| It is quite easy to find wheelchair vans in America. In | | | | wheelchair vans, since this type needs only minimum |
| fact, they can be rented or bought in almost every city | | | | maintenance. |
| and state. Unlike regular vehicles, wheelchair vans are | | | | When buying a converted wheelchair vans, users also |
| specifically created to provide comfort and safety to | | | | choose from those with removable or hinged |
| the physically disabled. These vehicles are modified to | | | | footplates. Floors of these modified vans are usually |
| accommodate wheelchairs; ramps, lifts, or both are | | | | made out of fiberglass and are supported by steel |
| added to suit the needs of its users. Such modes of | | | | frames. A notable safety feature is the anti-slip |
| transportation for the handicapped are available with | | | | surface of the floor. |
| raised roofs and lowered floors, making transportation | | | | Many commercial brands can be made into wheelchair |
| a lot easier. | | | | vans. Buyers would be surprised to know that the |
| Some known features of vans are having enough | | | | most reliable automobile companies have vehicle |
| space to accommodate two wheelchairs and mobile | | | | models that are suited for conversion. Some of the |
| scooters. In addition to this, users can have to option of | | | | most popular commercial vehicles that can be made |
| installing front or rear air-conditioning. Regular but | | | | into wheelchair vans are as follows: Ford Mercury |
| important safety features are also included such as | | | | Monterey, Ford Freestar, and Dodge Grand Caravan. |
| seat belts, 4-point and 5-point tie downs. For maximum | | | | Automobile companies such as General Motors, |
| convenience and comfort, wheelchair vans include total | | | | Honda, Toyota, and Plymouth also have vehicles that |
| hand controls, outside entry controls, and power | | | | can be turned into vans. Toyota offers models that |
| steering features. | | | | cost roughly around $30,000 to $40,000. These types |
| There are two popular types of vans. These are the | | | | of vans are fairly new. They date back to only as far |
| side entry ones and the rear entry ones. The first kind | | | | as two to three years ago. |
| is designed for disabled persons who are still capable | | | | They can be purchased or rented. Aside from being |
| of driving. The second type, however, are for those | | | | handy for personal use, they can also be utilized as |
| who can not or do not want to drive. | | | | taxis and airport transit, Para transit vehicles, |
| The usual types of these vans available in the market | | | | non-emergency medical mode of transport. |
| are the spring counter balanced ones, bi-fold manual | | | | While they may be comparatively pricier than usual |
| ramp ones, and magnetic anti-rattle models. Ones with | | | | vehicles, there are many car dealerships that purchase |
| electronic or hydraulic operated ramps are also | | | | and resell new and used converted wheelchair vans. |
| available. Most users, however, opt to get manual | | | | They come at affordable prices. |