Wheelchair accessible van

Wheelchair accessible vans encompass a range of vehicles that have been modified to allow access by individuals who are in wheelchairs. The typical modifications performed are lowering the floor and adding a ramp so the chair can be rolled into the van or adding a powered lift that picks the chair up from ground level to the same level as the floor of the van.

Conversion process
The process the vehicle must undergo to become wheelchair accessible is extremely intense, and if not undertaken with care, will result in a vehicle that is completely undriveable.

The general steps manufacturers undergo to convert a van differ greatly from one manufacturer to another. All manufacturers or dealers should be intimately aware of what takes place during their conversion process, and be able to answer all questions. Most conversions involve the following:


 * The floor is generally removed
 * Front seating is modified to allow access from wheelchair
 * Means of external access added. This is most often a ramp, lift, or turning seat
 * Suspension stiffened to allow extra weight of power chairs / additional weight from conversion
 * Gas tanks may be modified or replaced with custom models
 * Vehicle is tested to ensure full operation

The vans that are most often converted are the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country. The Ford Windstar, Chevy Uplander, and Toyota Sienna are models which are gaining popularity. Other makes are also converted, but this is far less common. There are several minivan conversions currently available, most notably the AMS Vans Conversion, the Entervan conversion, and the Northstar conversions.

AMS Vans conversion
The AMS Vans conversion has been in production since 1979, and is performed exclusively on Dodge and Chrysler minivans. The conversion ranges in price from $14,000 to $15,000.

The primary conversion level differences between the AMS Vans Conversion and others are:


 * There is no mechanism for lowering the minivan closer to the ground. Instead, a folding ramp system allows the ramp to be longer than usual, keeping the entry angle slight.
 * Floor is lowered completely to the firewall, making front seating area available to passengers in a wheelchair
 * Carpeting in mid section is replaced with more durable "rubberized" flooring, to ease wear from wheeled passengers

Braun conversion
The Entervan conversion is a product of The Braun Corporation, and is available on Dodge and Chrysler minivans. This costs $18,000–21,000 and can be obtained from various dealers.

Braun has been converting vehicles since 1972, with facilities in Indiana, Florida, and California. Braun also supports an extensive dealer network providing products and service in all 50 states. Braun has received authorization from the manufacturers to convert the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chevy Uplander, and Buick Terraza.


 * The floor is lowered to the front firewall, which provides additional head room and natural line of sight for wheelchair users.
 * The van "kneels" to the ground, allowing a slight angle of entry without compromising line of sight by covering the window.
 * A power passenger sliding door and ramp are integrated with the vehicle remote for easy access from the vehicle’s exterior.
 * Easy out seats in the front positions allow the wheelchair to be positioned in either the front passenger or front driver position.

Vantage Mobility International conversion
The Northstar conversion is manufactured by Vantage Mobility International (VMI). VMI has been converting minivans since 1987. One product Honda Odyssey conversion is just one example of their pioneering products. VMI currently resells their vehicles via a network of 700+ dealers and has received authorization from Chrysler, Dodge, and Ford to convert their minivans.

VMI manufactures a fold out ramp conversion known as the Summit, the Northstar is their most well known. Northstar conversions are typically priced from $16,000–21,000 and are available on Dodge and Ford minivans.

The Northstar conversion features include:


 * The floor is lowered to the front firewall, which provides additional head room and natural line of sight for wheelchair users.
 * The van "kneels" to the ground, allowing a slight angle of entry.
 * A power infloor ramp leaves an open doorway for ambulatory passengers to enter and exit the vehicle without deploying the ramp each time.
 * One touch remote allowing easy activation of power door and ramp.
 * uick release seats in the front positions allow the wheelchair to be positioned in either the front passenger or front driver position.
 * VMI will put new original manufacturer carpet or rubberized flooring into the van.
 * A 200-point inspection after the conversion process is done to ensure complete operation of all factory and installed components.