Mobility is a concern for those who require the use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other handicap accessibility device. If you or your loved already own a minivan, your vehicle may be a prime candidate for a conversion van.
Adaptive Vans specializes in van conversion designed to meet your wheelchair needs. Our experts have been converting vans into a wheelchair accessible vehicles for 20 years.
We are able to convert several van models from a variety of manufacturers — including the ever-popular Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. We’re proud to offer both back entry and rear entry conversions to fit your unique needs.
Read through this guide to understand how we make your van wheelchair accessible and deciding which conversion van option is best for your needs.
How To Make a Van Wheelchair Accessible
The make, model, year, and mileage of your vehicle will determine whether or not the vehicle fits the criteria of a conversion van. Many unmodified minivans are perfect candidates for conversion.
How Do I Know Who to Trust for the Conversion Process?
While the process of transforming your standard minivan into a functional, durable wheelchair accessible van is not as complex as it may seem, the experience and expertise of the technicians — as well as the reputation of the company behind the conversion van — make all the difference in the world with respect to safety and quality.
Is My Vehicle a Candidate for a Conversion Van?
If you’re currently driving an unmodified minivan, chances are that it can be converted into versatile, wheelchair-accessible conversion van. Factors that determine your van’s conversion eligibility include:
- the make and model,
- the manufacture year, and
- the total mileage of the vehicle.
Should I Consider a Side-Entry Wheelchair Van Conversion?
More used accessible vans for sale on the market feature side-entry style ramp deployment than rear ramp deployment for several good reasons. The side entry offers the ability of the wheelchair-user to ride in the front passenger seat or drive the van.
Other benefits unique to the side-entry conversion van include:
- Seating options and configurations similar to standard vehicles — such as the inclusion of the standard rear bench.
- Vehicle access remains as natural as standard vans — specifically entering and exiting the van from the side of accessible parking spaces.
- Greater flexibility with respect to floor plan configurations — including your choice of more wheelchairs or more able-bodied passengers.
- Simple, straightforward operation of the wheelchair ramp — with the option of a kneeling system to lower the ramp angle in powered models.
Should I Consider a Rear-Entry Wheelchair Van Conversion?
Besides the obvious difference between rear- and side-entry wheelchair vans, a couple of other notable distinctions set apart the two conversion van styles and might influence your final choice. These choices include the rear-entry’s exceptional affordability and simpler transformation process.
Other benefits unique to the rear-entry conversion include:
- A typically more affordable conversion installation process — the rear bench is removed and replaced with the ramp mechanism.
- The option to use regular parking spaces — rear-entry access means never having to wait for disabled-accessible parking.
- Wheelchair users are commonly situated in the center of the vehicle — the position determined to be the safest in the event of a collision.
- Greater ground clearance to handle uneven roadways — including speed bumps; car wash and parking lot entrances; snow piles; etc.
The knowledgeable, compassionate mobility specialists at Adaptive Vans are standing by to listen to your needs, answer your questions and offer you objective guidance in helping you to choose the best ramp van conversion style that fits your unique lifestyle.
