For individuals with mobility challenges, accessible transportation is more than a convenience – it’s a necessity. Wheelchair-accessible vans provide independence, comfort, and freedom, but acquiring one often raises an important question: Should you convert your current van or purchase a pre-converted model?
Converting a standard van into a wheelchair accessible vehicle requires it to meet specific accessibility needs. These conversions typically involve adding ramps, modifying floors, and integrating specialized driving aids.
This guide explores the benefits of converting a van, the types of modifications available, the costs involved, and how to decide whether to convert or buy.
Benefits of Converting a Van for Wheelchair Accessibility
Converting your van for wheelchair accessibility offers numerous advantages, including:
1. Improved Mobility and Independence
A converted wheelchair van empowers individuals with mobility challenges and eliminates barriers to transportation, enabling them to travel more freely and independently.
2. Increased Comfort and Safety
Custom modifications such as lowered floors, secure wheelchair restraint systems, and automatic ramps ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.
3. Potential Tax Deduction & Financial Assistance
In some cases, the costs of conversion or purchase may qualify for tax deductions or grants, reducing the financial burden and making the conversion more affordable.
Types of Modifications for Wheelchair Accessibility
Converting to a wheelchair van involves several modifications tailored to individual needs. Common modifications include:
- Ramp Installation: Available in manual or automatic configurations, ramps ensure a smooth wheelchair entry.
- Lowered Floors: Increases interior space and headroom for easier maneuverability.
- Specialized Seating and Restraint Systems: Ensures wheelchair stability during travel.
- Hand Controls and Driving Aids: Allow individuals with mobility impairments to drive.
Each modification type caters to the unique needs of the user and impacts the overall cost.
Buying a Pre-Owned Wheelchair Van
Purchasing a pre-converted wheelchair van is often the most convenient way to obtain a wheelchair accessible van. These vans are available through specialized dealerships or online platforms. These vehicles are ready for immediate use, saving time, effort, and cost.
It typically takes about six to eight weeks to modify a vehicle for wheelchair accessibility during which you will not have use of the vehicle. There are also additional freight costs to ship the van to the conversion company.
To keep costs down, some manufacturers purchase used vans themselves and make them wheelchair accessible. This provides the cost savings of a used chassis with the safety and warranty of a new conversion. Prices for pre-converted vans typically range from:
- Used Models: $20,000–$40,000
- New Models: $60,000–$100,000
- New Modification / Used Chassis: $40,000–$60,000
While more expensive upfront, pre-converted wheelchair vans often come with warranties, proven reliability, and convenience, making them an attractive option compared to manual conversion.
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How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Van?
Converting a standard van typically costs between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on the modifications required. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Ramps and Lifts: $3,000–$18,000
- Lowered Floors: $20,000–$45,000
- Hand Controls: $1,000–$5,000, more for electronic, drive-by-wire systems
Complex features, such as automatic lifts or advanced driving aids, can drive costs beyond $30,000. The process includes:
- Assessing vehicle compatibility
- Installing ramps or lifts
- Adjusting interior space
- Integrating mobility equipment
Overall, conversions can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $90,000. While DIY conversions might appear cost-effective, they do not ensure high-quality results or compliance with safety standards.
Can All Vehicles Be Converted for Accessibility?
Not all vehicles are suitable for wheelchair accessible conversions. Factors such as floor space, ramp dimensions, and structural integrity influence compatibility. Commonly converted vehicles include minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna are used due to their spacious interiors and compatibility with modifications. Vehicles with limited interior space or incompatible floor layouts may not qualify for conversion.
ALWAYS CHECK with your local mobility dealers BEFORE purchasing a vehicle for conversion. Conversion manufacturers often require certain options on the vehicle to make it compatible with the conversion. Purchasing a vehicle without the correct equipment installed can be a very costly mistake.
Are There Legal Requirements for Converting Your Van?
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards dictate the design and usage of new wheelchair accessible vehicles. These regulations ensure that converted vans meet safety and accessibility standards, covering aspects like ramp incline, restraint systems, and vehicle structure. These do not always apply to the conversion of used vehicles.
Make sure the manufacturer of the wheelchair accessible conversion has properly crash-tested the conversion and is registered with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). For example:
- Fuel system integrity
- Front and side crash testing
- Seat belt integrity
- Working with certified professionals ensures your van meets all legal requirements.
Convert or Buy: Which Option Should I Choose?
The choice between converting to a wheelchair van and buying a pre-converted one depends on important factors such as:
- Urgency: buying is quicker than converting.
- Vehicle Compatibility: not all vans can be converted.
- Budget: pre-converted vans may cost less when factoring in labor and equipment. Be sure to include all costs such as lost payments while the van is being converted, freight, etc.
- Resources: specialized dealerships simplify the buying process.
While converting may be more cost-effective if you already own a suitable van, in most cases, buying a pre-converted van offers greater convenience and reliability.
Let Our Mobility Specialists Help You
The Mobility Resource partners with a nationwide network of trusted dealers offering thousands of high-quality wheelchair accessible vans. Whether you’re converting a van or purchasing a pre-converted model, from financing options to expert support to meet your needs, The Mobility Resource is here to help you achieve greater mobility.
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