If you’ve been on the hunt for a mobility van for yourself or a loved one, the search may prove to be quite daunting if you don’t know where to start. It’s key to perform in-depth research to settle on the most reputable handicap conversion van company in your community.
Here are some helpful tips and advice for your search.
Considering Your Needs
First off, ask yourself a few important questions, such as:
- What are my physical needs?
- Do I want a mini-van or a full-sized with all the bells and whistles?
- Do I prefer side or rear entry?
- Do I need ramps, lifts, tie downs, and controls, or any other customized options that would be helpful?
Work out your budget beforehand so you know exactly how much you can spend. Talk to your bank about a loan and find out how much you would be approved for.
Finding a Dealer
Knowing where to begin is probably the hardest part. First off, contact your health care provider or physical therapy office to get referrals on companies they have worked with in the past and recommend. Contact local car dealers to see if they can point you in the right direction as far as other dealers who may sell wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Go online to browse the many local and national mobility van dealers as well. Chances are, they have resources you can check out for more information.
Before Buying
Make sure your van meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Requirements. Check out the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association to see if the van you’re considering is up to code. In your search, ask lots of questions of dealers. Go armed with your own research so you can appear knowledgeable about the mobility van industry.
Test out everything on the van, take it for a drive, make sure all components, such as the rear entry ramp, work smoothly. Get in the van and ensure the interior space is adequate for you and your equipment. Too small? Move on. Make sure the electrical system has enough power to handle all the equipment, such as wheelchairs and other devices, that you have.
Read the warranty and other fine print in complete detail. In the case of used mobility vans, sometimes conversions and modifications can void the original warranty, so don’t gloss over this part.
Finding a handicap conversion van can be a seamless process provided you know where to start!
