A popular type of handicap vans these days is the van with side entry. Side entry has become popular because handicapped spaces in parking lots have become wider, allowing for more room to drop a lift to the ground and load and unload a wheelchair without the doors of the van hitting a car parked next to the van. Having a side entry wheelchair van also allows the handicapped person to sit in the middle of the van, behind the driver’s seat or the passenger seat and not in the back of the van all by their lonesome.
Side entry vans can have a lift in them or they can have a ramp that folds onto the ground for easy access to the van. The ramp can fold up inside the van small enough so that it does not take up too much room. The lift will more than likely be where the wheelchair will have to stay once the lift is back inside the van because the lift is surrounded by walls on three sides so that the wheelchair does not fall off when being lifted into the van, causing the wheelchair to remain in place.
Brands of Side Access
There are thousands of wheelchair vans on the roads today, some with rear entry and some with side entry. Those with side entry are just as popular as those with rear entry because each person has his or her own preference for how they want to access their vehicle. The following is a list of brands of wheelchair vans that offer side entry access for handicapped persons:
• Ford E350
• Ford E250
• Dodge Caravan SXT
• Dodge Grand Caravan SE
• Chrysler Town and Country Touring Edition
• Plymouth Grand Voyager
• Honda Element
• GMC Savana
These are not the only brands of wheelchair vans on the market today that offer side entry access for wheelchairs and handicapped persons. There are plenty of other brands available for purchase these days and they can be found on the internet, at your local dealership, or at a used car lot.
Problems with Side Access
Aside from the problem with hitting other cars parked next to the van, other common problems with side entry access include the doors not working properly, the doors swinging open and hitting a pedestrian passing by or a car next to the van, and only one of the doors working while the other one is broken. All of these problems can be fixed by taking the van to a mechanic to have new doors put on or new pieces placed on the doors.
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.
A handicap van is not consideres a medical necessity. Medicare does not cover or reimburse you for the costs of a handicap van.
I am the original owner and selling a 2003 Chevy Conversion Van with a Braun Vangater II wheelchair lift in the passenger area of the van. If interested please call 631-793-4566 Go to craigslist and then look for a area near you. Then search the term "handicap van". If you don't try anything then search for vans in your area that have a sliding side door (which are good for entry and exit).
Wheelchair lift or ramp, hand controls, securement system for wheelchairs, raised roof or lowered floor, side slide door or rear entry, etc.
The limiting factor is not the van itself it's the legislation. The maximum number of occupants before the van will be concidered a bus is nine. Three seats side by side in the fron leaving room for six wheelchairs.
Both regular vans and minivans can be converted into wheelchair accessible vans. The available modifications vary from van to van but include lifts and ramps for side entry and ramps for rear entry.
Tere is listing that is ending soon on Ebay that may suit your needs,do a search for handicap van. Honestly, your chances of finding a handicap van for that cheap that is RELIABLE is very unlikely. It is better to invest your money into a good van.
grants for handcap vans
A great place to get a handicap van rental in Chicago is through http://www.wheelersvanrentals.com/Chicago/. They have good prices and customer service for your rental van needs.
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.
on batteries
There are various stores that sell parts for handicap van wheelchair lifts. One such store is VCI Mobility which is located throughout the US.