Mini Ramp Van or Full Sized Van: Which is Better as a Handicap Van?

A handicap van or wheelchair van is a vehicle that is modified to provide accessibility for wheelchair users. It has special features like lifts and locks that help to have a comfortable road journey for both ordinary and handicapped passengers. Basically, there are two types of such vans according to size: mini vans and full sized vans. The choice actually depends on the number of passengers and the personal needs of the purchaser.

Mini vans are, of course, less expensive. The prices of some models are just 20 percent of the prices of large luxury wheelchair vans. About 85% of handicap van sales come from mini vans. People choose it because it is easier to maneuver and cheaper to manage in terms of maintenance and gasoline. However, there is still a fair 15% market for full sized vans. Luxury units also fall under the full sized van category. Luxury brand companies include Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC and Ford.

Features and Modification of Old Vans

Mini vans are suitable for single family use, particularly if there is only one wheelchair user. If you are planning longer traveling hours and carrying more passengers, you might need a full sized vehicle. Large vehicles can support at least 1000 lbs. of backload. They also provide more space to move and shift positions while traveling. Note that passengers seated on a wheelchair take more vertical space than regular passengers. Mini vans do not provide this comfort.

Both small and large vans have mechanisms to comfortably transfer the wheelchair user, in and out of the vehicle . A mini handicap van usually comes with a folding ramp, which can be stowed under the vehicle while traveling. Large vans come with mechanical wheelchair lifts, which are electrically powered. Working like an elevator, it lifts the wheelchair together with the seated passenger. Then, the EZ-lock system will hold the chair in place.

If you already own a van, you can contact modification services to add features for the handicapped. Make sure that they are certified by the NMEDA, a non-profit association that helps in improving safety and comfort for handicapped drivers and passengers. Small vans are quite constrained when it comes to modifications. They can be equipped with scooter lifts and lifting seats but they cannot be installed with wheelchair lifts. Full-sized vans which can support at least 1100 lbs. can be installed with a mechanical lift. The floor and roof can also be adjusted for few inches each to achieve larger vertical space.

Vehicles' Lifetime

There is little disparity between the lifetime of a mini and a full sized handicap van. Both are given the standard 36k miles of guarantee on the vehicle, motor and features for the handicapped. You can avail of this guarantee if you will purchase a brand new unit. If you are planning to buy a used wheelchair van, you need to be critical in inspecting the vehicle's condition and the terms of the dealer. Be sure that your dealers and their technicians are members of the NMEDA.

Article Source: http://www.newsarticlessite.com

Bob Lundin is an expert when it comes to New and used wheelchair vans. To find out everything about New and used handicap vans, visit our website at www.mobilityclassifieds.com.

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