How to Buy a Wheelchair Accessible Van 101

Having a family member that is special needs or disabled should not bar them nor their caregivers from living their lives with independence and the freedom to travel with ease. Purchasing a wheelchair accessible van is a huge leap in improving and redefining day-to-day experiences, as those shopping for a mobility van need to consider what is best for their accessibility needs as well as the needs of the driver and any planned additional riders. It is also important to be realistic and understand how the van is planned on being utilized, rather than focusing on individual amenities or any luxuries.

 At HQ Custom Design, we have a plethora of solutions available for those looking for a custom wheelchair accessible van whether it be for a luxury mobility van or a mobility / paratransit shuttle bus. As a BraunAbility accredited dealer and a member of NMEDA’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP), we provide the craftsmanship, expertise, safety and reliability to ensure your van will be a valuable and indispensable asset that will continue to be on the road for years and years to come!

Key Benefits Of Owning A Wheelchair Van

• Increased safety: Wheelchair accessible conversion vans are built for ultimate safety. These vehicles include tie-downs and stable tub floors so that a wheelchair-bound passenger will remain safe during a ride. Also, wheelchair vans have to undergo through rigorous safety tests and several crash tests are done to exceed the requirements set by the insurance industry and federal government.
• More comfortable: Transferring a handicap passenger into a van that is not wheelchair accessible can be a daunting task for both the caregiver and the passenger. Doing this puts pressure on the back, shoulders, or both. A wheelchair accessible van eliminates these problems with lifts and ramps for easy access. The vans are designed with tie-downs which help to keep the handicap passenger in place making the ride more comfortable.
• Easy to get in and out: Trucks minivans and even smaller cars can make getting in and out very hard for someone using a wheelchair. Wheelchair vans have lowered floors and raised roofs to make the process of getting in and out easy without straining to bend or tilt the wheelchair.

Tips On Purchasing Wheelchair Accessible Conversion Vans

If you are a first-time buyer, it is expected you will have questions about handicap vans;  what their price range is or how where they are built. When buying a wheelchair accessible van, there are several factors that you have to consider to get the right mobility equipment that will suit your needs. The following are tips to buying a wheelchair van that will offer efficiency:

1. Write down a list of features you need and want to accurately access the cost differences.
2. What type of wheelchair lift to do you need a rear lift or UVL lift?
3. Consider how many people you may want to transport at the same time.
4. Take into consideration the adaptive equipment that will be transported; will it change with time?
5. What is the age of the caregiver and the passenger?
6. Have a budget. Check the financial options being provided.
7. Consult with a mobility consultant and let them guide you through the wheelchair van purchasing process.
8. Do you need area for rear cargo storage?
9. Make a choice that will offer durable solutions.

For Private / Personal Use: Luxury Mobility Vans 

Built as a van dedicated to provide a travel space for 1-2 disabled or special needs passengers, these line of custom wheelchair accessible conversions feature a range of interior features and amenities, as well as additional available options. We offer 6-way power base captain seating that includes a selection of different motorizations each aimed to enhance accessibility and comfort. We offer a number of accommodations ranging from fold-away seating and grab poles throughout the cabin for heightened maneuverability to L-tracks, power lift seating and storage for medical devices for safety conveniences. As a BraunAbility and NMEDA dealership, HQ offers different kinds of wheelchair lifts ranging from UVL to interior lifts such as the Millennium or Century series. These can be  installed at either the sliding door entrance or at the rear of the van. See more of our Luxury Mobility Vans…

For Business / Fleet Use: Mobility / Paratransit Shuttle Bus 

Primarily used by fleet operators, small businesses and corporations, our commercial line of custom wheelchair accessible conversions provide multi passenger transportation with different lifts to choose from and accommodations in regards to the interior and captain seating. Furthermore, Overhead luggage racks with options of AC system, LEDs and speakers come in various models to offer added storage capacity and easier access to belongings. If medical devices are required to be on-board, we offer specific storage racks to provide passengers easy access in case of any sort of emergency. Each row of seating includes a set of 110V AC and USB outlets for the ability to charge mobile devices while in transit. Once more, as As a BraunAbility and NMEDA dealership, HQ offers different kinds of wheelchair lifts ranging from UVL to interior lifts such as the Millennium or Century series. These can be  installed at either the sliding door entrance, or at the rear of van to fit a plug door instead of a sliding door for enhanced cabin space. See more of our Mobility Shuttle Buses…

How HQ Custom Design Can Help Find Your Solution!

At HQ Custom Design Inc., we are the leading creators of custom commercial and luxury conversion SUVs and vans for more than three decades. We serve a wide range of clients ranging from corporations and small businesses to private and personal usage conversion vans. All of our vehicles  comply with all safety regulations set by the state, federal and other applicable industries. We customize each vehicles to fit our clients’ needs and ensure each one is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also safe, reliable and of superb refined quality.

For more information about our wheelchair accessible conversion vans and to learn more, please fill out our inquiry, call us at 201-592-6939 or email us at sales@hqcustomdesign.com to contact our sales team today!