Getting a Great Wheelchair Accessible Van
Purchasing a wheelchair accessible van might seem like a crazy thing to do. There really aren't too many people who have these vans. As technology advances, though, those who have mobility problems are finding that more and more often they can easily travel whenever and wherever they want. Some vans are meant to have handicapped passengers, while others can even be outfitted with equipment so that someone who doesn't have full use of his legs can still drive with hand controls.
Any vehicle, new or used, represents a major financial investment, one that's going to start depreciating as soon as you start using it. This means that it's vital to put some real thought into what you're going to get when you're choosing a van for yourself or your loved one. Here are some tips on getting the best possible wheelchair accessible van for your needs.
The first step is to research all your options. When many people think of handicap vehicles, they think of full size vans with wheelchair ramps or lifts. Today, though, many of these mobility vehicles are actually minivans. Minivans can make things simpler because they don't require as much space, get better gas mileage, and are easier for the average driver to maneuver. A full size van is still a good option, though, especially if you need a lot of space.
Besides these options, though, there are also lots of minor details that can change from van to van. You need to look at things like automatic wheelchair tie downs and hand controls for the automobile. You can also check out different types of ramp and lift systems so that you find that one that's best suited to both your wheelchair or scooter and your needs.
After you know what you'd like, make sure you know how much you can afford. Look at the insurance rates on the wheelchair accessible van or vans that you like. Also, find out what type of automobile loan you can get. This will give you some direction as you're shopping around and trying to figure out which exact van to get. It's important to shop for this major purchase for a while and not to make any snap decisions. Plus, you may even want to travel outside of your immediate area, as you'll get more options if you do this. Shopping around after you know what you want can help you get the van with the options you most want for a price you can really afford.
Any vehicle, new or used, represents a major financial investment, one that's going to start depreciating as soon as you start using it. This means that it's vital to put some real thought into what you're going to get when you're choosing a van for yourself or your loved one. Here are some tips on getting the best possible wheelchair accessible van for your needs.
The first step is to research all your options. When many people think of handicap vehicles, they think of full size vans with wheelchair ramps or lifts. Today, though, many of these mobility vehicles are actually minivans. Minivans can make things simpler because they don't require as much space, get better gas mileage, and are easier for the average driver to maneuver. A full size van is still a good option, though, especially if you need a lot of space.
Besides these options, though, there are also lots of minor details that can change from van to van. You need to look at things like automatic wheelchair tie downs and hand controls for the automobile. You can also check out different types of ramp and lift systems so that you find that one that's best suited to both your wheelchair or scooter and your needs.
After you know what you'd like, make sure you know how much you can afford. Look at the insurance rates on the wheelchair accessible van or vans that you like. Also, find out what type of automobile loan you can get. This will give you some direction as you're shopping around and trying to figure out which exact van to get. It's important to shop for this major purchase for a while and not to make any snap decisions. Plus, you may even want to travel outside of your immediate area, as you'll get more options if you do this. Shopping around after you know what you want can help you get the van with the options you most want for a price you can really afford.