A wheelchair accessible van is a very useful automobile for wheelchair users. First thing first, you will need to be able to find funding for the wheelchair accessible van, it will cost anywhere from $35,000 to $55,000 to purchase the van you want or need. There are a lot of decisions to make when choosing the right van for your needs. You will need to make decisions regarding the make and model of the van all the way to the position you intend to ride in it. This is not an investment you should make on a whim, it will require careful thought and much consideration.

There are many types of wheelchair accessible vans that you should consider in making your decision. You can choose from lowered minivans, full-sized vans, or raised roof vans. A lowered minivan is extremely popular with wheelchair users. They are economical, spacious, easy to drive, sporty and versatile. These types of vans offer floor plans that are wide enabling the wheelchair user to easily maneuver within the van. Additionally, the minivans are compact and will allow for easier parking and driving when compared to that of a full sized van.

There are many accessibility factors that minivans can offer for example, them minivan can include a side entry ramp with the floor lowered ten inches and fifty-eight inches of height from ceiling to floor. Additionally, the mini van’s lower floor typically reaches from the firewall to the back seat, this allows for the wheelchair user to drive directly from his or her wheelchair.

Another choice in minivans is the rear-entry ramp; this places the ramp down the middle of the minivan for straight exit and entry. A very important benefit for rear-entry users is that it can be accessed from any parking space.

A full size van offers excellent room for wheelchair users. These wheelchair accessible vans can offer more than fifty-six inches of room from ceiling to floor. This all depends on your needs and desires. Essentially, a full sized van are roomier that allow for passengers or needed gear. However, the downside to the full sized van is that it carries the tendency to be a 'gas hog', as well as needing more room for parking.

Once you have decided on the type of wheelchair accessible van you want, you can charge choosing from benefits like a raised roof. Either type of van mini or full sized can have a raised roof. This is generally less expensive than lowering the floor. You should keep in mind that raising the roof of your van, will likely mean you will need a lift, as the higher floor will not work well with a ramp.

Next, you will need to determine rather you want to use a lift or a ramp. Lifts were typically used prior to the invention of the accessible minivan. The lift is still extremely popular because it typically requires less effort to operate then the exertion needed to descend and ascend on a ramp. If you decide upon a lift make sure you get one that is reliable, not on mechanical equipment are reliable all the time, perform your own investigation to find the proper type of lift for you.

Ramps typically make for easier vehicle transition and generally have a slope of less than five degrees. Ramps come in two different types manual and folding ramps, folding ramps can be either electrical or not and are extremely convenient in storage. Manual ramps are in general more reliable, they do not use any type of mechanical (electronic) devices to function. These ramps tend to take up space within the van and create less ceiling to floor space.