Numerous disabled people across the country and around the world find a wheelchair to be of great help. They offer a mode of mobility for those who would otherwise have none. By offering safety and stability, they give individuals an active life and improvement in confidence. Wheelchairs are not only used indoors, but outdoors as well. Therefore, it makes it necessary to be able to accommodate them for travel. Often, a wheelchair van is selected as the best mode of transportation for people with long- term disabilities. Many different companies offer wheelchair van rentals as well as sales. Rentals can be reserved daily, weekly or even monthly.
Many Amenities
With the technology available today, a disabled person can have added to their wheelchair van almost anything they want. Most are equipped with the wheelchair lift or a ramp. The roof can be raised or the floor lowered. There is a system to secure the wheelchair or scooter. Many vans can be equipped with hand controls so it can be driven using only the person’s hands. Air conditioning, automatic transmissions, plush interiors, and power doors are generally standard on most models. Many will seat from seven to fourteen passengers.
Searching
Not everyone is able to purchase a new wheelchair van. There are many used makes and models available for sale. Interested persons can begin their search for a van to meet their individualized needs on various websites. Van prices and different features as well as directions to the dealerships can be found. Classified ads in newspapers and television ads may offer another resource. One may also find what they are looking for by placing an ad in various newspapers giving detail to what they are in need of.
Other Considerations
When choosing a wheelchair van, it is important to consider the other passengers who will need to access your vehicle. Most find that having both wheelchair and ambulatory access through the same entrance is a must. Room for cargo is also an advantage for many. As a general rule, the van you choose depends mainly on the type of wheelchair being used. A dealer can help you in determining your goals for mobility and your purchase budget. Whether choosing a mini-van or a full-sized van, users should thoroughly inspect and research their purchase. Keeping in mind, the van should accommodate all their needs for their particular life style as well as disabilities.
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.
There are currently no companies that specialize in converting a van into a wheelchair accessible van.
You can usually turn any van into a wheelchair accessible van if you take it to the right place.
Hiring a wheelchair van can certainly help with transporting your mother during her recovery. I recommend you have a look at Wheelchair Getaways. They're a wheelchair van rental company that cater for customers in almost every US city.
You can look for a good used wheelchair accessible van at mobilityvansales.com.
It can be a lot of work. Here is some basic info What is involved in converting a normal van into a wheelchair accessible van
A whell chair accessible van will have a loading device for wheelchairs. There will also be special storage in the van to accomadate wheelchairs. Most wheelchair vans have a motorized lift for the wheelchair beside the door. They also have extra space in the back for the wheelchair.
will medicade pay for a wheelchair lift
Perform a search on Ebay for a ood used wheelchair accessible van
A wheelchair van is a kind of vehicle that is custom made so that a wheelchair can be hoisted and kept inside. These mechanisms are now more common in people mover taxis as well.
There are different types of wheelchair lifts. There are hitch mounted wheelchair lifts that utilize the hitch on a car, truck or van. They do not require any special vehicle. You have inside vehicle lifts that hoist the wheelchair or scooter into the van. The platform lifts can lift the wheelchair or scooter with someone in it. If it doesn't work with your van don't worry most of the vans can be re-fitted to install the lift.
Used wheelchair vans are sometimes sold at car dealerships.