs.
What are the benefits of wheelchair accessible vans?
| Benefits of Wheelchair Accessible Vans | |
| Ensures secure transportation for wheelchair users | Enables travel without leaving their chair |
| Reduces risks during transfers | Promotes autonomy and self-reliance |
| Facilitates easier caregiving and healthcare transportation | Enhances accessibility for people with disabilities |
| Accommodates various wheelchair sizes | Supports community participation and mobility |
| Offers spacious, comfortable seating for wheelchair users | Provides easy entry and exit with ramps or lifts |
Choose the right wheelchair accessible van
You came to this article because you’re looking for the best wheelchair accessible van for your organization’s transportation needs. After reading, you’ve learned about the different types of vans, their components, and how they can benefit your clients.
At AVAN Mobility, our accessible transportation solutions meet and exceed industry standards. We’re all about manufacturing vehicles that improve lives and empower organizations like yours to deliver exceptional transportation and care.
If you have questions or need further assistance choosing the right van, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert. We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your organization’s unique needs.
If you’re not quite ready to talk to someone yet, you should check out our article on the cost of a wheelchair van. This will give you some insight into what you can expect to pay for one of these vehicles.
