VMi New England Mobility Center
Lowered Floor Wheelchair Van
About Lowered Floor Wheelchair Vans
A lowered-floor wheelchair van is a minivan or full size van that has had the original floor lowered about 10 inches. With the touch of a button the door opens automatically and ramp folds or slides out and the vehicle "kneels" lower to the ground. Wheelchair seating is available in the front driver and passenger areas, and in the mid-passenger center section of the vehicle. The goal of the lowered-floor minivan is to give wheelchair users the convenience of a minivan, along with plenty of headroom and the ease of using a simple ramp to access the vehicle.
There are two ramp options available: the in-floor ramp and the foldout ramp.
With the in-floor ramp option, the ramp is stowed under the floor of the van, leaving the doorway open and clear. The downside to the in-floor ramp option is that tall sidewalk curbs may keep the ramp from deploying.
With the foldout ramp option, the passenger sliding door is blocked for ambulatory passengers when in the stowed position. But because today's minivans are now standard with a driver's side sliding door, this is no longer much of an issue.
The pros of owning an accessible minivan are too great to mention them all. Accessible minivans offer multiple wheelchair positions and are incredibly easy to use for both the transporter and the person driving from their wheelchair. With minivans now as common as almonds in Chico, the once hugely obvious "handicap" vehicle now blends with the rest of the traffic.
Wheelchair Accessible Vans
If you think the field of wheelchair accessible vans is limited to full-sized conversion vehicles, think again. The term encapsulates any vehicle that can be modified to provide easy access for those who use wheelchairs.
That access is usually accomplished by adjusting the “stock” version of the vehicle. That includes modifications designed to facilitate easier wheelchair entry and exit including door height and vehicle height changes. It usually involves the addition of a wheelchair ramp or lift, as well. Other potential conversions include changes to steering and braking systems, suspension alterations, automatic entry systems and countless other interior and exterior customizations.
The Pros of The In-Floor Ramp:
A) With no ramp in the doorway, passengers who are not in wheelchairs can enter and exit the vehicle without having to deploy the ramp.
B) If you’d been bothered by the foldout ramp interfering with the front passenger seat reclining, that issue is eliminated with an in-floor ramp.
C) Out of sight, out of mind! An in-floor ramp is completely concealed, so the interior looks closer than ever to that of a standard Vehicle.
The Cons of The In-Floor Ramp:
A) The in-floor ramp has a slightly higher ramp angle compared to the foldout.
B) Deploying an in-floor ramp onto a high curb could be a problem.
C) An in-floor ramp may require more maintenance because the ramp tends to collect more debris.
The Pro’s of The Fold Out Ramp:
A) If you pull alongside a curb, it’s very easy to deploy a foldout ramp onto the sidewalk.
B) In the case of an emergency, a wheelchair user can always push a foldout ramp until it deploys.
C) Because the ramp is stored upright, less debris is able to get trapped and result in maintenance issues.
D) Compared to the in-floor option, the foldout conversions have a lower ramp angle
The Cons of The Fold Out Ramp:
A) Because the foldout ramp is housed in the doorway when stored, it takes up a small amount of interior space.
B) The ramp can limit the front passenger seat from fully extending in a reclined position.
C) In order to enter or exit on the ramp side of the vehicle, the ramp must be deployed.
The Video Above Displays A Fold Out Ramp in Action.
The Video Below Displays An In-Floor Ramp in Action.
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Automotive Innovations, Inc. makes every effort to ensure that our information on this website is accurate and true. However, Automotive Innovations, Inc. cannot be held responsible for inaccurate information provided by outside sources. Please verify all equipment, price and options before purchase. Vehicle availability is subject to prior sale.
Are you looking for a place to buy, repair and/or service your accessible lowered floor wheelchair van? We can help call us to schedule an appointment today!
We are a one stop shop located in Bridgewater Massachusetts. We provide our customers with access to the custom fitment, service and repair of all the leading mobility wheelchair accessible vehicles. We specialize in installing hand/foot controls and devices that can offer greater freedom and independence. We have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help properly fit you to your new (or existing) handicapped accessible vehicle.We specialize in proper fitment of important features such as transfer seats. We carry brand names such as Chrysler/Dodge, Ford, Honda, Toyota and keep a selection of new and used vehicles in stock and we accept trade in vehicles as well. All of our mobility vehicles offer tie downs and other important safety features as well as the ability to be easily upgraded with EZ Locks and other equipment.
We are a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Whenever you contact one of our Certified Mobility Consultants, you can rest assured that you are contacting a professional team member who will always offer the highest quality service in the business. We adhere to the highest standards in the industry and always provide our customers with the best service possible. Veteran’s are eligible for special benefits; we work directly with the Veterans Administration and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
We understand what your needs and desires are. Contact us today for a demonstration on what our vehicles and equipment can offer to help make your life more mobile and convenient. Our Certified Mobility Consultants will be happy to answer all of your questions and will gladly take the time to discuss the handicapped accessible vehicles and options that you feel might be the best fit to meet and fulfill your mobility needs. We will even come to you, demonstrating our vehicles at your home or place of work.
We’ve been servicing and installing mobility equipment like hand controls, zero effort steering, servo steering systems, servo gas brake, and left foot gas pedals for more than 25 years.
