What Vehicles Can Be Wheelchair Accessible?

What vehicles can be wheelchair accessible? There are a range of wheelchair accessible vehicle types available on the market ranging from minivans and full size vans to SUVs, trucks or even smaller sedans. But, the most commonly converted vehicles are minivans and full-size vans including models like the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, GMC Savana, Chevy Express, Dodge Ram Promaster, Ford Transit and more. converted handicap vans and which vehicle models are best for wheelchairs.

Common Wheelchair Accessible Conversion Models

As I mentioned earlier, minivan and full-size van models are the most commonly converted vehicles. But why are these the most popular vehicle option for wheelchair users? One big factor is that side-entry vehicles, like minivans and full size vans, have the interior height to allow for a wheelchair user to remain in their chair when entering and exiting the vehicle. These vehicle models also allow a wheelchair user to move around within the interior cabin of the vehicle and reposition themselves independently. With sedans, trucks and many SUV models, the wheelchair user will often have to stow their wheelchair and will require the assistance of a caregiver or loved one to help them get from place to place.

Another big factor that makes minivans and full size van models more attractive to accessible vehicle purchasers is the ability to have multiple people ride in the vehicle. These vehicle models have the capacity weight ratings that allow for an adult in their wheelchair to drive or ride, both comfortably and safely, within the vehicle alongside other passengers. Many sedan and SUV options on the market eliminate any additional vehicle seating options, as there simply is not enough space to accommodate a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle, position themselves within the vehicle and seat another passenger.

Offering Ease and Independence for Wheelchair Users

Minivan and full size accessible van options offer the ease and independence for wheelchair users that most SUVs, trucks and sedans are not able to offer. With these models, wheelchair users can enter, exit, move around and even position themselves in the driver or passenger position independently. Additionally, side-entry models like minivans and full size van options offer wheelchair users the ability to park in most handicapped parking spaces and not fear that their entry or exit will be blocked by another vehicle or oncoming traffic. With rear-entry vehicle models, like many sedans, trucks and SUVs, parking in a standard parking spot may seem like an appealing feature, but the possibility of being blocked by another vehicle or traffic driving behind the vehicle can hinder the wheelchair user from entering or exiting their vehicle.

In addition to vehicle models, wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturers offer many different conversion options that can help a wheelchair user increase their independence. These include features like electronic securement devices, hand controls on the steering column and transfer seats. With wheelchair van model options, wheelchair users can even open and close their minivan sliding door with just one click of a remote control. What could be easier for wheelchair users and their caregivers than that?

The Best Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

At the end of the day, there is no one “best” wheelchair accessible vehicle on the market. That is because “best” is defined by each individual vehicle purchaser and no two wheelchair users will have the exact same definition of what best means to them. So, if you or someone you know is looking for the best wheelchair accessible vehicle the market has to offer, it is best to start by asking a few questions to determine what that means for you or their own unique situation. These could include questions like:

• Will the wheelchair user be the driver? Or, will they just be the passenger?
• If they want to be a passenger, where in the vehicle do they feel most comfortable riding?
• Will other passengers need to be driven around in the vehicle?
• How tall is the wheelchair user while sitting in their chair?
• Does the wheelchair user have a preference on the vehicle model they purchase?