Wheelchair vans are specially modified vans for the purpose of enabling wheelchair bound individuals to get inside a vehicle as a passenger or as a driver. There are many car manufacturers out there who specialize in converting standard vans into handicap accessible vans. They can provide the opportunity to avoid hectic and sometimes inaccessible public transit options while offering the freedom and mobility to run errands, get to appointments, and engage in beloved activities and hobbies outside the home. The top three wheelchair vans are Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Read on to discover which of these wheelchair vans may be right for you.
A wheelchair accessible van is a vehicle in a range that have been modified to increase the interior size of the vehicle and to equip it with a means of wheelchair entry, such as a wheelchair ramp or powered lift, to allow access.
There are a lot of wheelchair lifts available to retro fit your existing van and they vary depending on the manufacturer. Less complex side-door lifts can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500.
The cost of the purchase of a wheelchair van itself is not deductible. However under medical expenses, you can include the difference between the cost of owning a regular car, which is not handicap accessible, and owning a vehicle specifically designed to accommodate a wheelchair.
Medicare does not cover wheelchair van purchases. Medicare does not deem them medically necessary, so Medicare Parts A, B, and D will not pay for a wheelchair van.
The Pacifica, the Caravan, and the Odyssey come with a lowered floor, which is the crucial element to any vehicle that transporting those in a wheelchair or scooter. It allows a person to remain seated in a wheelchair while entering the vehicle, riding in the vehicle, or even driving the van. Vans also come with different types of ramps. Removable seating makes it possible for the physically challenged to ride up front or even get behind the wheel of the vehicle. This feature gives the ability for the person to move about the car.
Comfort is a top priority in wheelchair vans. To avoid bumping your head on the roof or squeezing into a small space, know some measurements first. For example, measure the distance from the floor to the top of your head, the width of your wheelchair at its widest point, and the individual width of each wheel. A wheelchair van that is too small is more than an inconvenience, it can be a safety hazard. Put care into measuring for a safer ride.
All three of the top wheelchair vans offer two main types of access points for wheelchair vans: rear entry and side entry. A rear entry ramp deploys from the back of the vehicle while a side entry ramp extends outward from the driver's or passenger's seat. If you plan on driving the vehicle, side entry vans are the only type to accommodate drivers in wheelchairs. Rear entry vehicles limit a person in a wheelchair to the seating rows behind the driver seat.
The cost to insure one of these vehicle depends on a number of factors, including the make, model and year of the van, the driver's age, and the driver's record of being on the road. Make sure to compare at least three insurance company quotes before making a final decision.