Category — Wheelchair Vans

If you are in the market for a wheelchair van, you might feel that new options are simply out of your financial reach. There is good news – used handicap vans are widely available. However, that does not mean that all used vehicles are ideal options for your needs. You need to consider several different factors when buying a used wheelchair van, and here are some of the most important considerations.

Year, Make, Model and Mileage

Chances are good that you have preferences when it comes to the make and model of the mobility van that you purchase. You’ll find options available from some of today’s most respected automakers, like Honda and Toyota. There are domestic solutions available, too, such as Chrysler and Dodge models. In addition to considering the make and model, though, you need to consider the mileage on the engine. It’s always advisable to buy a vehicle with lower mileage, as this provides a longer lifespan and more “bang” for your buck.

Available Mobility Equipment

You should also make sure that any used wheelchair van you are considering has the mobility equipment that you need. You can always add mobility equipment to the van afterward if you like, but this will increase the price of the van, which is something that you will definitely need to consider.

Is Financing Available?

Even a used wheelchair van represents a significant investment. You’ll need to make sure that the dealer you’re working with offers specialized loans for individuals with physical disabilities.

What types of wheelchair van technology is important to you?  You will notice as you begin shopping for a mobility vehicle that there are a large number of versions that you can buy.  Just consider all of the “conversions”, which transform your regular van into a mobility vehicle.  The goal of these conversions is to make the vehicle accessible—ideally without any strain or great effort.

Practically any vehicle could be entered and exited by a disabled person, but usually after great strain.  However, the goal with a wheelchair conversion is to make the experience effortless, perhaps even as simple as pushing a button.  What are the technologies you can pick from?

One of the most popular technologies in the wheelchair van is that of the ramp system, which merely comes out (either manually or by automatic function), and allows the disabled person to enter and exit with a wheelchair.  (Issues important in this case are driver and passenger space, and flexible seating.)

However, there are also designs that allow a motorist to lift the entire wheelchair (or scooter) and put it into the van automatically.  Some of these designs are obviously made for specific family instances; for example, a handicap vehicle in which a husband drives a disabled wife might be very different from a wheelchair van driven exclusively by a disabled person.

The best thing to do is to get together with a dealer representative and then test drive a vehicle to get a first hand lesson on how these lifts and ramps work.  Here at IMED Mobility we are eager to give you a test drive and match you up with the new age mobility van you’ve been dreaming about!  Contact us to make an appointment today.  We have locations in Minnesota and South Dakota and are waiting for your call.

You may have heard of the proverbial wheelchair van, but you haven’t experienced the latest 2011 and 2012 model year mobility vans offered by the top manufacturers in the world!  These vehicles are powerful, high-quality and tons of fun to drive.  IMED Mobility has them all, and is ready to put you in the mobility van of the new era.

Forget the days of clunky old vans with a wheelchair mount on the back.  Modern handicap vans today feature powerful engines, front wheel drive, and new vehicle features like, climate control, power heated seats, DVD players and even voice recognition navigation systems!  The best wheelchair accessible van models also have lowered floors, power ramps and power doors for both passenger and driver sides.

Here at IMED Mobility, we believe the best handicap vans on the market are the ones that work with brand name producers VMI and Braun – makers of the best, most effective and safest conversions on the industry.  We offer not only full conversions for sale but can also oversee the installation of a new ramp system on your existing vehicle or a new vehicle.

The minivan of today offers luxury, comfort as well as excellent safety and convenience.  They don’t just provide storage space for a wheelchair—they allow you to easily get in and out of the vehicle without straining.  These handicap accessible vehicles can also be adapted with hand controls so that you can operate driver’s pedals while holding onto the wheel.

If you’re ready to take charge of your life and embrace a new independent lifestyle, then think about a mobility van from IMED Mobility.  We have locations in Minnesota and in South Dakota.  We can customize a reliable vehicle with the best and newest conversions.  Let us show you what today’s minivan looks and drives like!

When you start looking for a mobility vehicle from IMED Mobility, one of the things that you will need to consider will be whether you want to consider a new or used handicap van. There are many reasons why you should consider a used vehicle. In order to determine if you should choose such a vehicle, you will need to know these reasons. Read on and you will learn why a used wheelchair van could be just right for you.

Used handicap vans are the perfect option for people who are on a budget. These models are much more cost effective. This way, even if you do not have much to spend on your mobility vehicle, you will still be able to afford one. You will be surprised at how much you can actually save by choosing a used handicap accessible vehicle.

You may be worried that such a vehicle may not be as dependable since they are used. However, when you shop with IMED Mobility, each of the used vehicles they offer have been carefully inspected for safety and you can count on the vehicle that you choose to be stable, dependable and secure.

There are many reasons why you should consider used handicap vans. These vehicles are just as dependable as a new model, but they are much more affordable. Since the vehicles can be financed, you will find it very easy to afford one. You can gain the mobility that you want and a used wheelchair van could be just the answer to your mobility needs.

Monica Chesshir recently purchased a 2011 Chrysler Town and Country Limited wheelchair van from IMED in Tea. Monica was a Navy Yeoman Records Specialist at the Grand Prairie Naval Station in Dallas, TX for two and a half years before a car accident left her disabled.  Today, Monica enjoys reading and beading. Congratulations, Monica, on the purchase of your new IMED van.

Are you tired of relying on other people to drive you around town? If you have recently become dependent on a wheelchair to move around, you have probably had to make a lot of sacrifices. However, you will be happy to know that with the proper technology, you will no longer need to sacrifice your ability to transport yourself form place to place. The wheelchair van is making it possible for people in wheelchairs to drive around town all by themselves. Driving aids can be installed that can help you control your car, making you once again independent on the road.

If you decide to purchase a wheelchair van, you will be making a decision that will help make driving easier for you. Your wheelchair van will be fitted with a lift or a ramp that will allow you to move in and out of your car with ease. You will also be able to drive with the use of driving aids. Driving aids allow you to use your hands to control the gas and brake pedal instead of your feet. With the proper research and training, you can once again be able to get around town whenever you would like. You can say goodbye to asking people to help you get to your appointments on time.

IMED Mobility is a company that has been helping people with their mobility needs for a long time. If you are looking for a professional service to help you learn whatever you can about what a wheelchair van with driving aids can do for you, you should see how IMED Mobility can help. It’s time to stop making sacrifices and get back to the quality of life you enjoyed before you needed a wheelchair. A wheelchair is not the end of the world. With the proper technology, you can find your independence once more.

Mark Giziewski recently purchased a 2010 Honda Odyssey handicap van from IMED Mobility in Tea.  Mark was paralyzed from a staph infection on his spinal cord in 1999. He had purchased a Chrysler Town and Country from IMED in the past, but after test driving a Honda Odyssey he was hooked.  Mark enjoys working with IMED’s Service Department so much he drives from Yankton to Tea to get his van serviced.

A wheelchair van provides individuals who have physical limitations with an easier method of transportation compared to a traditional vehicle. A variety of products are available to those who otherwise struggle to remain mobile. Individuals may select to purchase a new vehicle with modifications in place or to make modifications to a pre-owned vehicle. The options are yours depending on pricing and physical limits on the vehicle purchased.

Making Adjustments to Your Mobility

Perhaps the easiest way to get into a vehicle is to purchase a new or used vehicle with pre-placed mobility features. You can choose from an assortment of products from IMED Mobility for just these needs.

Wheelchair lifts can help you increase your mobility without having to purchase entirely new vehicles. IMED Mobility offers options from Bruno, Freedom, Harmar and VMI, to name a few of the options you can select from for your purchase.

Many people do not realize just how many features are available to make getting around easier.  For example, handicap ramps in the design of the van can make entering and exiting the vehicle far easier. Choosing features like rear entry can also make it easier for you. You may be able to drive, get in and out of the vehicle, or choose lowered floors, turning seats and hand controls.

With the options in a wheelchair van readily available for you to choose from, realize that now is the perfect time for you to invest. IMED Mobility provides you with the resources to find just the right equipment and vans for your needs.

Wheelchair vans give people the power to go from place to place easier than with a traditional vehicle. One way to get a good price for a vehicle like this is to buy a used one. Often, these well cared for vehicles are outgrown and replaced with new ones. They may have few miles and excellent added features. For those who are considering the investment, a used wheelchair van can be one of the best investments possible.

One of the first decisions to make when buying a wheelchair van is the source. Always buy from a trusted provider who has experience and extensive inventory for you to select from rather than limited options. IMED Mobility provides you with all of the information and resources you need to find the perfect wheelchair accessible van for your needs.

From here, choose wheelchair vans that meet your needs specifically.

• What is the condition of the vehicle’s body, engine and interior?
• Does the vehicle have a lowered floor for added headroom?
• Does it give you options like quick release seats so you can customize the interior of the vehicle easily?
• Does it come with a wheelchair ramp, if needed?
• Does it offer power steering and other driver adjustments as needed?
• Power is important. Everything from power doors to power windows is important.

When buying handicap vans for your particular needs, it makes sense to buy trusted products from trusted companies. Those offered by IMED Mobility are going to give you the ability to get around comfortably and without limitations. In addition to giving you options in vehicles, IMED Mobility also gives you the ability to get secure financing so you can afford this type of freedom.

Recently four members of the IMED sales and management team underwent training to become presenters for an AOTA approved presentation on Comprehensive Automotive Mobility Solutions for Health Professionals.  The one hour course teaches the many options available to persons with mobility challenges, and how to best fit those options to specific situations.  The four employees, Rich Struss , Ron Iverson, Jon Becker, and Dutch Te Slaa are now certified as course instructors through NMEDA can offer one hour of CEU credit through AOTA for those who participate in the workshop.  “We feel this is another service we can provide to the community that so effectively serves people with mobility challenges” said Ron Iverson, General Manager of the Roseville, Minnesota location.

If you would like to schedule this presentation at your facility, contact Dutch Te Slaa at 605-351-2227 or e-mail him at dutch@imedmobiity.com.  This presentation works very well as a lunch time seminar, and if you schedule over lunch, IMED will provide the lunch.