Who is driving your mobility vehicle?

Before you buy a wheelchair van, consider who you’re buying it for and what it will be used for.

If you’re a wheelchair user and are buying a mobility vehicle for yourself, you may prefer different options compared to someone who is helping to care for a physically disabled person.

In order to ensure that you’ve made the right decision, the following are some things to consider when buying a wheelchair ramp van.

Things to Consider if You’re theWheelchair User: 

When buying a mobility vehicle, it’s much easier to customize your handicap van before you buy versus after.

As a wheelchair user, it is a good idea to visit one of our storefront locations in person. This allows you to speak with our mobility specialists in person and test out all of the latest mobility features for our handicap vans.

We encourage you to speak with your physician about any special mobility features you may need.

Qualifying to Receive Special Endorsements

Because you are a wheelchair user, you may be certified to receive an endorsement on your license plate for certain mobility features, such as hand controls. Our mobility specialists can speak to you more about this.

Wheelchair Van Type/Structure 

Depending on your individual mobility needs, it may affect what type of mobility vehicle you decide to buy. For example, if you are planning on being the primary driver, you may prefer a transfer seat or an ez-lock system, which will allow you to stay in your wheelchair while driving.

For wheelchair users who plan on driving themselves, a side entry wheelchair van may be easier to get into and out of as it makes it easier to enter the driver position.

Wheelchair Tie Down Systems 

What type of wheelchair or scooter do you use? This will dictate the type of wheelchair tie down system you use. At Van Products, we offer two different kinds of wheelchair tie down systems:

• 4-Point Tie Downs

• Electric Wheelchair Restraints 

Hand Controls & More 

At Van Products, we offer high quality hand control systems that are designed to be user friendly and safe. We work with you to ensure that the placement of specific items are where you need them when you need them. 

From the location of the spinner knob on your steering wheel to back up cameras, automatic fold out ramps and more – contact our mobility specialists today to discuss more options for wheelchair users who are purchasing a mobility vehicle for the first time. 

Things to Consider if You’re theCaregiver or a Passenger:

If you’re buying a wheelchair van as a caregiver, consider where the wheelchair passenger will be seated in the handicap van.

Wheelchair passengers who are seated in the middle or front portion of the handicap van will need a different type of wheelchair tie down. Consider, for example, electric wheelchair tie-downs versus manual tie-downs.

For example, if you are a wheelchair user and the driver, you should use an electrical wheelchair tie-down as it makes it easier for the wheelchair user to get in and out and not be dependent on other people.

 Wheelchair Van Type/Structure 

Caregivers may consider a side-entry wheelchair van for wheelchair passengers to make it easier for them to get into and out of their wheelchair, and it also offers more flexible seating options, in general. 

We encourage you to visit one of our two storefront locations to test out some of our mobility features and experience both our side-entry and rear-entry mobility vans for yourself.

Other Mobility Features 

Whether you’re a caregiver or a passenger, we care about your safety. This is why we offer different wheelchair ramp options for both side entry wheelchair vans and rear entry wheelchair vans.

Caregivers may need less mobility options if they are the primary driver of a wheelchair van. On the other hand,  if you are caring for someone who has a physical disability, certain mobility features may make it easier and safer for you to provide the best care to them.

We encourage you to speak with one of our mobility specialists today about the different mobility features available. They’ll be glad to walk you through the process of buying your next wheelchair van.