Entries Tagged as 'Kentucky Wheelchair Vans'

Selecting the Right Kentucky Wheelchair Van

Kentucky Mobility Van

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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What To Expect When Buying A Mobility Van

Kentucky Mobility Van

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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Buying Mobility Vans Locally

This question was on a local Mobility Vans blog.

Question from Reader:  Why is it so imprtant to buy from a local mobility dealer instead of buying on the internet from a place not close to my home?

Answer from Superior Louisville:  Service is the number one issue!  If you buy off the internet, where will you go if you have a service need?  With a major purchase like a mobility van, it is important to have certified technicians and staff ready and qualified to answer your questions — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - face to face.  No sitting on hold on the phone or waiting to schedule an appointment.    Internet sellers cannot deliver on service or on price most instances!

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Kentucky Wheelchair Van Ramps

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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Handicap Rentals for Vacation

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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Does handicapped parking for your mobility van mean the building is also accessible?

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 Vehicle Options

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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How Can I Afford A Mobility Accessible Van?

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.

Daimler Chrysler — Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep

When the customer buys or leases any new Daimler Chrysler Corporation vehicle, Daimler Chrysler Corporation will provide cash reimbursement to help cover the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on the vehicle. Conversions to full-size Ram Vans, Ram Wagons and mini-vans may be reimbursed up to $1000 while all other Daimler Chrysler Corporation cars, and trucks. For more information, contact the Daimler Chrysler Automobility Program toll free at 800-255-9877(TTY Users: 800-922-3826). In Canada call 800-265-6908 or 313-961-9448.

Ford Motor Company

The Ford Mobility Motoring Program provides the customer with a check, directly from a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, for up to $1000 toward the exact cost of the installation of adaptive equipment when purchasing or leasing any eligible new Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicle. For more information, contact the Ford Mobility Motoring Program toll free at 800-952-2248 (TTY Users: 800-833-0312). In Canada call 800-565-8985.

General Motors

Through the GENERAL MOTORS (GM) Mobility Program, a customer will be reimbursed for an amount matching the cost of after-market driver or passenger adaptive aids, including installation, or reinstallation, up to a maximum of $1000 when such equipment is installed on an eligible GENERAL MOTORS (GM) vehicle. For more information, contact the GENERAL MOTORS (GM) Mobility Assistance Center, toll free at 800-323-9935 (TTY Users: 800-833-9935). In Canada call 800-263-3777 or 905-644-6624.

Lexus

Lexus will reimburse the cost up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for purchasing and installation of qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical disabilities. This offer applies to all Lexus vehicles purchased or leased new in 2001 or later. Leased vehicles require advance written lessor approval of adaptive-equipment installations.

Saturn

Customers will be reimbursed by the Saturn Mobility Program for the cost of after-market driver of passenger adaptive aids, including installation, or reinstallation, in an amount up to a maximum of $1000 when such equipment is installed on an eligible Saturn vehicle. For more information, contact the Saturn Mobility Program, toll free at 800-553-6000 (TTY Users: 800-833-6000). In Canada call 800-553-6000.

Toyota

Assistance Program Guidelines - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer, for the exact cost they paid to purchase and install qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical disabilities.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen will refund $1000 on the purchase or lease of a new Volkswagen vehicle if vehicle access equipment is installed. For more information, contact Volkswagen of America, Inc., Mobility Access Program, PO Box 214378, Auburn Hills, MI, 48321-9975 or toll free at 1-800-DRIVE VW. Or visit Volkswagen on the web at www.vw.com.

Volvo

Mobility by Volvo provides: Up to $1,000 in financial assistance toward the cost of adding adaptive equipment to an eligible new 2004 Volvo and up to $200 on alert hearing devices. Maximum reimbursement is $1,000.

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Buying a Wheelchair Van

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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Kentucky Wheelchair Vans - Superior Van

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. Kentucky Wheelchair Van

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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