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Mini Van vs. Full Sized Van The van size is an important factor in choosing a wheelchair van. Remember that the seating space of a wheelchair user is bigger than those for ordinary passengers. You need to have at least a 56-inch distance between floor and roof for comfortable seating. Yearly records show that 80-90% of buyers choose mini vans. This type of van saves money in terms of gas and maintenance expenses . Of course, they are less expensive to buy. However, mini vans are sometimes lacking in vertical space. Unlike larger vans, minis cannot be installed with wheelchair lifts. They can only be installed with portable ramps. The remaining 10-20% percentage chooses to buy full sized vans. The models vary from commercial use types to luxury vehicles. Companies that manufacture full-sized handicap luxury vans include Chevrolet, GMC, Ford and Dodge. Larger vans can support a backload of up to 1100 pounds, making it suitable for large families and multiple wheelchair users. A full-sized wheelchair van also has plenty of vertical space. The horizontal dimensions of the vehicle also allow a more stable driving, which is comfortable for long distance travels. The choice of van size really depends on your personal needs. It is highly recommended to purchase a new van instead of a second-hand vehicle. A new purchase guarantees 36K miles of travel, including the installed features for the handicapped. Technology for such vans is constantly being developed. Hence, new units are safer and more cost-effective. Modifications and Tools for Handicapped Passengers If you already own a van, you do not need to purchase a new vehicle for the handicapped. Modifications and safety features can be installed so that your old van can accommodate wheelchair users. The first consideration is vertical space. The roof height and the flooring depth can be adjusted for a few inches each, making the space more comfortable for wheelchair-seated passengers. The wheelchair van must also be installed with safety buttons and locks, like the EZ-lock system. These will fix a wheelchair in place while traveling, so that the passenger will not experience shaking or rolling around. These locks are simply operated through turnkeys or buttons but once locked; they will secure the wheelchair in place. Modern technology also allows the handicapped to be the drivers themselves. There are services that install special hand controls. For example, the gas pedal can already be controlled by a left hand lever. Installation of the hand control system requires a rehabilitation trainer that will train the driver on using the adaptive controls. They will also measure the qualification of a handicapped driver on using such controls. Safety Reminders Do not be tricked by the perks or bonuses offered by wheelchair van dealers. The first thing you should look for is the certification from NMEDA. The NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) is a non-profit group of motorists, mechanical experts and advocates. They have expertise on producing safe and effective tools for the welfare of handicapped travelers. They conduct a test called ADA on dealers of handicap vehicles. It will also help to research on a particular dealer or modification service before purchase.
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