There are many different things to consider when you are thinking about purchasing a handicap van. Will you buy a new or used version? What will it cost? What are the features of a handicap van and how will they make my loved one's life better? To answer all of these questions, you might need a little bit of information about handicap vans and a handicap lift so that you can make the best decision.
Handicap vans can be made from a full-sized van or a smaller minivan. There are benefits to both of these. The full-sized van offers you more room and interior comfort options, but it is also a little bit more difficult to manage on the road since it is quite a bit larger. If you enjoy a more compact version of the traditional van, then a minivan is perfect and can be fully equipped with all of the features needed to make travel much easier on your loved one or yourself. Full-sized vans also have more space for storage and will make a long trip feel much more comfortable.
After you have decided which type of van you need, it is important to decide what kind of handicap lift you want in your van. There are also ramps that can be put into the van, but the handicap lift is much easier on the occupant and gives them an added sense of independence and mobility. Usually the machines can be operated by the individual in the wheelchair making it easier on everyone involved. The machine does not require that anyone riding in the wheelchair be removed from the chair.
When you are looking into buying a handicap lift, the most important thing to consider are the safety benefits of the machine. Most models are equipped with an emergency stop button or an automatic on/off switch. These are very important to ensure that when the wheelchair is being transitioned into the van, more accidents can be prevented. Other safety features to look for are alarms that will sound if there is an emergency situation and the lift needs to be stopped and a sensor that will tell you if there is something obstructing the movement of the lift.
The next thing you should consider after all safety considerations have been met is the cost of the machine. Electric handicap lifts are usually more affordable than their hydraulic counterparts and are easy to use and maintain.