A WheelchairJunkie's Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Vans -Mark E. Smith

So, you're ready to jump in feet first - or, roll in, as it is.  Maybe you're buying your first wheelchair-accessible van, or maybe you're looking to trade up from your high-mileage rig that's seen better times.  And, you've been disciplined, able to fund the $35,000 to $55,000 needed to get you riding in accessible, modern luxury. Nevertheless, when it comes to accessible vans, desires and money are a start, but by no means a solution - whether you're a passenger or a driver, powerchair or manual chair user, there're close to a dozen conversion decisions to make, from the type of vehicle to the type of lift to the riding position.  Indeed, accessible vans aren't an impulse buy on a glittery car lot. Lowered-Floor Minivans

The same features that make minivans immensely popular with the mainstream auto market make them popular toward those needing accessibility - that is, they are easy to drive, spacious, economical, versatile, and sporty.  These attributes are further meaningful to wheelchair users in the way that the wide-open floor plans lend them toward wheelchair maneuvering, and their compact exterior eases driving and parking, especially in comparison to full-size vans.

In the realm of minivan accessibility conversions, there are several paths users can take.  The most common conversions are side entry ramp systems consisting of a 10" lowered floor.  Whereas an unmodified minivan offers a floor-to-ceiling height of approximately 48", lowered-floor minivans offer approximately 58".  Furthermore, the lowered floor usually extends from the back seat, forward, to the firewall, allowing driving from one's wheelchair. While lowered-floor, side-entry minivans are practical to use, they are very difficult to fabricate. To create a lowered-floor, side-entry van, conversion companies cut the main support beams that run front-to-rear of the van, insert a new sub-frame, and relocate the fuel tank to the space in-between the rear axle and rear bumper.  Fortunately, such conversions must comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, so safety is considered. However, the radical reconstruction of a minivan to a side-entry conversion can negatively affect ride quality and sound levels.

In the minivan class, rear-entry conversions are increasingly popular.  By placing a ramped channel down the center of the van, rear-entry conversions allow straight-line entry and exit.  The foremost benefit of rear-entry conversions is that the user can load and unload from any typical parking spot - that is, cars parked beside the minivan are of no concern.  Additionally, rear-entry conversions don't require cutting the minivan's main structure, leaving the vehicle more intact than side-entries. Rear-entry, lowered-floor conversions, however, aren't without their drawbacks.  Firstly, rear-entries don't have provisions to drive from a wheelchair, making them best suited as passenger conversions. Secondly, rear-entries require the user to back out of the minivan - this can be difficult for those with limited abilities toward viewing rearward, as well as those with larger chairs where the casters are likely to wedge against the channel walls as they change direction.  Lastly, rear-end collisions are the most common accident, with rear-entry conversions in the most susceptible location for damage. Full-size Vans For users needing a floor-to-ceiling height of 56" or more, a full-size van with an 8" lowered floor may be the most practical choice.  For those who may not need exceptional headroom, and those riding as a passenger, or driving from the driver's seat, the standard floor-to-ceiling height of a full-size van may also prove adequate, dramatically decreasing the cost of modifications.  For all, however, full-size vans offer considerably more room for passengers and gear, especially with extended models.  For wheelchair users who prefer to drive from the driver's seat, full-size vans also offer needed room for transfers. On the downsides, full-size vans require more room to park, and feature decreased fuel economy. Raised-Roof Vans

Found in both the full-size and minivan classes, raised-roof vans are a less-costly alternative for added headroom than a lowered floor.  However, raised-roof vans typically dictate a wheelchair lift, as there's not a lowered floor to accommodate a ramp, and may prove too tall for garages. Lifts Versus Ramps Prior to the minivan mania that swept the mobility market in the 1990s, lifts were the foremost modifications in creating accessible vans.  A lift, available today on both full-size and minivans, provides a consistent, all but effortless means of access.  Specifically, whereas ramps require some effort to ascend and descend, a lift is intended as a level, barrier-free platform, easily used by most.  Depending on user height, lifts can be installed without a lowered floor or raised roof, lowering the overall conversion cost.  Lifts, however, are very mechanical in nature, and have a reputation of lower reliability than ramps.   Integrated van ramps, exclusive to minivans, work in conjunction with lowered-floor conversions.  Ramps provide an easy transition into the vehicle, commonly with a slope of 5-degrees or less, readily accessible by powerchairs or manual wheelchairs. While fold-up ramps are practical in both power and non-powered versions, in-floor ramps are increasingly popular, as, when stowed, they don't block the door for other passengers. As far as reliability, manual ramps are typically more reliable, as they don't rely on power mechanisms for deployment (though, independent drivers must use power systems).  In-floor ramps are more complex than their folding counterparts, with internal mechanisms, and allow less floor-to-ceiling height, consuming approximately 2" of depth from the lowered floor. Ramps and Lifts on Standard Minivans

For children and adult wheelchair passengers who don't require more than 48" of floor-to-ceiling height, several companies make folding ramps that bolt in the rear or side door of minivans, providing access at a fraction of the cost of a full conversion.  Additionally, compact lifts are available for doorway installation, and wheelchair tie-down kits are compatible with most van floors, completing inexpensive conversion packages. Whether you're looking for a full-size or minivan, lowered floor or raised roof, ramp or lift, full conversion or bolt-in package, there's likely an accessible solution for your needs and budget.

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