In looking for a van for myself, I have found most advertisers (owners and dealers) alike use the terms interchangeably. However, a Handicap Van may include lifts for mobility chairs as well as locks to keep them in place during transit and/or steering wheel controls for hand-driven vans.
Yet, Wheelchair Vans tend to mean a regular van outfitted to transport a wheelchair (not mobility chair) bound individual. They too should be equipped with lifts as needed and locks to secure the wheelchair while in transit.
Another way to view the difference is that Handicap Vans tend to be designed for Handicapped Drivers and Wheelchair Vans tend to be designed for Wheelchair Passengers.
That is my opinion anyway for what it is worth. Hope it helps, Rick
PS. I am disabled so have utilized both forms of transport as I have a neurological disease that prevents me from maintaining my balance.
What kind of conversion you're looking at - a camper van or wheelchair/handicap van for example, can make quite a difference in the cost. A van can be converted to a camper for about $10-15,000. For a handicap/wheelchair van the costs could be as high as $25- 40,000.
There are various stores that sell parts for handicap van wheelchair lifts. One such store is VCI Mobility which is located throughout the US.
The following are the common safety features available in a handicap van * Roominess in the Handicap Van - The doors should be wide enough to comfortable provide for wheelchair access or allow a person using a walking aide to comfortably get into the van. * Easy to Reach Controls * Wheelchair Ramp or Lift Most handicap van will have all of the typical vehicle safetyfeatures like airbags. You will also find special storage to secure a wheelchair.
The differences between a van and a handicap van are what options are included in them. For instance, a handicap van might have a motorized ramp or lift.
Here's one site: http://www.amsvans.com/ . Also, as mentioned on the site, you can convert a normal van into a wheelchair van if you have one.
Yes there areseveral companies taht will rent you a handicap van. I would check out the information at www.wheelersvanrentals.com. Texas Wheelchair Accessible Vans offer rentals of handicap vans. You can visit their website at http://www.txwheelchairvans.com/.
A company that is geared toward handicap accessibility would probably sell wheelchair vans. Such as Rollx van.
You might find wheelchair ramps that can be used for your van conversion at medical and wheelchair accessory suppliers like Edmund-wheelchair.com. Automotive conversion kits and even conversion services are also available, at sites like TheMobilityService.com.
Handicap accessible vehicles can be found on www.autotrader.com. For wheel chair accessible vehicles specifically, try www.wheelchairgetaways.com.
I don't know which van "the" van is, but in general, the most common handicap features on vans are a wheelchair lift that lifts you up and down, and for the driver, hand instruments that can be used if the feet are immobile.
In the research I have performed, wheelchair van rentals do not include a wheelchair. They offer a variety of van for all kinds of wheelchairs and scooters, but do not provide a wheelchair for you.
A handicap van is not consideres a medical necessity. Medicare does not cover or reimburse you for the costs of a handicap van.