Handicap Van
November 12, 2007
Handicap Van
Shopping for a handicap van can be a daunting and overwhelming task. It helps to stop and consider all of your needs before jumping into a possibly expensive mistake. Before you buy a handicap van, you may want to have a disabled driver evaluation done. This helps to determine your driving modification needs. Alternatively, the disabled passenger may not be the driver of the van but his or her needs still need to be considered just as carefully for safety and ease of use.
If you are thinking of a handicap van conversion, you will need to consider if the floor needs to be lowered or if the roof needs to be raised. This will depend on the height of an individual in a wheelchair and whether or not that person will be a driver or solely a passenger.
Wheelchair lifts can be installed as under vehicle lifts or interior lifts. Here you will want to think about your daily driving usage and whether or not interior space is an issue. Ramps and lifts can be on either side of the handicap van or on the rear of the van. Before you convert or buy a handicap van, you will need to look at full size vans and minivans to determine which suits your specifications.
There is a wide range of adaptive equipment available on the market. You can find new and used handicap vans at local car dealerships, from private sales, and more and more buyers are using the internet to do this type of specialized shopping. Some of the adaptive equipment includes wheelchair or scooter lifts and ramps, hand controls, tie downs, and transfer seats. All can be suited to your individual needs.
Once you know what your exact needs are, think about your budget and if you will be buying a new or used handicap van or if you will be having a handicap van conversion. Take some time to sit in a few different types of vans to see how comfortably you fit in the van in your wheelchair if that is your case. Obviously, you want a clear view of the windshield if you are a driver. If you are the driver or the passenger, you don't want to bend your neck which may be the case if the roof isn't high enough. Try out electric lifts as well as hydraulic lifts and ramps to see how they differ.
Will you be traveling with other passengers? If so, make sure your handicap van allows enough space for their safety and comfort as well as meeting your specific needs. Like any vehicle purchase, take your handicap van for a test drive. Check to see that you are not bottoming out because a floor is too low. Make sure to have a full van of passengers if that will be your norm when you own the van. Try maneuvering your wheelchair just as you would on a typical day. Is there sufficient room that you don't hit your head? Is there space for you to access the lift or ramp?
Buying a vehicle is always an important and difficult decision but this is even more so for those with special needs. Be thoughtful and careful in your purchase of a handicap van and you will have years of independence and freedom to look forward to.
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