A wheelchair lift is essential in providing access options for those in a wheelchair or scooter. Without a lift it can be difficult if not impossible for some people to get into or out of a vehicle. There are several types of wheelchair lifts to choose from. The style that you choose depends on the type of vehicle you have, the type of lifting you need to accomplish, and your budget.
The biggest choice to make when it comes to choosing a wheelchair lift is whether you need an occupied or unoccupied lift. An unoccupied lift will lift the wheelchair into the vehicle while it is empty. This is a good option when the wheelchair occupant is able to stand or move enough to get into the vehicle without the chair.
Those who cannot get out of the chair must remain in the wheelchair as it is lifted into the vehicle. This type of lift is more complex and will typically be more expensive. The lift can be manually operated or run by hydraulics or through the battery. The type of wheelchair lift to choose depends on the specific needs of the individual using it.
The type of van that is used can also determine the need for a wheelchair lift. Full size vans and minivans are the two types of vans that are most often converted to handicap accessible. Both styles offer a choice between side or rear entry. The full size van offers more room to move making it an obvious choice. However, the minivan is also a good choice.
The minivan typically needs to have the floor specially lowered to provide enough head room for wheelchair access. The wheelchair lift is permanently mounted for use either on the side door or on the rear door. A wheelchair lift can be used to get an occupied wheelchair into the vehicle. A handicapped driver may need to operate the lift himself. Once inside the vehicle there must be enough room to maneuver the wheelchair or turn it around.
The wheelchair or scooter is then locked into place using special locking devices that are installed in the mobility van. If the driver is handicapped there are special control units that can be installed in the vehicle. These allow the driver to operate the gas and brake pedals by using the hands rather than the feet. These adaptations give drivers access to mobility that they need to lead more normal lives.