For those who find themselves confined to a wheelchair due to infirmity or a physical handicap, the quality of life experienced can be surprisingly low.  This is largely due to a loss of the independence and freedom that most people take for granted.  However, wheelchair vans may be able to improve that quality of life by giving back the very freedom and independence lost.  How does this work?  What do these vans offer those who are bound to a wheelchair?  Below, we’ll look at these vehicles and what makes them so beneficial.

Different Styles, Different Models

One thing that you will not find in the world of wheelchair vans is a lack of variety.  In fact, you will find many different brands, styles and models available.  In essence, almost any type of van can be converted for handicapped passengers.  However, minivans and full size vans are the most common (as opposed to early mid-size vans and other styles).  You will find both domestic automakers and imports available, as well, so you should have no trouble finding a make and model that appeals to you. [Read more →]

If you are the owner of a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, you are familiar with how difficult it can be to get these in and out of a vehicle.  Even a basic wheelchair can be hard to fold, lift and store.  However, that difficulty increases exponentially when a power wheelchair or scooter is involved.  Thankfully, there are ways that you can get your mobility device in and out of a vehicle with no hassle or issues.  Wheelchair lifts give you the ability to do this quite easily.  What should you look for in a lift if you’re in the market for one?

Quality and Durability

Wheelchair lifts need to be of high quality and offer excellent durability.  As these devices constitute at least a nominal investment, you want them to last.  In addition, if they lack in either department, then chances of failure when you need them most are much higher.  Make sure that you choose a lift from a recognizable manufacturer.  You should also check into the manufacturer’s warranty.  How long do they provide protection for their products?  What is covered under the terms of the warranty?  Not all warranties are created equal, so thorough research is important here. [Read more →]

Finding ways to improve mobility is important to anyone confined to a wheelchair and there are many products on the market that can really improve your quality of life. If you’ve decided it’s time to buy a handicapped van, there are a few tips that can really help you find exactly what you need without spending money on unnecessary features. Following these simple tips will help you get started when it’s time to improve your mobility. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, getting the right vehicle will really improve your quality of life and allow you to enjoy every day activities even more.

The first thing you’ll want to do when shopping for a handicapped van is determine if you’ll be driving the van. This will make a huge difference in the type of equipment you’ll need. For many, driving might not be possible, so you’ll need to find a van with the equipment to allow you to ride in comfort; for those that wish to drive, there are many modifications that will allow you to drive safely. Next, you’ll need to decide which type of lift will work best for your needs.

A platform lift will likely be best for those who are unable to drive and will be a passenger in the handicapped van. A platform ramp or wheelchair lift might be a more cost effective way to lift the wheelchair into the van without spending as much as the platform lift would cost. Getting your wheelchair into the van is a pretty important part of having a van like this, so the lift or ramp is one of the biggest factors when it comes to finding the right van for you. You’ll want to make sure you get the right type of lift without spending too much.

The next important decision when you decide to buy a handicapped van is to decide whether you’ll want to go with new or used. If you’re on a tight budget, a used van can be a great way to get everything you need without spending a fortune. There are many resources that can help you find the right van, whether it be new or used, and help you improve your quality of life and enjoy regular activities with your loved ones. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, getting the right vehicle can certainly help you improve your mobility dramatically.

If you are looking for ways to improve your independence and quality of life, various mobility lifts might be a great option. Whether you have some mobility or you need devices that can lift your wheelchair, you can find a variety of products designed to give you back some freedom. Lift chairs are helpful for people that have trouble standing up from a seated position and are also ideal for those with joint, bone, or muscle difficulties. Most users of lift chairs are confined to a wheelchair and can also help those with diseases like Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, or arthritis.

Lift cushions are mobility lifts that can be useful for people who need a boost to get up or sit down. They are particularly helpful for those with partial mobility and are also great for traveling, because they are portable. They allow the patient to be raised and lowered at the push of a button, giving them back the mobility that they need to be independent. By holding between 80 and 100% of the user’s weight, it allows them to continue to use the strength they have and get the exercise they need to maintain whatever mobility they still have. [Read more →]

Finding the right wheelchair accessible vans that will work for you can greatly improve your quality of life and give you back a sense of independence.  Understanding the type of ramp or lift that will work best for you will help you to find the perfect vehicle for your needs.  Ramps are more cost effective ways to easily get your wheelchair onto the vehicle independently.  There are also many lifts that can make it very safe and easy to get your chair onto the van so you can enjoy activities with your friends and family.

Folding ramps can be motorized or manual and can allow you to roll onto wheelchair accessible vans on your own.  That renewed sense of freedom is important to anyone with mobility problems, and these are inexpensive ways of achieving that sense of freedom.  Sliding ramps are another type of ramp, which are hidden in the floor of the vehicle.  Rear-entry folding ramps are great for passengers to roll onto the van and be able to enjoy a safe, secure ride without needing help getting their wheelchair onto the van.  That independence is important and these ramps can allow you to feel the sense of freedom you’ve been missing. [Read more →]

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 →]

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 →]

Every time I rode a NYC bus that stopped for a wheelchair-bound person, I cursed silently, despite my better self. It seemed to take so much extra time for the driver to park the bus, get out, lower the lift at the back door for the wheelchair, flip up a seat, get the person in and secure the wheelchair. And then get back in the driver’s seat. The clock was ticking and time was a wasting for me. Why weren’t there separate wheelchair vans? Why did I have to be inconvenienced by someone else’s handicap?

Then nearly two months ago, I saw the light. I reached for a hanger in my closet and suddenly felt pain so awful I literally saw stars. My Achilles tendon had ruptured. After surgery, I was in a cast and not permitted to put any weight on the repaired leg for at least six weeks. So I was thrust into the world of the handicapped. With my walker I hopped around on the good foot and held the injured one up. Empathy for others comes fast when you are also suffering.

I’m lucky enough to know that eventually this will pass and I’ll be back on two legs again. It’s been an ugly winter in NYC, so I haven’t been compelled to go out. I don’t have to go to work outside the apartment. I can hop back to my computer and write and email from the comfort of home. As for food and groceries in Manhattan, you can have most anything delivered. [Read more →]