Many families experience restrictions due to the dimensions of their mobility device when shopping for their best accessible vehicle solution. Here are some things to consider when looking for a wheelchair that will be used in a rear-entry or side-entry vehicle.
Understanding van conversion options and dimensional restrictions for wheelchair-accessible minivans is one of the keys to a successful wheelchair prescription. When assessing options, consideration should be given to the benefits of both rear-entry and side-entry vehicles.
Rear-entry
Rear-entry, lowered floor minivans are the most popular and cost efficient choice when it comes to personal use. Their ease of accessibility makes them ideal for loading and unloading passengers who use mobility devices. They are particularly helpful when transporting children, or the requirement of special parking is not present. Also, users generally feel that rear-entry vans are more discreet.
Rear-entry conversions do not permit wheelchair access to the front of the vehicle and as a result, are not ideal for self-driving purposes. Rear entry vehicles are typically outfitted with manual ramp systems, not assisted by hydraulic or electronic devices. The mobility securement location resides between the main frames of the minivan, serving as a protective “cage” around the mobility device occupant. Additionally, most rear-entry products permit the wheelchair and occupants to be secured in the middle of the vehicle for unparalleled protection. Ingress is straight and forward-facing, even for the largest of mobility devices.
Parking is easier with access being at the rear of the vehicle, as no curbside or other accommodations need to be arranged.
Rear-entry designs accommodate the passenger and his or her mobility device in the second or third-row position of the van, seated at eye level for a full window view. The exit ramp slope gradient is very gentle, due to a lowered access point for easier loading.
What to watch for
- Reduced rear luggage area
- No more than two mobility devices can be accommodated at one time
- Ground clearance is virtually identical to an unconverted vehicle
Side-entry
Side-entry lowered floor conversions are specifically designed for drivers who use wheelchairs or for wheelchair passengers who prefer to sit next to the driver.
They are ideal for families needing full automation and the best choice for those who travel frequently, as it is not necessary to load or unload luggage to access the mobility device.
The conversion process for a side-entry minivan is quite involved, requiring significant alterations of the vehicle chassis and doors. Most side-entry conversions lower the floor from directly behind the firewall to immediately in front of the rear axle. This results in comparatively large mobility securement locations, often including the driver and/or passenger seats.
Most include a three-person bench seat at the rear-most position for ambulatory passengers.
What to watch for
- Wheelchair needs to be turned forward facing while entering the vehicle, which may cause difficulties for the caregiver and occupant
- Fuel tank is usually repositioned to the rear, increasing susceptibility in a rear-end collision
- Six feet side clearance is required to deploy ramp, preventing use of single garages or driveways
- Vehicles have five inches or less of ground clearance, presenting a greater chance of scraping the vehicle underbody
With pediatric van conversions, both rear- and side-entry are designed to accommodate common designs for wheelchair securement.
A final note: when selecting a wheelchair to fit a van ask about compliance with the new WC19 Wheelchair Safety Standards.
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