Advances in Mobility Van Technology are Creating Solutions for Physically Challenged

The advances in mobility van technology are making it so today’s disabled drivers and passengers don’t need to be limited. Now more than ever, disabled drivers and passengers have more options than ever. New technological advances in handicap vans make it faster and easier than ever before.

Whether it’s a drive to work, long distance trip or road trip vacation, advances in mobility van technology have eased the limits and concerns of those disabled drivers and passengers. In this article you will learn about these advances in mobility van technology, and how what used to not be possible is now more than ever.

There are companies that specialize in the conversion of regular vans, trucks and busses for wheelchair accessibility.  They’re able to perform conversions on mini vans and standard size vans, but also can convert large buses for paratransit use by hospitals, nursing homes and municipalities.

It’s good to know all of your options for mobility van technology.

Below is a detailed list and very short description of the different mobility van models:
Mini-Vans – comes with side and rear entry.
Full Size Vans – comes as standard, lowered floor, raised roof and raised door.
Truck Conversions – people love their trucks, you can get a truck converted for wheelchair accessibility.
Paratransit – for hospitals, nursing homes and municipalities.

Keep reading to learn some of the details about specific wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Mini-Vans

There is a mini-van called the Entervan. Created by Chrysler/Dodge, the Entervan features a lowered floor that offers a spacious interior and more maneuverability. It lowered floor drops down in front the driver and passenger seats.

Specific perks include:

-power auto kneel system
-lowered driver side sliding door sill
-easy out front passenger and drive seats under carriage spare .
   
The Companion Van is a budget friendly rear entry mini-van that offers accessibility of the traditional lowered floor in the rear. The lowered floor door (ramp) is manual, which is perfect if the wheelchaired person travels with an attendant.

The Companion Van RE model has room for two wheelchairs with the seats folded up. The “flip and fold” seats allow for up to four ambulatory adults while the wheelchair secures to a position in the rear lowered floor.
   
The standard full size van is a good option when extra floor to ceiling space is not needed. The standard van is also more equipped for full accessibility because of all the chair loading and lifting devices. Best thing about the standard full size van is that there is more room in the driver’s compartment for modifications.