Side Entry Lowered Floor Wheelchair Minivan Vehicle Features

• Adaptive driving controls – These hand and foot controls allow wheelchair users to drive the minivans, and must be installed by a dealer. The hand controls operate the vehicle’s brakes and the gas, while foot controls steer the vehicle. Pedal extenders can also be used for people who cannot easily and safely reach the foot controls.  
• Power kneeling – A minivan that has power kneeling will automatically be lowered so that it is closer to the ground when the door is opened and a button is pushed. A low-sloped ramp is then extended for the passengers in wheelchairs allowing them easier access into the minivan. People who have difficulty pushing a wheelchair user up a ramp would benefit from this option if the ramp is short.   
• Removable driver’s seat – The driver’s seat will be removed if the mobility device user wishes to operate the vehicle from his or her wheelchair. If someone besides the person in a wheelchair wishes to drive at other times, this seat can be put back into the minivan.    
• Seatbelt extenders – Seatbelt extenders are necessary for people who require longer seatbelts than those that are supplied with the vehicle to secure wheelchairs inside of the minivans.    
• Tie-downs – In addition to seatbelts, tie-downs must be used when securing wheelchairs in the minivans to ensure passenger safety. People can secure the wheelchair using manual, manual retractable, and auto retractable tie-downs. Auto retractable tie-downs are similar to seatbelts, using tension to keep the wheelchair in place, and extending or retracting easily back to their original positions. A four point tie-down system, in which one tie-down is placed on each corner of the wheelchair at a 45 degree angle and then attached to the floor, is required when not using a docking station.    
• Docking stations – Docking stations are another way to secure a wheelchair in a vehicle. They are easy to use, and simply clip and lock a wheelchair into place. The wheelchair must be outfitted with special brackets or other devices for this action to occur. Wheelchair occupants are also required to use a lap-shoulder belt when using a docking station.