Category — Mobility

For both evaluators and customers, the need to see different options when it comes to wheelchair vans and mobility equipment can be immense. While quite a bit of understanding can be gained from having a product described, nothing beats seeing it in action. That’s why B&D designed and developed the new Release and Roll system. This new feature offers significant advantages, including a wired quick release from power and ground cables.

The new Release and Roll is designed to be as convenient as possible – available for both Braun and VMI wheelchair van conversions, B&D’s latest release provides simple functionality and allows the transfer seat base to be removed and then rolled out of the wheelchair van via the wheelchair ramp. It also features sturdy roll-out wheels as well as a dog-bone hook to secure it in place. This is an ideal solution for anyone who needs to be able to evaluate a wheelchair van with both a transfer seat installed and without the seat so that the wheelchair can be anchored with a securement system.

The B&D Release and Roll has been fully tested and meets or exceeds FMVSS 207 and 210. It’s also available for use with most “Leadership 51” transfer seat bases so it functions perfectly across almost all platforms. B&D is proud to offer this high-quality piece of mobility equipment and offers a credit for drive evaluator vans as well.

Whether you’re an evaluator or a customer looking for the right handicap van equipment, it has never been simpler to see the benefits of different equipment. Being able to highlight both transfer seat and wheelchair securement options is the only way to make sure that everyone has the information needed to make an informed decision.

Contact the Mobility Consultants at IMED Mobility to learn more about the B&D Release and Roll System and how it will best fit your needs, your lifestyle and budget.

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 →]

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 →]

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 →]

Are you confined to a wheelchair or a mobility scooter?  If so, then you certainly understand just how difficult it can be to get around and to accomplish even minor tasks outside the home.  A lack of mobility can reduce your quality of life, and can even result in depression and frustration.  However, a wheelchair lift might just be the thing that you need to give you back a degree of mobility and freedom.  What should you look for in one of these devices?

Know Your Options

There are several different types and styles of wheelchair lifts available from many different manufacturers.  For instance, you will find a full platform lift, as well as hoist-style lifts.  These are used for many different purposes.  One type is designed simply to help you get your wheelchair or mobility scooter up and into the trunk of a car or stowed in the back of a van.  However, other types can actually lift both you and your chair into the vehicle.  From this point, it is a simple process to secure you in the chair, allowing you to ride easily.  Finding the right type of wheelchair lift for your needs and budget is important. [Read more →]

For those confined to a wheelchair, getting out and about is an enormous chore. Even something as simple as running to the corner store can be an onerous task. However, there are ways that this can be changed. If you are confined to a wheelchair or have significant mobility issues, then a wheelchair van might just be the best option. What might you find with these vans? What makes them a good option for your needs? Let’s consider a few of the most pertinent benefits found with these vans and how they affect your life.

Better Mobility

Of course, increasing your mobility is the entire reason for buying a wheelchair van. However, you will find that the increase is quite dramatic. Because these vans are manufactured to accommodate your specific needs, you will be able to ride (or even drive!) in considerable comfort. Instead of not leaving the house because of the hassle and the discomfort, you are free to go where you want, when you want, without the limitations imposed by regular cars, trucks and vans. [Read more →]

Once, in the not so distant past, it was common for those forced to use a wheelchair to face considerable problems in the realm of mobility. Loading and unloading their wheelchairs in a vehicle was difficult and cumbersome, and not something that could be accomplished alone. In addition, getting in and out of the vehicle was problematic in its own right. Today, things have changed considerably, though. Handicapped vans have much to offer those who require a wheelchair to get around. How have these vans changed the situation for handicapped individuals?

Easy In/Easy Out

As mentioned, one of the most difficult things for a handicapped individual to accomplish was the loading and unloading of their wheelchair. As this required assistance, it meant that these individuals always had to have help from a friend, family member or caretaker. Today, handicapped vans outfitted with high quality mobility lifts ensure that this is not the case. While individuals may still choose to travel with a friend or family member, advanced lift technology can actually be operated by a single person. In addition, these lifts are capable of lifting a power wheelchair, and a person, ensuring that handicapped persons can move straight from the lift into the van. [Read more →]

Making your home more wheelchair accessible can be expensive and might take some time, but there are many affordable ways to add handicap lifts that will improve your mobility to any home. Probably the most expensive option is a vertical lift, or elevator, and is perhaps not feasible for most people. If a vertical lift is out of your budget, you might consider the various other options that can still give you back your independence without breaking the bank. Whether you need a way to get to other floors in your home or you simply need help rising or sitting, you can find many options that will help.

Stair lifts are popular handicap lifts that can help you get up or down the stairs independently. A straight stair lift is a way to be lifted up the stairs, indoors or outdoors, easily, safely, and comfortably. There are also wheelchair platform stair lifts that allow you to stay in your wheelchair and be lifted up or down the stairs safely and independently. Platform lifts might also be used outdoors or in your handicap van as a way to lift you up into the van while in your chair. [Read more →]

Before you buy a wheelchair vehicle, you need to understand the available features so you can find the right vehicle for your needs. With so many options on the market today, it’s important to make sure you find the right van, minivan, or SUV for your specific needs. One thing to consider if you’ll be driving the vehicle yourself is the many controls and options that can make it easier for you to drive safely in spite of your mobility problems. No matter what your level of mobility is, driving is easier than ever on today’s market.

The ignition is probably the first thing to consider when buying a wheelchair vehicle. The location of the ignition can make a huge difference in its accessibility for you. It’s best to consider dash-mounted ignitions or even keyless ignitions to make it easier for you to start the car in spite of challenged with dexterity. The transmission of the vehicle you’ll want should be automatic, so that’s most certainly something to look for as well. If you’re driving with hand controls, driving a car with a manual transmission could be nearly impossible. This shouldn’t be a problem, though, because almost all cars are available with automatic transmissions these days. [Read more →]

IMED Mobility locations offer customers the innovative Sure Grip hand controls to aid in driving their wheelchair vans. The Roseville, Minnesota location will now have all four different styles on display.

These include a “lock out” disable feature which comes in handy if someone else is driving the van because the driver cannot accidentally hit the brake or the gas. “This really comes into play when you take your vehicle into a service station or to get the oil changed,” Ron Iverson of IMED Mobility in Roseville said. “There have been numerous incidents of techs smashing someone’s vehicle by accidentally hitting the gas on the hand controls.”

Four Types of Hand Controls
1. The Push/Rock Hand Control is the original Sure Grip device which allows a driver to keep both hands on the wheel and is the lowest fatigue available. By pushing forward for break and locking for gas, this convenient hand control position is the most versatile of anything on the market.

2. To operate the Push/Right –Angle, a person pushes forward for break and pulls down for gas, allowing for continual contact with the steering wheel while accelerating. The shortened throw system stays out of a driver’s lap and has a shorter stroke, making acceleration easier. No need to worry about extra leg clearance while accelerating.

3. The Push/ Pull hand control also has a shortened handle. Push this handle forward to break and pull back for gas. The shortened handle reduces the amount and range of moving components while acceleration. It also allows your hand to maintain contact with the steering wheel while at all times applying accelerating. This frees up your other hand to operate secondary functions while driving down the road. The Sure Grip Push/Pull control is much more comfortable to use than other Push/Pull controls on the market and has plenty of leg room.

4. The last new hand control is the Push/ Twist, which has a great pedal feel and an adjustable handle to allow for maximum comfort. By pushing forward for breaking and twisting for gas, this hand control offers smooth acceleration and easy breaking. The standard adjustable thumb/hand support is utilized to provide leverage to reduce fatiguing while accelerating.

If you have any questions about the Sure Grip hand controls please contact our mobility consultants at IMED Mobility in Roseville, Minnesota or Tea, South Dakota by visiting imedmobility.com or dial toll free at (800) 570-0236.