Answer: A wheelchair-accessible van is a vehicle that has been modified by increasing the interior size of the vehicle and equipping it with a means of wheelchair entry, such as a wheelchair ramp or powered lift.

Answer: A vehicle is converted through a process of removing the interior, lowering the floor and/or raising the roof and adding a ramp or a lift. Then, the technicians replace the seats, floor, etc. back into the vehicle and finally, the exterior is repainted. Watch this BraunAbility video for a demonstration of how a van is converted into a wheelchair accessible van.

Answer: You have to choose the wheelchair van that best fits your personal mobility needs

It’s easier to pick up or drop off a passenger in a wheelchair curbside with a side-entry wheelchair van. If the van has a ramp for exit and entry, an accessible parking space is ideal to accommodate the extra width needed to enter and exit the wheelchair van. Side-entry wheelchair vans typically have seats that can be removed as needed. Side-entry wheelchair vans allow the wheelchair user to have more options, they can ride as a passenger or drive. Side-entry wheelchair vans are a good choice for wheelchair users who want to be in the driver’s seat.

Rear-Entry: Rear entry wheelchair vans feature a lowered area in the rear to accommodate the wheelchair and a foldout ramp. The middle seats can remain unmodified and allow for seating for other passengers. Rear-entry wheelchair vans are typically less expensive than side-entry wheelchair vans. With a rear-entry wheelchair van, the option to drive from your wheelchair does not exist. Parking on a hill is more challenging, as is parallel parking, since you need extra room in the rear for the wheelchair user to be able to enter and exit the vehicle.

Answer: No. The conversion of a van, truck or SUV into a wheelchair accessible vehicle does not change the typical warranty when you go through our conversion manufacturers (such as BraunAbility or VMI). If you are purchasing a new vehicle, the warranty works the same as if you purchased a non-converted vehicle. If you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, the warranty transfers to the new owner throughout the remaining life of the vehicle’s warranty.

Answer: Medicare Part B is the only part of Medicare that might cover a wheelchair van only because it allows for coverage of durable medical equipment (DME). Typically, this is not an expense that is covered by Medicare. Check the Medicare.gov website for current information and coverage.

Answer: Yes, purchasing a wheelchair van can be expensive. Finding funding for these purchases can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. The Mobility Specialists at United Access are knowledgeable of all the rebate programs and funding options available to you when you are ready to purchase your next wheelchair van.

Answer: Yes. The Veterans’ Administration offers a one-time veterans automobile grant of $21,488.29 for 100% Service Connected Veterans that meet stringent guidelines. Veterans who are 100% Service Connected are eligible for two handicap vehicle conversions every four years or one every two years. Veterans that trade their modified vehicle in every two years typically have less out-of-pocket expense getting into a new wheelchair van than a veteran that trades at a later date. Veterans and service members can apply for the automobile and/or the special adaptive equipment grant by completing VA Form 21-4502. The Mobility Specialists at United Access work closely the local VA offices to make sure we have the most up to date information to help you through this purchase.