Wheelchair van conversions are a very common type of modification done for people who are handicapped and want to drive for themselves. These conversions can be done in full size vans, conversions vans, and even in compact mini vans. Depending on the type of conversion you want done, the cost can be between $10,000 and $20,000. The Best Vehicles for Putting in a Wheelchair >> This is the least expensive of the two main modifications that can be done for a wheelchair van. It does not involve any modification to the rear door, but does include installing a mechanical ramp that will protrude out of the back of the van. This is typically within the $10,000 to $14,000 range because there is less involved in the modification. The side entry modification is a cost of around $20,000. This is because the doors must be changed from a manual sliding door to either a double hinged door or an electronic opening door. Included in this is a chair lift that extends out from the van and then lowers the wheelchair to the surface.
Because of the extra weight that the van will be hauling, there is going to be more stress on the axles, springs, shocks, and brakes. These upgrades will also factor into the overall cost of the wheelchair van conversion. If the owner of the vehicle is the one who is confined to the wheelchair, more modifications can be completed to allow them to drive. This can be an extra $5,000 to $7,000 depending on whether hand controls are installed. A swivel captain's chair or a place to lock in the wheelchair can be options which will also cause some slight fluctuation in the cost.OverviewTech SpecsCad Blocks & DocumentsSpeed of delivery, cost-effectiveness, and compact design make the straight inclined platform wheelchair lift the first choice for accessibility in buildings with one flight of stairs and no intermediate landings. Our preferred straight inclined platform wheelchair lift is the Xpress II.The rail support system for The Xpress II can be hidden behind finishes to minimizing visual disturbance and provide Accessibility with Dignity.
This lift folds at either landing, as close as 10.5" to the wall. This slim footprint makes the Xpress II a good choice for egress stairs.When remodeling lobbies, finishes on the stairs and floors are the last items at the end of the project. We cannot release for production without final finished field measurements, so speed is critical. We stock the lift components locally. The lift installs easily with supports attached to the stairs, or mounted directly to the wall itself. Because installation of this wheelchair lift is so simple, we can measure, cut and install in as little as three days for urgent projects.This lift can be blend in with the stairs using custom paint, a hidden rail system, a disconnect built into the rail, and hidden chases for control wiring.The lift can be equipped with a side load feature, allowing the end user to board the platform from an angle.It is best to board at the end of the platform, so if the lift can be aligned with a door, we can interface the lift with a power door operator.
End users want discreet lifts. The drive on the XpressII is extremely quiet.A handrail can be added to this system on top of the upper rail.Choosing a wheelchair ramp over a lift system is a matter of budget and personal preference. Both can get you safely in and out of a new or used wheelchair van; however, handicap lowered-floor vans with ramps tend to be less expensive, take up less space and are more fuel-efficient compared to a full-size van, which is used for most wheelchair-lift applications. Wheelchair van conversion ramps normally come in permanent van conversions where the floor is lowered to allow enough headroom for entering and riding in the vehicle. Most lowered-floor vans come with wheelchair ramps and kneeling systems that lower the wheelchair van and reduce the angle of the ramp. At AMS Vans, Inc., you can buy handicap minivans with ramps; however, we eliminate the need for these expensive and sometimes-unreliable systems by having extended ramps that decrease the incline of the ramp.
There are two styles of wheelchair ramps—one type folds up in a vertical position, and the other type slides out from the floor of the van. New and used handicapped accessible vehicles with wheelchair ramps come with either a manual or power conversion. Power wheelchair ramps operate by remote control or by a switch located either on the dash or just inside the side-door panel. Push a button and the door slides open, the ramp extends out and, in cases where a kneeling system is needed, the van lowers. (In case of a power failure, the ramp can be easily operated manually.) Guide your wheelchair or mobility scooter inside and push the button or switch, and the system reverses. Manual systems are spring-loaded to easily fold out and retract into the van. A vehicle wheelchair lift is a mechanical device used to raise a person in a wheelchair effortlessly into a vehicle. Wheelchair lifts are typically installed in full-sized vans. There are several wheelchair lift types: cassette lifts that slide out from under the van, horizontal folding lifts that provide users better vision through the windows, vertical folding lifts that enable passengers to enter the van without deploying the lift, and platform wheelchair lifts, which are the most basic of wheelchair lifts.
Hydraulic lifts are the most common type, since they allow for heavier steel construction and higher lift capacity. The other type is the electric lift, made with lightweight aluminum and lighter lift capacity. Lifts require either a lowered floor or a raised roof to provide enough headroom for wheelchair passengers to ride comfortably inside their chairs. Wheelchair lifts work when space limitations or height requirements make a ramp prohibitive. Wheelchair lifts are often less expensive than a lowered-floor conversion with a ramp, but there are other considerations that include difficulty parking due to their size, high gas prices, and if the floor isn't lowered, then the wheelchair user can't see out the windows.Van Conversions & Lifts Just what exactly is an accessible vehicle? BraunAbility® wheelchair accessible vehicles are manufactured to offer unparalleled ease of access for wheelchair and scooter users. The floor has been substantially lowered and the vehicle equipped with a lightweight ramp for easy entry and exit.
A kneeling system lowers the rear suspension, decreasing the slope of the ramp even further when deployed. Both front seats are removable, enabling wheelchair users to drive or ride in the passenger position. I already own a minivan, can BraunAbility convert my van? Possibly, but certain conditions must be met. Only certain makes and models can be converted. Additionally, the vehicle must have less than 50,000 miles, and is subject to inspection before the conversion process can begin. We recommend contacting your BraunAbility dealer for help in starting this process. Can I purchase a minivan at my car dealership and then have it converted? While this can sometimes work, we recommend contacting a BraunAbility dealer before purchasing a van. If you visit a car dealership first, you risk purchasing a vehicle that cannot be converted because it is the wrong model, or it may be the right model, but not equipped with the right options. Your BraunAbility dealer can help guide you through the process, and can even work with your preferred car dealer to ensure you purchase the right equipment.
Often, you may find the perfect vehicle sitting at the BraunAbility dealer, already converted and ready for delivery. Can I simply add a ramp to my existing van?The sturdy aluminum ramp is just one aspect of the major remanufacturing required to create a BraunAbility accessible van. Teams of skilled technicians work together on a modern assembly line to produce a fully integrated wheelchair van with a lowered floor and reconfigured seating. How long will I have to wait to buy one? BraunAbility dealers maintain a stock of minivans converted and ready for immediate delivery. You will have a choice of chassis and ramp styles to try out, allowing you to determine which vehicle best meets your needs. What if my need for a BraunAbility van is temporary? BraunAbility vans may be available for long-term rental. Because availability varies across the country, we recommend you ask this question at your local BraunAbility dealer. How much do BraunAbility accessible vans cost?
BraunAbility® offers several mobility options to meet a variety of budgets. Contact your local BraunAbility dealer for pricing and availability. They will carefully assess your needs and recommend the right vehicle in your price range. If you will be financing the vehicle, BraunAbility Finance offers flexible financing terms up to 120 months.BraunAbility offers vehicle financing through BraunAbility Finance. Your BraunAbility dealer has information on this program. In some cases, part of your cost may be covered by insurance or military benefits, and most major automobile manufactures offer rebate programs toward the purchase of adaptive equipment. Is there any trade-in value? Because of BraunAbility’s outstanding reliability, many customers keep their vehicles much longer than the average driver. When you are ready for a new vehicle, most dealers will accept your old van as a trade-in. Trade-in value is usually very good, but is of course dependent on a number of factors such as vehicle condition and mileage.
We suggest you ask this question at the place of purchase. What kind of warranty will I get? BraunAbility® backs the quality craftsmanship of their wheelchair accessible vehicles with an exclusive Three-Year Limited Warranty, the best the industry has to offer. On top of that, the chassis is covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. Where will I get service? At any BraunAbility dealer nationwide, no matter where you buy your wheelchair accessible vehicle. BraunAbility conducts service schools throughout the year on-site at our factory. Dealers are required to attend regularly and are given in-depth instruction and the latest information on servicing BraunAbility wheelchair accessible vans. You can count on quality service no matter where your travels take you. Where can I get a BraunAbility van or lift? Our wheelchair accessible vehicles are available at BraunAbility® dealers nationwide. Vans are in stock already converted, and your dealer may be able to bring a van to you for a home demonstration, depending on your location.