Wheelchair Lift Vans

Wheelchair-accessible vans can be fitted with either a ramp or a lift. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of accessibility conversion.

Are Lifts or Ramps Better in Accessible Vans?

A lift can be used in an accessible van to move a person in a mobility aid up to the level of the vehicle to make maneuvering into the vehicle easier. A lift may also be used to put a wheelchair or scooter into the trunk of the vehicle to make storage easier. They are good because they don't require that the user have the strength to put the mobility device into the vehicle. One downside to this type of addition is that a lift requires extra power to move it up and down. Another is that the complex mechanized parts can break or wear out easily through repeated use.

A ramp, on the other hand, does not generally have any mechanized parts. This means they will last longer. In fact, some ramp constructions come with lifetime warranties. They also don't require an additional power source. On the downside, a ramp must be moved into place by the user. This can be difficult for the person using a mobility device. Because of this, it is a good option for an accessible van in which the person with limited mobility is always a passenger.

Liberty Motor Company sells new and used rear- and side-entry wheelchair-accessible minivans and van conversions. Call 1.888.578.8886 or send an email to sales@libertymotorco.com to find out about Liberty Motor's lifetime warranty on rear-entry van conversions.