Most of us tend to take for granted the ability to come and go as we please. We simply hop in the car and take off for the grocery store, a haircut, or visit friends and family. For others, the picture is different, and mobility has become a serious challenge. The simple task of getting into a car and going to the store now seems insurmountable. I in many cases, at least one able bodied person must help get you and your wheelchair/ power scooter into a vehicle so you can get out and about. That trip to your doctor’s appointment becomes a tangle of logistics as you seek a very able and willing assistant or a vehicle that is equipped with one of the newest wheelchair lifts.
Where once wheelchair accessible vans were only available through a variety of state run or charitable organizations, happily today they are far more available and affordable.
With the modern changes in technology such as wheelchair lifts and the types of vehicles they can be installed in, it is now much easier for the physically challenged to regain their lost mobility and freedom. As a passenger, it is possible for you to actually be safely and securely lifted up into the van. As a driver, it becomes possible for you to get behind the wheel and drive yourself wherever you wish to go.
Now, what about these accessible vans? Are they the big white old fashioned full size vans? You will be pleasantly surprised! The vast majority of these vans are now being made from specially modified mini vans for several very important reasons.
One of the biggest reasons that more people are buying mini vans with a built- in wheelchair lift is cost. These vans tend to cost significantly less than their full size counterpart. When you are living on a fixed income or in a single income household this can be a very important consideration. Then there is the cost of operation. The big vans tend to have big engines and this means big gasoline bills.
Enter the minivan with either a four or six cylinder engine that gets far better gas mileage. These vehicles were built with fuel economy in mind. They average 24 or more miles per gallon, which is far better than the 16-18 mpg of their “bigger brother”.
Three words sum up the minivan …. EASY TO DRIVE. . You will be in a much better position to maneuver around town and will find parking a breeze!
Minivans are an excellent choice when it comes to a vehicle modification. With front wheel drive, the floor can be lowered up to 12 inches to accommodate a person in a wheelchair or power scooter…. plus, a fold out ramp can be utilized instead of a wheelchair lift. The options for accessible vans are virtually limitless! Contact us today at The Mobility Resource for more information and a dealer near you.
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