Wheelchair-accessible vehicles offer life-changing opportunities and conveniences for mobility-impaired people. However, these conversions are also an investment and long-term commitment. Before you buy, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable dealer. This will ensure you’re getting the best vehicle for your needs.

Size

A wheelchair van can have a variety of dimensions. These include door height, ramp width, lift capacity, and wheelchair tie-down locations. Knowing these measurements helps you choose the best product for your needs. These are important to know before purchasing a commercial wheelchair vehicle. In addition, commercial wheelchair vehicles van should be checked by a service company regularly to ensure all equipment remains in good condition. Hoists and ramps must be inspected for any damage, worn parts, or malfunctions that could cause safety risks. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) must meet specific requirements. In addition to meeting these standards, a WAV should have high-tensile bolts that fully engage the nuts in each restraint anchorage point for strengthening. Self-locking or captive-type nuts are also required to keep the restraints secure. Moreover, a WAV must have an emergency exit that is free of barriers and can be opened straightforwardly from both inside and outside the vehicle.

Weight

Commercial wheelchair lifts are a standard feature on school buses, vans, and other vehicles used for paid transportation. These devices have a lifting capacity of over 800 pounds, meaning they can safely lift a heavy-duty wheelchair up and down. The weight of a wheelchair vehicle is crucial because it can affect how much a person can maneuver the car. It’s also a factor in whether or not the user will need someone to help them transport their wheelchair from one place to another. Wheelchairs are usually built with transportability in mind, so finding a suitable model for your needs is essential. For example, a lightweight electric wheelchair would be an excellent option for someone who wants to stay active while traveling and doesn’t need to carry much weight. Many people prefer rear-entry style vehicles because they can enter and exit curbside away from traffic. However, this style requires an accessible parking space or extra room for the ramp to deploy. It also has less storage space than side-entry vehicles.

Seating

When determining the seating capacity of your wheelchair vehicle, you need to consider how much room you need for passengers and the person in the wheelchair. Many options are available, from full-cut cars that bring the wheelchair passenger up to the second row to half-cut vans with enough room for the wheelchair passenger and two ambulatory passengers in the third row. The width of the wheelchair is also an important consideration, as it affects how easy it will be for the wheelchair user to transfer from their chair to the driver’s seat. Aside from the wheelchair’s overall width, it would be best to consider its height from the floor to the seat. Typically, wheelchairs are 18 to 20 inches high, but some models have a height adjustment feature that can accommodate the needs of users who require a higher or lower seat. If the wheelchair user needs to transfer to the driver’s seat frequently, a side-entry ramp might be better for them. If they don’t need to move, a rear-entry wheelchair ramp might be an ideal option.

Storage

Choosing a vehicle with adequate storage can make a big difference in your day-to-day life. You need enough space for your wheelchair, the person in it, their personal belongings, and possibly other passengers if you travel with family or friends. Before making this decision, there are a few things to consider:

• The dimensions of your or your loved one’s wheelchair.
• The size of the vehicle itself.
• The type of modifications you want to make.

The best way to find out is to ask questions or research. You can look up the average wheelchair width or find out what other people with disabilities have to say about a particular vehicle. Consider the location of the entry. This can impact the car’s seating positions, parking options, and storage capacity. A side entry is usually the most obvious choice if your or your loved one’s wheelchair is narrow. Rear access may be more practical if you or your loved one is in a much more comprehensive wheelchair.

Accessibility

The accessibility of a wheelchair vehicle can be a significant consideration for buyers, so it’s important to know what to look for. Several dimensions must be considered, including seat base, gurney access, and wheelchair width. Getting these dimensions right will ensure that your mobility vehicle is the best fit for your needs and that you’re not paying for features you don’t need. If you need help calculating these measurements, contact a mobility consultant at your local dealership for assistance. As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of commercial wheelchair van conversion variations available, so it’s essential to work with a qualified mobility consultant who can help you select the one that’s best for you. Making sure your accessible vehicles are properly maintained is also essential to ensuring that they are up and running and performing at their optimal levels. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your accessible equipment and minimize downtime.