subject: Deciding Whether to Buy a Full Sized Accessible Wheelchair Van [print this page] Deciding Whether to Buy a Full Sized Accessible Wheelchair Van
When buying an accessible wheelchair van, one of the things that you want to consider is how much space you will need. You will need enough space to accommodate you and your wheelchair or scooter. If this is to be a family vehicle then it will need space for your family as well. Depending on whichever best suits your needs, you can choose to buy either a full sized van or a minivan.
The main benefit of a full sized van is obviously the size. You will be sure to have plenty of room to fit the wheelchair and for storing other items that may need to be taken along. These are ideal if you have a large family to transport. You can have family outings or trips without the need to take more than one car. They are more powerful and provide the capacity for towing if you should need that feature. Since they sit much higher than minivans, they typically require a lift rather than a ramp. The biggest disadvantage is that you will spend more on gas, but this should not deter you if you really need the bigger accessible wheelchair van.
If you don't need all the space of a full sized van, you can save on gas by purchasing a minivan. In addition to saving gas, they often cost less than full sized vans. You can use a ramp rather than a lift if you desire. If you need to convert your van, it will be cheaper to do so with a minivan than with a full-sized van. The main disadvantage of buying a minivan is the lack of extra space. The wheelchair may have to be tied down, and you may not have much cargo space. However, this may be fine if you don't have the need for a large amount of space. The biggest advantage of purchasing a minivan is that you will save on gas, which is a huge benefit considering that gas prices continue to rise.
Whether you decide to buy a full sized van or a minivan, you probably want to purchase your accessible wheelchair van without carpet. Wheelchairs typically ruin a carpet very quickly. Certain types of floors are sturdier than others, so you may want to investigate your options here. These are just a few of your considerations when deciding what features the vehicle should have. The final decision is yours. Weigh your options carefully and then enjoy your purchase.
