Vans For Wheelchairs

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be wonderful for those who use mobility aids. Safety is, of course, the most important factor when determining what and where to buy.

How to Ensure Safety with Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles

With a converted van, safety becomes even more important. Since the conversion requires substantial changes to the structure of the vehicle, it is imperative that all the work is done by licensed manufacturers. Make sure that the company the vehicle was purchased from has done extensive tests to guarantee the safety of the workmanship and the equipment. In addition to crash tests to determine the structural integrity of the handicap-accessible van itself, the tiedowns or lockdowns that hold the wheelchair in place must be tested. Also, any other restraint system that involves the wheelchair, such as additional seatbelts, should be tested thoroughly under adverse conditions.

Warranties are another important aspect of safety. Knowing that the equipment will continue to work as promised gives peace of mind. Additionally, if problems do occur, having them corrected will be easier and cheaper. The equipment, the vehicle itself or both may be warrantied. Always find out before purchase what, if any, warranties apply and how to take advantage of them.

Check to see whether the business in question is a member of the National Mobility Equipment Deales Association, or NMEDA. NMEDA membership guarantees a certain level of reliability and gives the buyer recourse if problems arise.

Based in Ontario, Canada, Liberty Motor Company is the leading supplier of wheelchair-accessible vans in North America. They can deliver vans throughout Canada and the United States. For more information on handicap-accessible vans and van conversions, call 1.888.578.8886 or send an email to sales@libertymotorco.com.