Features and Modifications in Wheelchair Accessible Vans

Wheelchair accessible vans also referred to as lowered floor vans or handicap vans make life for the disabled people convenient, as they no longer are depended on others. Any ordinary vehicle can be modified into a wheelchair one. This is usually done by increasing the interior space of the vehicle to adjust the space with a movable chair and also equip the vehicle with wheelchair accesses.

What are the salient features of vans with movable chairs mounted on wheels?  

There are many manufactures who not only sell these new and used vans that are equipped with wheelchairs but also modify ordinary ones to make it wheelchair accessible. Some very common features that all wheelchair accessible vans should possess are stated below.

1. The floor area of the vans should be reduced to accommodate the wheelchair.
2. The vans should be well structured to attach the ramps for moving the wheelchair in and out the vehicle.
3. If there are no ramp features available in the vehicle, then the vans should posses a powered lift system, which will help to adjust the wheelchair to its place and make things comfortable.
4. The roofs of the vehicle are usually lowered in order to provide ease and comfort to drivers on wheelchair.
5. Either the wheelchair vehicle should be a keyless one or the ignition should be placed in the dash.
6. All those controls that are usually operated by the legs should be operated by hands and therefore, it is important that the vehicles have large hand controls for accelerator, brakes, etc.
7. Some owners might also prefer keyless doors so the manufactures also have this option of entry and exit to the van without using a key. (optional)

What modifications are made to convert normal vans to wheelchair accessible vans?

Only minimal alteration to any standard van helps to transform to a wheelchair accessible van. As we know that wheelchair accessible vans are also referred to as lowered floor vans or handicap vans. So the first and foremost modification to convert a normal to a wheelchair one is lowering the floor of the vehicle for easy adjustment of the wheelchair. Secondly, the driving aids and controlling techniques are changed from legs to hands to suit the driver and give him comfort to drive safely. Thirdly, the seating arrangements are rectified and reconfigured for the access of wheelchairs. Fourthly, changes are made to allow external access like power lift or ramp to allow the access of wheelchair. Fifthly, modification is made to the suspension, fuel lines, and tanks to meet the safety measures in the vehicle.