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Mobility Products > Before You Shop

Choosing the Right Van or Equipment

Whether you are a driver or passenger, we will assist you in determining the mobility equipment best suited for your vehicle, and we can assist you in determining which equipment best meets your needs. If you are purchasing a vehicle for modification, we can advise you which equipment can be installed in the vehicle you are considering. For those using wheelchairs, it is critical that you match your height and your wheelchair with the right vehicle, and your intended use of a vehicle.

We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation before you purchase a vehicle that you plan to modify. We can consult with you to help you determine if the equipment and modifications can be installed in your desired vehicle. This telephone call might very well save you from purchasing a vehicle that cannot be modified to meet your needs.

Will this van be for a driver or passenger? Does the person ever hope to drive? If this van is to be used for transportation of the "public" remember the ADA requirements.
Do you want to enter the van from the side or the rear?

If you have a family, a side lift will interfere with passengers entering and exiting the van. Braun Vangater enables easier access in and out of the side, but is still a bit restrictive. If the end-user is a child, most parents prefer the child be closer to them (side as opposed to rear).

Some people become concerned about people parking too close to their vehicle in parking lots and preventing use of the lift. This is not as big an issue for a passenger, but is a big issue for the driver.

Some people prefer the rear-entry lift. The main drawback is, if parked on the street, one ends up loading and unloading in traffic.

Know the dimensions of the wheelchair (i.e., width, length, height, plus the height of consumer sitting in the chair). Is it a tilt chair? Power or manual?
Is the end-user expected to grow?
Are you fitting a wheelchair or a scooter? If a scooter, is it 3-wheel or 4?
Does your wheelchair have any specialized equipment; i.e., vents, oxygen tanks, crutch holders, head supports, or custom seating?
Do your measurements include the specialized equipment? Be sure to get height of vent rack (or any other equipment brackets) from floor.
Can the person bend at all?
How many people, chairs, and what equipment do you want to fit in the van? What kind of seating do you need? Will quick-release seat bases help the situation? If you want a standard-length minivan, and we are installing a wheelchair lift, you will likely lose all seating but the driver and front passenger. If you have an extended minivan, the rear bench will likely have to be mounted further back.
If the desired number of people, chairs, and equipment will fit in either a full-size or minivan, what is your preference?
Have you had a driver evaluation? If so, you will be asked for a copy. If you are a new driver and we are unable to determine your strength and function, we may recommend a driver evaluation.
If we are able to determine strength and function, we can then determine the need for hand controls.
Do you want manual or power wheelchair securement? How many wheelchair positions?
Can you operate a gear shift, wipers, heater and air conditioner controls, turn signals, ignition, seat belt, power door openers, exterior/interior remote switches, wireless remote, and remote start?
If you are buying a van or equipment to accommodate a child, remember they will grow and their chair will grow with them.

Again, whether you are a driver or passenger, Mobility Options can be your one-stop-shop for assessment, consultation, sales, or service.

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