How To Add Additional Seating To A Cargo Van

A wheelchair van tin make a huge divergence in a wheelchair's life, but it can also have a positive impact on other people, including caregivers and family members. Shopping for the right wheelchair van is a process, but information technology'south easier when you know what to expect for.

Proper Van Size

The overall size of the van tin be a brand or break consideration. For instance, if you live in an apartment building with a parking garage that has a low-clearance entryway, brand certain you find a fan that'southward non likewise tall to fit inside. Those who live in urban environments may need to err on the smaller side in terms of overall van dimensions.

Workable Entry Deployment

Wheelchair vans can come with a multifariousness of dissimilar entry systems, from side ramps to rear lifts. Think most where you plan to park and load/unload the van before y'all cull an entry organisation. Narrow garages and driveways might non suit a side ramp, for example.

Kneeling Systems

Kneeling systems allow a vehicle to dip down slightly for loading and unloading, making ramps less steep. Yous may take seen public busses do this—it's a nice style to make information technology easier for wheelchair users to get into taller vehicles. Some vans may non require this characteristic, but it's something to keep an middle out for.

Sufficient Specs

Brand sure you lot become dimension and weight measurements for the combined full of mobility equipment and people who volition ride in the van. Ceiling height may be a consideration for taller people, and weight is always of import to recollect well-nigh. Make sure there's enough actress space to provide comfort, and that you aren't maxing out weight limits with people and equipment alone.

Warranties

Equipment involved in a mobility conversion can malfunction or otherwise become unusable. Earlier you lot consummate a purchase, make certain at that place'southward sufficient warranty coverage for all of the equipment associated with the van, non only the vehicle itself. If warranty coverage is expired for a used van, you can utilise that as a bargaining chip for negotiating a improve price.

Room for Everyone

Who will ride in the van? If y'all plan to use your new vehicle to accept your entire family unit on road trips, make sure there'south enough comfortable passenger space for everyone. You lot tin detect both mini and total-size vans with wheelchair access, which may allow you lot to comfortably seat a larger group of passengers.

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Accessible Equipment for the Driver

If the wheelchair user plans to drive the van themselves, it may exist necessary to modify the driver's seat and controls to provide sufficient accessibility. Will the wheelchair commuter sit in their chair or in the car's seat to drive? This and other considerations tin be evaluated by a third political party, such as a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, who tin evaluate the driver and provide special equipment recommendations.

Lifts and Hoists

If the wheelchair user doesn't plan to sit in their chair while riding in the van, information technology may exist necessary to look into hoists or lifts. This equipment is powerful enough to load a heavy mechanized scooter or chair into the vehicle, which can be a major plus for some wheelchair van setups.

Funding

Vans can be expensive enough on their ain, but all the extra equipment involved in a wheelchair-friendly conversion can really add to the cost tag. Not many people are able to pay for all this out of pocket. From grants to fundraising and rebates, in that location are multiple different ways to fund your wheelchair van purchase other than paying out of pocket.

Time and Patience

At that place are a lot of of import decisions to be made when it comes to finding the correct wheelchair van. You'll want to requite yourself plenty of time to find out exactly what you need and work with people who make you feel listened to and supported rather than pressured and uncomfortable. Your fourth dimension investment will pay off in the cease.