Disability-Adapted Vehicle Manufacturers Basics

What to know about the basic types of disability vehicles on the market

Disability vehicles must be manufactured or adapted to allow space for wheelchair access and to provide driving control functions for drivers who may require special modification of the hand and foot controls. Although large vans have traditionally dominated the available selection of disability vehicles, it is becoming increasingly common for handicapped vehicle manufacturers to customize drivers' existing vehicles.

As handicapped vehicle services have become more available for a wider range of vehicle types in recent years, disability-adapted vehicle manufacturers' basics in producing and selling vehicles have changed and expanded. Disability vehicles now include smaller and less expensive cars than have previously been adapted for wheelchair use, but which require creative solutions to become more accessible. Disability vehicle manufacturers and suppliers also offer many used models of full-size vans and minivans, giving wheelchair users more flexibility in buying.

Before modifying, supplying or purchasing disability vehicles, consider the following:

1. Gather crucial information about new wheelchair accessible vans and cars;

2. Learn about basic wheelchair lifts for customized vehicles;

3. Understand the benefits of buying used handicapped vehicles and vans.

 

Look into new vans and minivans that can function as disability vehicles

Companies that sell disability vans now offer two main types of vans-- full-size vans and smaller, less expensive minivans. Both types of vans can be customized with a lower floor and ramp, or to use a wheelchair lift. Disability-adapted vehicle manufacturers also offer additional vehicle options like SUVs, where available, which may be more appealing to a broader base of consumers and families.
Try: AMS Vans and Rollx are two disability-adapted vehicle manufacturers offering a full inventory of mobility vehicles online, mainly full-size vans and minivans. While many types of vehicles can become disability vehicles through customization, most wheelchair-accessible vehicles that come direct from the manufacturer are vans of some kind.

Understand how to modify handicapped vehicles using conversion systems

Vehicle conversion systems for disabled persons are wide ranging and may include ramps, wheelchair lifts, transfer assists and driving controls. Adding driving controls and wheelchair lifts to existing vehicles is desirable for consumers because these options are less expensive than buying a manufactured wheelchair-accessible vehicle. In addition, many modifications don't require structural alterations to an existing vehicle, and can be added and removed without body work.
Try: Wheelchair lift manufacturers like BraunAbility and Access Unlimited offer a range of wheelchair lifts that have a variety of features and suit different vehicle types and sizes. Access Unlimited also offers non-mechanical transfer products for use in cars, SUVs, trucks and vans, and a useful comparison chart to help you choose the right product for specific mobility needs.

Investigate used handicapped vehicle options to reach a wider customer base

Wheelchair accessible vehicles are also widely available from companies that sell used disability vans at lower prices than new vehicles. When buying disability vehicles used, make sure that all mobility adjustments, like wheelchair lifts and driving controls, are fully functioning and will not require replacement before resale.
Try: Mobility Vans USA sells used full-size vans and minivans with wheelchair accessibility modifications. Wheelchair Getaways' handicapped vehicle services include an online inventory of used wheelchair accessible vehicles as well as the option of listing used vehicles for sale.

 

• Learn about credits available for handicapped vehicle services performed on standard vehicles. Several car manufacturers offer a $1000 credit applicable toward the addition of accessibility functions to standard vehicles.

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