Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Information
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Side-entry wheelchair vans are the most popular wheelchair van conversions sold today. They allow easy access, plenty of room to move about the cabin, and enable wheelchair users to drive from their wheelchair or factory seating.
In addition, side-entry handicap-accessible vans are available in more conversion choices. Users can choose between a power or manual fold-out ramp system or a manual or power-in-floor ramp system.
Read more about the two types of ramp conversions below.
The fold-out wheelchair ramp system on wheelchair vans is the most common type. The ramp is made of high-strength aluminum and has a weight capacity of up to 1000 lbs. It can be operated manually or under power based on the type of accessible conversion selected.
The ramp is mounted just inside the passenger side doorway. When stowed, the ramp folds in half to allow for an unobstructed view during transit. Once a ramp deployment command is given, the ramp unfolds from within the cabin onto the ground below. The simplicity of the fold-out ramp design is easy to use and deploy in situations where the ground is uneven.
Another type of ramp system found on wheelchair-accessible vehicles is in-floor.
With an in-floor ramp system, the ramp is too built from high-strength aluminum and has up to a 1000 lbs. weight capacity. However, instead of folding and stowing just inside the vehicle’s doorway like the fold-out, the in-floor ramp deploys and stores from under the vehicle’s floor.
This method creates an obstacle-free opening to accommodate ambulatory passengers, allowing more room inside the cabin.
Despite significant differences in ramp deployment methods, an in-floor wheelchair ramp system can still be operated manually or under power based on the type of wheelchair van conversion selected.
In every side-entry wheelchair van sold today, you will find one of the four ramp systems below.
Each type is designed for a specific need and is one of the most important options when searching for a wheelchair van conversion.
The manual, fold-out wheelchair ramp is often found on wheelchair vans designed for wheelchair users who travel with a dedicated caregiver or companion 100% of the time. The ramp is mounted just inside the passenger side door & blocks access to the vehicle unless deployed.
The ramp must be manually pulled from the vehicle to deploy for use.
PROS: Less Moving Parts & No Electronics. Low Maintenance. Lower Conversion Cost.
CONS: User Subject to Weather Conditions. Requires Light Lifting & Bending.
The manual, in-floor wheelchair ramp is another type found on wheelchair vans designed for users who travel with a dedicated caregiver or companion. The ramp is mounted under the floor on the vehicle’s passenger side. There is no ramp blocking the entry or exit of the vehicle.
The ramp must be manually pulled from the vehicle using a handle.
PROS: Less Moving Parts & No Electronics. Low Maintenance. Lower Conversion Cost. No Ramp Blocking the Entrance.
CONS: User Subject to Weather Conditions.
The power, fold-out wheelchair ramp is by far the most popular ramp deployment system. The ramp deploys & stows automatically with a push of a button. This ramp type can be found on wheelchair vans designed for users who travel alone or with a dedicated caregiver.
The ramp is operated with a push-of-a-button inside the vehicle cabin or on the factory key fob.
PROS: Easy to Use. No Lifting or Bending is Required. Power Backup System.
CONS: More Moving Parts & Electronics. Higher Repair Costs.
The power, in-floor wheelchair ramp is popular for those who regularly travel with additional ambulatory passengers. Since the ramp is housed out-of-sight, under the floor, the vehicle’s doorway in the rear remains accessible for easy entry and exit.
The ramp is operated with a push-of-a-button inside the vehicle cabin or on the factory key fob.
PROS: No Ramp Blocking the Doorway. Easy to use. Power Backup System.
CONS: More Moving Parts & Electronics. Shorter Ramp Edges. Higher Conversion Cost.
Regardless of the ramp type you choose above, the vehicle chassis specifications are the other significant differences you will encounter when shopping for a new or used wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Because everyone is different in their seated height and abilities, no one conversion or vehicle type can accommodate everyone’s needs. And just like people, every chassis manufacturer is different, making every conversion type different based on the chassis.
Therefore, when it comes down to it, the most important factors you must consider when shopping for a wheelchair-accessible van are the specifications themselves; door opening heights; door opening widths; ramp widths, and finally, the type or cut of the conversion itself.
To ensure you don’t make a costly mistake, it is vitally important that you work with a certified mobility consultant. A consultant will work with you one-on-one to ensure you’re purchasing the right vehicle that fits your immediate and future needs.
Plus, by working with an NMEDA-certified dealer, you’ll also be able to try out the fit and function of the different conversion & chassis types before making any buying decision. Because, let’s face it, handicap-accessible vehicles are not cheap, and making a mistake on proper fit and function can be costly and dangerous.
Please follow the links below if you want more information on wheelchair-accessible vans, the types of conversions available, and the differences between the conversions & chassis themselves.
By chassis type, we have arranged a convenient way to view the different product offerings by the two largest wheelchair van manufacturers worldwide, BraunAbility, and VMI.
