Used Wheelchair Lift Vans

How is a standard van converted into an accessible van? To make a minivan accessible, it must be altered in such a way as to allow a mobility device to fit in the minivan, get into the minivan and remain in place while the vehicle is in motion.

Wheelchair-Accessible Van Conversion: How It's Done

Because a person sitting in a wheelchair or on a scooter will be taller than a person sitting in a standard passenger seat, the floors of the minivan must be lowered or the roof must be raised to give mobility passengers enough headroom. This change sometimes requires that the fuel system be altered.

A ramp or lift is then installed. This allows the mobility passenger to enter and exit the vehicle easily. A lift works by raising the mobility device up to the level of the floor of the vehicle. A ramp works by creating a slope that the mobility device can be rolled up into the body of the vehicle. Ramps or lifts may be installed at the rear or side door of an accessible van.

"...Ramps or lifts may be installed at the rear or side door of an accessible van....."

Once inside the accessible van, the mobility device must be secured. Tiedowns or lockdowns are installed in the space where the wheelchair will go. These allow the mobility device to be secured to the floor of the vehicle, which should prevent unwanted movement. Seatbelts and other devices may also be used to make sure the passenger is totally secure.

Liberty Motor Company is a Canadian company that has been converting accessible vans since 1998. To find out what new and used minivans Liberty Motor has for sale, call 1.888.578.8886 or send an email to sales@libertymotorco.com.