As a disabled person gains the mobility of a wheelchair for access to the world, then wheelchair vans become another tool in the transportation of those chairs. It is important for consumers to research and compare costs, usability, access, and function of these wheelchair vans in order to make the best selection for them. Our how to buy wheelchairs guide will help guide your way through making this important purchase. There are mini-vans, full sized vans, and even PT cruisers on the market today. You can buy new, used, or even rent a wheelchair van depending on costs and your needs.

Wheelchair vans come in different sizes and some are with or without lifts to help in aiding the disabled gain easier access to the wheelchair van. For many, the lifts are an absolute necessity, although the ramp can be motorized or manual lift. Depending on the vehicle, you can also have rear lifts or side lifts. Of course the rear lifts tend to afford more accessibility due to most cars parking next to each other.

Here is a quick list of items you should consider comparing before making any wheelchair van purchase:

Model/Make. Conversion - changes made, manual or motorized lift system. Mileage. Year. Color. Price.

Age and mileage can play an important part in your decision making about purchasing a wheelchair van. If the vehicle is too old, you will run into repair problems that may be more costly than the cost of the vehicle. Some repairs that are very costly are a cracked head or broken rings in the engine, radiator repairs or cost of a new radiator, tires, suspension problems, and more. Eventually the time will come when the repairs will outnumber and cost more than purchasing a newer vehicle. Mileage can play a factor in this since generally at certain levels of mileage can predict certain problems that in most case occur. The choice is ultimately yours though.

Another factor to consider is when you have other family members who need to utilize this vehicle as well. If you are considering transporting others along with a disabled person, you will want to have creature comforts for these additional passengers too! Additional seats, storage areas, and seatbelts are a requirement.

Consider having additional elements for the wheelchair placement in a newer van, since these vehicles will often have to be fitted with the required equipment needed to strap down a wheelchair, lift the wheelchair, and secure safety issues for any disabled person. In most cases, these items will already be addressed and fitted in used vehicles. Costs do rise accordingly.

Before purchasing a new, used, or even renting any wheelchair van, you should also keep in mind the additional costs that should be figured in to any van budget. For example, you will have insurance, tags, title, registration, handicap stickers, and in some states inspections. If you plan to carry more than one disabled person per vehicle, there may also be additional laws applicable for public transportation of the disabled. Speak to your caseworker, doctor, and therapist to ensure you have the costs figured in for purchase. These little additional fees can add up quickly.