Creating A Better Car Interior

4 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Handicap Van

6 December 2018 by Celina Freeman

If your spouse has recently been confined to a wheelchair, it's time to consider purchasing a handicap van. Handicap vans allow your spouse to ride comfortably, without the constant need to maneuver in and out of their wheelchair. When you start shopping for your first handicap van, you might not know what to look for. Here are four questions to ask when shopping for a handicap van.

Does It Fit Right?

When shopping for a handicap van, it's important that you ensure a proper fit. Riding in a handicap van can be quite uncomfortable if the fit isn't right. To make sure you get the right fit, you'll need to check the following things:

• Head Room – distance from the top of the head to the floor

• Weight Considerations – total weight of your loved one and their wheelchair

• Available Space – room to maneuver and seat the wheelchair safely and comfortably

What are Your Entry-Point Needs?

Before you head out to shop for a handicap van, it's crucial that you know your entry-point needs. Your needs will determine whether you should shop for a van with side-door or rear-door entry points. If you live in an apartment, you may be better served with rear-door entry points. That way, you're not limited in your ability to get your spouse in and out of the van. It's also important to consider parking lot limitations when you're out and about. Van-accessible handicap spaces aren't always available in shopping center parking lots, which means side-door entry points may limit your ability to get your spouse in and out of the van while you're in a shopping center parking lot.

Can It be Customized to Suit Your Needs?

When you shop for a handicap van, be sure to ask if there's room for customization. Customizing your van will ensure that it suits all of your needs. Some of the customized features you may want include hand controls, in-floor or fold-down ramps, and transfer seats. Hand controls and transfer seats will make it possible for your spouse to drive the van, if the choose to.

Is Additional Seating Available?

If you will be transporting more than just yourself and your spouse, you need to make sure that additional seating is available inside the van. For maximum comfort and efficiency, there should be at least one additional row of seating inside your handicap van.

If you find yourself in need of a handicap van, use the questions provided here to help you choose the one that suits your needs. For questions and concerns about handicap vans, contact a dealer near you.

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