Mobility Products for Handicapped Travel

Category — accessible wheelchair vans

Selling Your Wheelchair Accessible Van

Individuals who own a wheelchair accessible van may want to sell that vehicle at some point. Selling it to a trusted dealership is one of the best ways to ensure that you get the best value for the vehicle. Often times, a dealership like IMED Mobility will work with you to get the best price for it. No matter why you are selling your van, it is a good idea to know its worth. The problem is, many of these vans are so specialized, and getting the actual value can be difficult. This is especially true if you take it to a traditional car dealership to sell.

Rather than do that, turn to a trusted dealership specializing in wheelchair van sales. This helps ensure you are talking to people who know the value. Keep the following in mind.

  • Always choose a dealership that is willing to accept the type of vehicle you have. These vehicles tend to hold value well over the long term.
  • Before you sell, know the value. You can get a third party appraisal of the value if you would like to. This is a good way to get the actual value. However, the value may be less when you sell to a dealership. That dealership needs to turn a profit down the road, too.
  • Do consider the options for trade-ins. This can be the best way to get the highest value for this vehicle. Unlike a traditional vehicle, wheelchair converted vans can hard to sell on your own.

A wheelchair accessible van is valuable. For those individuals who are looking for the most lucrative way to sell, always talk to a specialized dealer who offers a variety of wheelchair vans. This helps because those companies have more demand for vehicles like yours.

August 23, 2011   Comments Off

Spring is Here!

With warmer weather coming soon, spring is a great time to think about having a mobility vehicle conversion inspection done.  We recommend that all conversions be inspected after the first six months of purchase and then each year thereafter.

By having your conversions inspected, we will ensure that everything is working properly and all moving parts are lubricated and tight.  Each inspection includes:

  • Vacuum of channel below floor
  • Ramp, kneel chain and door lubrication
  • Switch inspection
  • Battery replacement, if needed

The inspection generally takes about an hour and typically costs $95.

When you need routine vehicle maintenance, such as an oil change, brake service, batteries, transmission service or tires, we can take care of that too!

Give us a call toll free at (800) 570-0236 or stop in today to set up an appointment!!

May 11, 2011   Comments Off

Which Wheelchair Vehicles Are Right For You?

If you have limited mobility, getting around can be quite a challenge.  There are a variety of wheelchair vehicles that can help improve your mobility and let you enjoy a better quality of life.  Enjoying regular activities with loved ones can be difficult, so it’s a good idea to consider the option of handicapped vans and other vehicles that can help you take part in the activities you enjoy most.  Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that you will drive yourself or one in which you will be the passenger, there are many safe ways to find the independence you need.

Conversion vans are the most common of all wheelchair vehicles.  These are larger vans that have enough room to accommodate a chair lift or ramp and even allow the driver’s area to be customized to allow you to drive.  These are great options for travelling as well as everyday use and are relatively easy to obtain today.  If you prefer a slightly smaller option, minivans are another great choice.  It’s a more economical choice that the larger vans because they get better gas mileage and are less expensive overall.  There is less room, but they are the perfect choice for most people with limited mobility. [Read more →]

November 24, 2010   Comments Off

Tips on Finding Wheelchair Vans For Sale

If you’ve decided now is the time to find a handicapped van or vehicle, you might find more options that you expected once you begin your search. From the internet to local ads, you might be overwhelmed with the numbers of wheelchair vans for sale. With so much technology, you can really improve your independence and mobility in more ways than ever. If you’re ready to improve your quality of life by finding ways to enjoy activities that you love, you might find that this is the time to start looking for a vehicle that can help you achieve a new level of mobility.

The first thing to decide when you start looking for wheelchair vans for sale is whether you’ll go new or used. There are many great choices of used vehicles that can help you save big when it comes to improving your mobility. If you can afford a new vehicle, that might be a more reliable choice, but you can certainly find a quality used vehicle as long as you do your research and take your time with your purchase decision. Used vehicles can be found online or at local dealers, so they can be a convenient and cost effective option. [Read more →]

November 11, 2010   Comments Off

Tips On Buying Used Wheelchair Vans

If you have mobility problems and want to find an easier way to get around, getting a van or car equipped to transport your wheelchair is probably your best bet. Buying a new car or van with this expensive equipment might not be in the budget for many people, so it might be a good idea to consider looking at used wheelchair vans as an option. This can be a great way to save significantly on the equipment you need to get around. There are many tips that can save you time finding the perfect vehicle for your needs.

One great way to find a variety of used wheelchair vans is by shopping online. This will give you the opportunity to find many options in a very short time, right in your area. This can cut back on the headaches of looking through newspapers of car lots trying to find a cost effective solution. There are many websites today that specialize in vans like this, making it even easier to find what you need. The simple fact is, this time-saving option can get you the van you need in the shortest amount of time, allowing you to enjoy a much better quality of life even sooner. [Read more →]

November 9, 2010   Comments Off

Tips for Buying an Accessible Van

Are you looking for a way to increase your mobility and your freedom? Traditionally, this has been very difficult for handicapped individuals to accomplish. However, an accessible van can give you back the freedom and independence that you thought long lost. How do these vans work? What should you know about buying one? Here, you’ll learn a few important tips for finding the right vehicle for your needs.

Find the Right Configuration

Much like regular vans, you will find that you have a wide selection of vehicles from which to choose when you decide to purchase an accessible van. However, all of this can be boiled down to two primary options – minivans and full size vans. Both have pros and cons. For instance, minivans usually need to have their floor lowered, which means modification to the original body. However, they are more maneuverable. Full size vans do not require any lowering of the floor, but they are larger and more difficult to maneuver. You will need to determine which configuration appeals to you the most. [Read more →]

November 8, 2010   Comments Off

The Cost Benefits of Used Handicap Vans

Getting the transportation you need can be quite an expensive endeavor when there are mobility problems involves.  Wheelchair accessible vans can be too costly for many people, forcing them to think of other ways to regain their independence.  One great and cost effective option to consider is used handicap vans.  This can give you the freedom to get around and enjoy regular activities without the expense of a new vehicle.  There are many ways vans like these can benefit you and there are a variety of options that give you access to various used vehicles that will meet your needs.

Once you’ve determined the type of used handicap vans you’ll be shopping for, it’s time to figure out the best way to find the right van for you.  You’ll want to know the features you need and the type of lift that will work for you so you can make sure to get the best van possible.  You need to decide if you’ll be the driver or the passenger first, as this will have a major impact on the type of vehicle you’re looking for.  Once you’ve figured out the details, it’s time to start shopping for the right van. [Read more →]

November 3, 2010   Comments Off

Quality Mobility Products Increase Independence

A physical handicap or condition that limits your mobility can seem to reduce your independence and freedom significantly.  Even small things you and I take for granted can be much more difficult for those who have a physical handicap.  Some things that most people take for granted are now difficult or impossible to accomplish.  However, quality wheelchair vans can help with some of that independence.

One of the best options for anyone with a physical disability is to look into wheelchair van conversion.  This is a process offered by companies like IMED Mobility in Tea, SD.  Essentially, top van models like the Honda Odyssey are converted into wheelchair vans.  This means that they are outfitted with numerous mobility products to promote greater safety, convenience and ease of use.  For instance, wheelchair locks installed in such a van prevent wheelchairs from rolling while the van is in motion.  Steering wheel hand controls ensure that those with physical disabilities are able to drive these vans, as well. [Read more →]

October 7, 2010   Comments Off

Choices Of Handicap Driving Controls

There are many choices of handicap driving controls for assisting people with a disability in driving a vehicle.  Many people don’t know exactly what a handicap driving control is.  These controls are often installed in wheelchair accessible van conversions, but can be installed into almost any vehicle under the sun.

Different companies manufacture controls for driving cars, SUV’s, minivans, and trucks.Some companies even specialize in making driving controls for golf carts, tractors, and All Terrain Vehicles.  What kind of handicap driving controls are available for handicapped people?

A disability hand control is one of the frequently used handicap driving controls.It also happens to be one of the most inexpensive.  By attaching to the steering column of almost any vehicle, hand controls can control the brake and gas pedal with the use of one’s hands.  On most models, to apply the brake of the vehicle, a person needs only push forward on the hand control.Rotating or pulling down the hand control will push the gas pedal down and accelerate.

One popular model of handicap driving control is a spinner knob that attaches to the steering wheel of most vehicles.  Because these controls for disabled driving have been around so long, there are a bunch of choices which can be specialized to meet any handicap.  Palm-Grip spinning knobs for mobility driving, standard spinning knobs, and three-pin spinning steering wheel knobs are some of the more common applications.  To meet the different tastes of consumers, there are even several colors to match a vehicles interior.

Installation of a specific driving control known as a left foot accelerator enables handicapped individuals to control the acceleration and brake with their left foot.  This specific type of handicap driving control is relatively easy to put into a vehicle, and some types are easily disengaged for anyone else who may need to drive.

For those individuals who struggle with a more severe handicap, higher end driving handicap controls may be beneficial.  For controlling the steering wheel, hydraulic reduced effort control steering can be a great addition.  Electronic handicapped controls offer the ability to use power windows, blinker switches, or any other common vehicle control.

Any handicapped person who is interested in these types of disabled controls should visit with a trained expert in the accessible vehicle industry.  In most areas, a handicap van dealership will be able to offer the information needed to make a decision.  For regions which require a disability driver evaluation, a mobility dealership will be able to get the ball rolling.

September 9, 2010   Comments Off

New or Used Handicap Vans?

Wheelchair vans can be excellent options to increase mobility and quality of life. However, it is extremely important to take precautions and consider all of your options carefully when buying such a vehicle. We encourage you to think about several different options regarding your needs. So, what do you need to know? What types of the decisions are there?

The first thing you need to think about is what type of brand of van it is that you want and need. For instance, Honda Odyssey wheelchair vans are enormously popular. Honda is a brand synonymous with quality, durability, comfort and longevity. Retrofitted Odyssey minivans can be excellent solutions. Of course, there are many other brands available, including those from the Big Three.

The next step is to determine if you want to buy new or used. New vans are great options, but used handicap vans are more affordable. A common misconception surrounds the word “used” mean low quality. With wheelchair vans, this is not the case. You can find models that have been certified by expert technicians.
Next, you and your family should think about what the best option in wheelchair lifts for you. Vantage Mobility International (VMI) is a well-known brand in South Dakota. Scooter lifts are vital considerations for those who rely on a power scooter to get around, rather than on a wheelchair. IMED Mobility in Tea, South Dakota can help you decide what the best mobility options are for you are is.

The final thing you need to think about is what else do you need in your wheelchair van? If you will be riding (or driving) in your wheelchair, then wheelchair tie-downs and restraints are required to keep you secure on the road. If you want to drive, then you will need to find a van that offers hand controls or even a swing-out passenger seat. This allows you to enter the vehicle through the passenger front door, instead of through the sliding side door.

Make sure that regardless of what you choose in a van that you are sure to choose a dealer with a reputation for high quality products and top-notch service.

September 8, 2010   Comments Off