Making a van wheelchair accessible can involve modifications such as dropping the floor or raising the roof, installing a ramp or lift, and adding tie-downs. Minivans may require more substantial work, and a decision must be made regarding the point of access. Additional modifications can include a motorized driver’s seat and manual controls for pedals.
The process of making a van wheelchair accessible can vary depending on the specific vehicle, and in some cases may require professional assistance. One of the first factors to look at when trying to make a van wheelchair accessible is headroom, as wheelchairs typically sit higher than regular vehicle seats. If the van doesn’t have enough headroom, a professional conversion company may have to drop the floor or raise the roof. A ramp or lift can then be installed in addition to the wheelchair tie-downs. Other modifications, such as a motorized driver’s seat and manual controls for the pedals, can also allow a person in a wheelchair to drive the van.
Some vans can be easily converted to wheelchair accessible vehicles, but others may require more substantial work. Minivans generally lack the clearance necessary to accommodate an individual in a wheelchair without major modifications. A common option is to lower the floor pan, which may require additional modifications to the exhaust and brake systems. This can also greatly reduce the ground clearance of the vehicle, so it is important to be careful when driving these modified trucks over any type of rough terrain.
A decision must also be made regarding the point of access for wheelchairs. The two options are to enter through the side door or the back door. In either case, the corresponding factory seats will need to be removed to accommodate the wheelchair. The least expensive option to make a wheelchair accessible is to use a removable ramp designed for the specific vehicle. Another option is to install a powered platform that can lift the wheelchair onto the van.
The other necessary component to make any wheelchair accessible is a tether system. Tie downs are usually bolted to the floor of the vehicle and allow the wheelchair to be securely locked in place for transit. The placement and design of the tie downs may vary depending on whether the wheelchair enters from the side or from the rear.
Additional modifications can also be made in the process of making a van accessible. One possibility is to install a motorized driver’s seat that automatically turns to allow a person to slide from a wheelchair. Coupled with an automatic chair lift and manual controls for the brake and gas pedals, this can allow a person in a wheelchair to drive their own van without outside assistance.
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