These days with gas prices going up through the sky most of us are concerned with driving a car that is fuel efficient, and if you are either a wheelchair driver or passenger you share this concern. In fact, spending more money on gas is one of the main reasons why individuals choose to buy an adapted minivan with ramps over the larger and heavier full-sized vans with wheelchair lifts.
Reasons to Choose a Full Sized Handicap Van:
Even though gas is going to cost more, there are several important reasons why you may be better off buying a full sized van. Let’s hypothetically consider the following factors:
As a wheelchair user you sit over 55? tall in your chair. This height will not give you the headroom you need in a minivan. If you sit any higher it only gets tighter. With a full sized van and a raised roof conversion, which is typically around 58?, you have a few inches wiggle room.
Your lifestyle includes a lot of long distance travel. For this, a full size van can provide great comfort, space and stability. It can also carry more weight.
You have a large family to transport. Again, a full size van offers more space and can carry heavier loads. They also drive higher off the ground than a minivan.
You have to transport a lot of passengers.
Reasons to Choose a Minivan Handicap Van:
According to Rideaway.com, a leading mobility dealership on the East Coast, over 90% of their customers buy minivans. Why? Greater fuel efficiency and people feel they are easier to drive. Other compelling reasons to buy include:
Many feel minivans are smaller and easier to park.
Minivans are more popular with greater market share than full sized vans. This offers consumers greater selection.
Conversion Differences:
Typically the cost of conversion for a minivan is higher than for a full sized van. Here is the standard conversion for each:
Standard minivan conversion includes lowering the floor and adding a power wheelchair ramp and tie downs. While it sounds straight forward, there is more adjusting in this conversion that must be done. For example, the gas tank needs to be relocated. Standard full sized van conversion includes raising the roof and floor and adding a wheelchair ramp, tie downs and roll bar.
Recommended Mobility Dealerships
Mobility dealerships differ from traditional car dealerships in that they specialize in van conversions and mobility equipment. If you are looking to buy make sure that you deal only with quality dealerships that are members of NMEDA and ADA. Top equipment manufacturers include: Braun, VMI and El Dorado.
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