If you or a family member uses a wheelchair, a mobility van is essential to get around town. Unfortunately, the typical handicap van is not nearly spacious enough to accommodate the person in the wheelchair, his or her accessories, the driver, and other passengers. This is just one reason that many people end up buying a used full-sized wheelchair van. The benefits, when compared to a compact-sized handicap accessible van, make it well worth the additional financial investment.
Top Features of a Used Mobility Van
One of the first things people with mobility impairments notice when checking out a full-sized van is that it has a raised roof and lowered floor. This makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. Most accessible vans also offer adaptive driving aids, lifts, raised doors, and a lowered section in the driver or passenger seats depending on who will be driving. The additional headroom can be as much as six inches when compared to a vehicle of traditional size.
Additional seating space is important when more than one person in the family uses a wheelchair. It also allows for greater flexibility in positioning the people in wheelchairs before the van gets moving. Furthermore, the increased size means families don’t have to give up storage space to gain more space for the wheelchair. The added space also means full-sized mobility vans can seat up to four additional people when compared to smaller vehicles.
Another benefit to purchasing a full-sized handicap van is the options available. For instance, is the choice to choose a single (also known as a side entry lift) or double post lift. A side entry lift is capable of holding up to 600 pounds, including the wheelchair and the person sitting in it, and allows for maximum accessibility from all areas of the van. Compared to the double post lift, it is more flexible because you can use it in vans that are either a raised roof or a lowered full-size model.
The double post lift is ideal in situations where the person and his or her wheelchair weigh between 600 and 800 pounds and is usually the best choice when the driver is the person who uses a wheelchair. It’s also a good option when the wheelchair user wants to sit in the back or the middle of the van. It does eliminate some extra seating; however, this may not be an issue when the wheelchair user is the one driving the van.
Valuable Peace of Mind
It’s hard to put a price tag on a quality used wheelchair van when it provides so much independence, comfort, and safety for your family. Others who have chosen to purchase a full-sized mobility van state that it rides as smoothly as a typical minivan or SUV. You can drive or ride in the van with ease knowing that your loved ones are as safe and secure.
