Among people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, one of the most talked about subjects is the price of a wheelchair accessible vehicle. A shiny new van can be out of range for many consumers on fixed incomes. But a used wheelchair van could be a possibility. Let’s take a look at some concerns people may have: Used vehicles have too much mileage on them. Many used vehicles don’t have much mileage and the mobility equipment may be hardly used. How much does a used accessible van with a ramp or lift cost? A wheelchair accessible van less than 3 years old could start at $20,000—or thousands less. A gently used, older wheelchair van can be converted to save even more. An older vehicle won’t last much longer. A vehicle properly taken care of can last for decades. For added peace of mind, contact a mobility dealer who sells used wheelchair accessible vehicles and is a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). Part of its Quality Assurance Program (QAP) guarantees 24-hour service to its customers.
A used vehicle probably won’t have the equipment I want. You want an in-floor ramp but you can only find fold-outs. If the price is right, you may be able to have the desired equipment installed after the sale. Do your research up front. How can I qualify for a vehicle loan? Talk to a NMEDA mobility dealer—they know the organizations, non-profits, state and federal agencies and charities that will help in financing in your area. If you are a Veteran, you may be eligible for a $18,000 credit towards a wheelchair accessible vehicle. For more information go to http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/ – Automobile and Special Equipment Adaptive Grants or call 1-800-827-1000.If you get an income tax refund, put it in a special savings account. Ask your family and friends to forgo gifts and donate towards your vehicle fund. Above all, contact a mobility expert—a member of NMEDA. They will work hand-in-hand with you on areas like what is right for you, financing options, rates, terms, manufacturer offers, incentives and benefits.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.How much does it cost to convert a van? This blog post will break down the price of a wheelchair van conversion, so you know what to expect. Wheelchair van conversion modifications are extremely common. Not only are these conversions common but they are also relatively inexpensive in the grand scheme of things. A number of different types of vans can be converted to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters of varying shapes and sizes. If you have a full-size van, mini van or conversion van, adaptations can be made to your vehicle. The first thing to consider is the type of modification you are looking for. Do you want to modify the rear, side or driver’s seat? Rear modifications will make it easier to load a wheelchair into the back of a van.
Side modifications provide access from the side of a vehicle. If you currently use a wheelchair and would like to drive, driver’s side modifications can be easily made as well. Typically, side modifications cost more than rear modifications, since changes to the side of the van are more labor intensive. Wheelchair van conversion prices range from $10,000 to more than $20,000 depending on what you want to do, the type of technology you are seeking and the type of vehicle you currently have. The best way to price changes to your van is to shop around and compare prices. Like anything else, price comparisons are the way to go. A simple Google search will bring up many companies that specialize in a wheelchair van conversion. Make sure to choose a company that comes with a good reputation, has been in business for a while and offers reliable equipment. Ask to see some samples of modifications available, ask for referrals, and choose the modification that makes the most sense to you.
Wheelchair van conversions may seem expensive at the start, but these conversions will last for many years to come. In addition, simple conversions to your current vehicle will make your life a lot simpler. Enjoy complete freedom and ease with the right conversions for your van. 1800wheelchair offers a full directory of dealers who will do tis type of conversion. Check it out here – Wheelchair Van Directory.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.