The Right Handicap Van For Your Lifestyle

by AbilityTrend on March 2nd, 2010


A big factor in which wheelchair accessible van is selected should be the users lifestyle. A person who enjoys the outdoors and camping might select a full size wheelchair van. The strong suspension in full size wheelchair van conversions allows for pulling a camper or boat as well as being better suited for traveling on back roads.



A wheelchair accessible minivan might be appropriate for a more urban environment although many disabled people in rural areas have found them useful as well. Accessible minivan conversions get better gas mileage and are easier to drive and park. The wheelchair accessible conversions on minivans also tend to be moreautomated, which can provide more independence to the wheelchair user.



For those who plan to store their handicap accessible van in a garage or shed, a minivan is often the best option. A full size handicap van with a raised roof will not fit in a standard garage door and without the raised roof the full size van may not have enough headroom to accommodate a seated wheelchair passenger.



In situations where an attendant will be present a manual handicap conversion on a lowered floor minivan is one of the most cost effective solutions. Not only does this conversion wheelchair van cost less up front the cost of ownership is also lower due to better fuel economy and fewer repairs to the handicap equipment years down the road.



How to decide the right handicap van for your lifestyle? Talk to a local mobility dealer consultant, and make sure to spend some time to describe your lifestyle, how you plan to use the accessible vehicle and what your general preferences are. There is rarely a definitive best wheelchair van for any person, and a good mobility dealership will ask the right questions to find the right fit.