For many years the only way for a person confined to a wheel chair to get around in a car or van was to have someone who was strong enough and willing to lift them in and out of the vehicle. Shopping trips, visits to the doctor or just about anything involving vehicular travel were often far too much trouble, leaving the person with a disability stuck at home unless they had a family member or friend that they could count on for help.

This frustration over the difficulties of transportation led to the development of the first wheelchair accessible vans. These first vans were created using full sized vans with raised roof conversions for more headroom. They featured an electric/hydraulic wheelchair lift that was designed to life both the person with a disability and their wheelchair up to the level of the floor in the van.

They could then roll into the van and be secured into place with wheelchair lockdowns and a seatbelt or transfer to a specially designed transfer seat depending on the extent of their handicap. These vans were the first step in providing the kind of freedom that those confined to wheelchairs had been missing. It was finally possible for them to go everywhere even when their driver was not physically able to lift them out of their wheelchair and into a seat.

To take this concept one step further, engineers worked with many people with disabilities to create hand controls that could be attached to both accelerator and brake pedals. These controls made it possible for a person with a disability to finally be able to drive. Finally wheelchair users could have a level of freedom that the rest of us take for granted.

There are however a couple of major issues with using full sized vans for wheelchair vans. First and foremost is cost, as full size vans tend to be very expensive to buy. By the time you factor in the cost of adding a lift and any other modifications that are necessary, these vehicles suddenly reach a price that most people struggle to afford.

These vans are also far too big for many people to drive, especially in city traffic.  Parking can be a nightmare. Finally there is the cost of operating one of these vans, with gas at $4 per gallon or more in many areas, going out for any reason ends up being severely curtailed. This takes away any point in having a wheelchair van.

There is however, a much more affordable solution that can provide the same level of freedom if not more. While the minivan first made its appearance on the roads in the mid-80s, it has only been in the last decade or so that this type of van has become a favorite for conversion into a wheelchair van. These vans are easy to drive, blend in with standard vehicles and have a much lower fuel consumption rate.

The floor of the van is lowered to provide extra headroom and to make it easier to get their wheelchair or powered scooter inside. Instead of an expensive electric/hydraulic lift, a simple fold out ramp is added to either the side or the rear that can be used to easily enter or exit the vehicle.

No matter what type of mobility problems you are encountering, you will find that The Mobility Resource has a solution to fit. We can help you with lifts, adaptive equipment and swivel seats as well as helping you find the perfect mobility van for your needs. Contact one of our representatives today and start enjoying the freedom you have been missing.