Tips on Buying Used Wheelchair Vans

If you feel that you are confined to a wheelchair, used wheelchair vans can help restore some of your lost mobility. These vans are specially modified vehicles that allow a handicapped person to either drive them or ride comfortably as a passenger. Their main feature is a wheelchair lift that allows the chair to be quickly loaded into the van without much effort. If a handicapped person will be operating the van, it should also have features such as modified controls that allow them to drive the car even if they don't have the use of their feet or hands.
Used wheelchair vans represent a more cost-effective mobility solution for the handicapped, since they can cost as much as 50% less than new vans. However, buyers should exercise caution because used vans may not be in the best shape. To be safe, you should buy your used van from a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), a group that is dedicated to ensuring the availability of high-quality and safe mobility equipment in vehicles used by persons with disabilities. NMEDA-member dealerships can be found not only all over the US, but in many countries overseas as well.
There are other factors to consider when buying used wheelchair vans:
Does the height of the van provide adequate headroom for the disabled person when they are inside?
Is the floor lined with anti-skid materials to stop the wheelchair from sliding around while the van is in motion?
Are there tie-down points, wheelchair straps or brackets that you can use to secure the wheelchair?
If the van will also be used as a family car, is there enough provision in the vehicle for transporting several people?
Can the adaptive equipment in the van be changed easily when new technology becomes available?
Apart from dealers, there are a number of other sources where you can get good deals on used wheelchair vans. For example, many conversion shops buy used vans and modify them into wheelchair vans. Online auction sites such as eBay are also good sources for used vans. However, you should always ask to be allowed to look over these vans to determine their condition. Find an experienced mechanic or other knowledgeable person to come with you to determine in what shape the van is in. Never agree to buy a wheelchair van blind , no matter what reassurances the seller gives you about its condition.
If buying used wheelchair vans poses a heavy financial burden for you, there are a number of ways you can avail of financial assistance. Keep in mind, however, that there are conditions that you must fulfill before you qualify for help.
State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services may pay for the cost of modifications to a vehicle or the price of adaptive equipment that would allow a person with disabilities to remain in the workforce.
The Veterans Administration Agency provides assistance to eligible veterans who are equipping a vehicle with adaptive equipment as part of their benefits.
Knights of Columbus, Easter Seals or other non-profit groups may also provide financial help

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.mobilitysales.com.

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