subject: Finding the Right Handicapped Accessible Vehicles for Your Needs [print this page] Whether you're looking to buy handicapped accessible vehicles for an organization or for personal use, you need to know what to get for your needs. There are just so many options on the market today that finding what you need can take time and effort. You need to do the research to ensure that you are getting the best of the technology that will meet your needs. Here are a few things to think about that will help you choose the right vehicles for your needs.
One thing to consider is where you need the van to load and unload your wheelchairs and scooters. Some people prefer side loading models. In these, the ramp or lift comes out of one of the side doors. This can be convenient especially for people who need to get into the driver's seat of the car after they get the wheelchair locked in. When paired with a transfer seat, this is a convenient way for the handicapped to be able to control their own vehicle. It's even better when the ramp is automatic and will go out and come in on its own with the push of a button.
Another option, though, is a rear loading option. With this option, you can often maneuver larger scooters and wheelchairs into the trunk of the van. This is good for those who are bigger or who have bigger handicap tools. It can also be automatic, but a more affordable option is a manual ramp that can be put in and out by hand. Rear loading ramps are also a bit more convenient in parking lots because they don't take up any extra room. You just park a bit forward, and the ramp will take up the rest of a regular parking space.
One of the major differences in handicapped accessible vehicles is the original type of vehicle that is converted to be accessible. Full size vans have traditionally been used for this purpose since they have bigger interiors. As wheelchairs and scooters have become more streamlined and more technology has advanced to make getting them into and out of vehicles simpler, many people are starting to use converted minivans instead. Minivans tend to be easier to maneuver, but they don't have as much interior space for extra people or cargo. Where you're driving and what you need to fit in your vehicle will make the difference in what you should buy.
Finding the Right Handicapped Accessible Vehicles for Your Needs
