subject: Shopping for a Wheelchair Van [print this page] Shopping for a Wheelchair Van Shopping for a Wheelchair Van
If you have never before purchased a wheelchair van, and you are just now beginning to scout around for one, you will soon discover that these come in an almost overwhelming number of styles.
For instance, you can always find them in the bus-like styles or in the common oversized van format, but you will also find them in the mini-van style too. This is actually becoming the most popular choice because it gives the driver a huge amount of maneuverability, and yet it functions as a fully equipped wheelchair van too.
What distinguishes a wheelchair van from other vans? Generally, these vehicles are characterized by only a few "specialty" features. For example, they will all come with an enormous hatchway door mounted into the side or the rear of the vehicle. When the van is the mini-van style, however, you may hardly notice that it is equipped with such a fixture.
Additionally, a wheelchair van is going to have a lot more inner compartment space than most vehicles - even if the exterior looks about the same size. This is done by lowering the floors and adding a bit of head room in the roof area. This allows the person in the wheelchair or bed chair, and their assistant or family member, to be able to move about freely inside the car.
Why is this important? A standard seatbelt is not going to accommodate the needs of the wheelchair or the individual seated in it. Because of that, most vans are equipped with a range of special belts that are mounted into the customized flooring. These belts, however, are not always easy to reach from outside of the van, and this means that a lot of room is necessary inside.
Finally, any wheelchair van will be designed to provide the passenger with a safe and easy way to get in and out of the vehicle. This is best done through the use of a strong and sturdy ramp or an electronic lift. Obviously, these are two very different pieces of equipment, and often it is the choice of ramp or lift that has the most impact on the total price of the car.
It is important to note that modifications and conversions of vans are easily done if the vehicle is originally designed to serve as a wheelchair van. This means that it is relatively simple to change from a ramp to a lift if that should become necessary, and this can actually help to keep the initial purchase price a bit lower.
