Kentucky Wheelchair Vans

Handicapped vans have become the single most popular method of transportation for the physically disabled. Whether a lowered floor minivan or a full-size van with a handicap lift, handicapped vans are simple, safe, and convenient.

However, a large percentage of wheelchair van buyers are first time buyers. In other words, they are buying an expensive piece of handicapped equipment without much prior knowledge or experience.

Often disabled people and their families turn to the internet for education and information, as the internet has opened a whole new world of possibilities in all aspects of everyday life. There are also a substantial number of mobility van dealers spread in almost every medium-sized city in America, including Louisville, Kentucky. Many of these Kentucky handicapped van dealers have inventories available for a test drive. A local mobility van dealer can also go over the positive and negative aspects of each different type of handicapped van.

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Selecting a mobility vehicle can be a hassle for many people, but it really should be as simple as buying a new pair of shoes. The first thing to consider is the fit.

The Mobility Consultant will need the height of the person in their wheelchair. Not how tall they are standing, but how tall they sit in their wheelchair. This number indicates what size door height and ceiling dimensions are needed. To acquire this number, stand behind the wheelchair, taking a tape measure from the floor to the top of the head. With the height figured, the fit into the mobility van can be determined.

The next thing you need to consider is width and where you want to sit in the mobility van: front right, mid-section, or as a driver. It should be noted that drivers will need extra equipment such as a docking device for the wheelchair and hand controls or a transfer seat with hand controls.

After the fit, there are several other things to consider when buying a mobility van:

• Will the person be an independent driver?
• Will they have a caregiver?
• Do they want access to the front passenger seating position?
• Can they transfer/do they want to?

These questions will help you determine the style of the mobility van and its options for automated door openings or manual operation.

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There are different types of Kentucky wheelchair van ramps, and when making a purchase you want to find the ramp that will fit you and your lifestyle.

For vehicle access ramps there are two main types, portable (remove manually) and ramps that are installed within the vehicle for convenience.

Portable: A portable ramp requires manual construction. This means the ramp must be set up and taken down before and after entry and exit.

Installed ramp: There are several types of ramps that can be installed to vehicles. With installed ramps the requirements are less strenuous. Most have a lever or a button that can be pushed to initiate the movement.

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Do you need a rental for a short time? Taking a trip to the beach can be a breeze with available rental options. If you are concerned about putting the miles on your current handicapped van or maybe you want to experience the features of a new van, either way the option of a rental van is available to you. Check out Louisville handicapped vehicles rental to see some great rental options available for your traveling.

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When most people see this sign they know the parking space, bathroom, counter, or workstation is for someone in a wheelchair.  But something strange has developed with the use of these signs…a parking lot may be handicapped accessible but not the building.  The building may not have countertops, workstations, bathrooms, hallways, elevators, brail, lowered telephones and phone books, ramps, door ways, etc that are accessible to all people.  It may be worth a call ahead if you aren’t sure about a building you are going to visit.  While it is a code requirement that these public places meet certain standards, often with older buildings, or smaller (but important) details like phone height, the buildings just aren’t up to code.  The good news is, each new building is built with the needs of everyone in mind!

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Mobility vans are not the only vehicle option available. You are now able to to explore the options of an SUV and a low cab truck. You must first be sized to see if you are able to fit in the vehicle. The adaption will lower the drivers side and widen the door for easier accessibility. The passenger side of the car remains the same. Currently this option is only available for Chevy brand vehicles.

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One of the most difficult tasks in purchasing a converted van is being able to properly finance. There are actually several dealership programs that offer a discount when you purchase. Superior Van and Mobility offers a great resource page with various details. I have taken the information from their page but you can check it out yourself here, Handicapped Vans.

These resources were copied from: http://www.adamobility.com/resources_dealeroffers.asp and are used by permission.

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Internet versus Local Dealer
Buying from a dealer on the internet is very attractive. Depending on where you live, in your area there are likely only a few dealers that can offer you a converted wheelchair van. While if you turn to the internet you can get offers from hundreds of dealers nationwide. You are much more likely to find a bargain via the internet than locally.

However, converted wheelchair vans are not like regular cars. As the body has been changed and there is a lot of electronic equipment inside, there is much more to go wrong and if it does go wrong it is much more convenient to discuss the problem with someone nearby rather than someone located far away. A local dealer will probably be much more responsive to your needs than someone on the other side of the country, since the dissatisfied buyer who is located in town will have a bigger impact on a dealer’s reputation than someone thousands of miles away. No matter where your dealer is located, consider choosing an NMEDA QAP accredited (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association Quality Assurance Program) dealer. NMEDA QAP accreditation means:

• They are required to maintain four types of insurance for liability purposes.
• They need to have certified welders on hand if they perform any type of structural modifications to vehicles.
• These dealers are required to have their technicians certified in the equipment they sell, install and service.
• They must keep records of all adaptive work.
• They are required to undergo an inspection/audit process at least annually by an independent engineering firm to ensure compliance to the NMEDA Guidelines and the requirements listed above.

There are currently three types of accreditation:

• Mobility Equipment Installer
• Structural Vehicle Modifier
• High Tech Driving System Installer

Make sure your dealer is not only accredited by NMEDA, but accredited to do the kind of work you need to have done on your vehicle. NMEDA has a database of accredited dealers on its websites.

If you do buy via the internet from a dealer:

• Request references and check them.
• Make sure to request a certificate of product liability insurance, in case the vehicle fails resulting in bodily injury.
• Confirm in writing that the specific vehicle you are purchasing can and will have local warranty service at a specific location and make sure that location is certified to make repairs and modifications.

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Superior Van wants to make your next wheelchair conversion van purchase the best and easiest ever. We can assist you in your choice of a mobility vans at low internet pricing. Handicap vans use various types of mobility equipment and each has its place within the handicap van market. See our complete line-up of full size Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, Ford Econoline, and Dodge Ram Vans as well as the popular Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Venture, and Ford Windstar or Freestar minivans.

Our full size wheel chair vans are up-fitted with a variety of handicap lifts and other handicap van accessories. Popular mobility equipment include side cargo doors lifts, reardoor lifts, and under vehicle lifts.
Other wheelchair lifts are available on request. We can also add a wheel chair lift to any of our many quality
used conversion vans to make them handicap accessible.

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