¶ Introduction
Accessible vehicles are those that are designed to receive a passenger that has a disability, typically while remaining in their wheelchair.
Most accessible vehicles are based on regular production minivans or full-size vans which are then modified, sometimes significantly, to support the loading and unloading of a wheelchair with a passenger in it.
2011-2020 Toyota Sienna van converted by BraunAbility. Note the lower underbelly and increased ride height (raised suspension) to restore ground clearance.
¶ Start using when…
Anytime; accessible vehicles are useful to those who are able-bodied as well as any level of disability due to ALS
¶ Stop using when…
∞
¶ Entry
Loading and unloading the wheelchair involves driving (or being pushed) up a ramp that folds out, or onto an elevator that raises and lowers the chair. Such systems may be mounted to the side of the vehicle, or to the rear.
¶ Side Entry
Side entry systems are installed on the passenger side of the vehicle, behind the front row seats. Elevators or folding ramp systems are used, depending on the model of vehicle.
Side entry systems may pose greater challenges in confined areas, such as parking garages. However, a side entry system may be safer when parked on along the side of the road.
Side entry wheelchair van with ramp deployed.
¶ Rear Entry
Minivans such as a Dodge Grand Caravan or Toyota Sienna are modified by having a large channel cut into the floor, which has a ramp at the end that folds out. Vans of this type will have an increased ride height, at least at the rear, to prevent the suspension from coming into contact with the channel.
Vans which use a ladder frame construction, such as full-size Ford E-Series vans, will have an unmodified floor and instead have a raised roof placed on top of the bodywork. These vans are often based on camper conversions. An electrically-powered hydraulic wheelchair elevator is used to raise and lower the wheelchair into the rear of the van.
2007 Ford E250 camper conversion van with rear-loading wheelchair lift.
¶ Loading and parking
Loading times for vans with a loading ramp or an elevator are relatively similar.
A loading ramp will still work if the vehicle is not running or has a dead battery, whereas an elevator requires power from the vehicle. The vehicle must be left running during operation of the elevator to prevent draining the battery; this may be a disadvantage if loading and unloading is in a confined space such as an apartment parking garage, where the accumulation exhaust fumes could be an issue.
Vans with a raised roof are typically very tall; some are incapable of fitting in parking garages or through drive-thrus.
¶ Headroom
Headroom is a significant concern with accessible vehicles, especially during loading and unloading. Wheelchairs are typically much taller than the seats that come installed in the vehicle itself. This is especially true for power wheelchairs that have a seat elevator, as even at the lowest height, they are typically taller than wheelchairs without this feature.
Headroom is often scarce during loading.
¶ Visibility
An individual riding in a power wheelchair may not be able to see ahead due to the rake of the vehicle or shape of the roofline obstructing forward visibility from the rear.
¶ Ride quality and handling
Ride quality in accessible vehicles based on light-duty minivans is generally comparable to their unmodified counterparts. Handling may be somewhat affected by the increased ride height.
Full-size vans may have unsatisfactory ride quality unless changes have been made by the installer of the wheelchair lift. These vehicles often specify very high tire pressures (e.g. 80 psi), in accordance with their maximum load ratings. These tire pressures can in most cases be reduced somewhat when it is known that the van is not going to be loaded with cargo so heavy as to reach the maximum capacity of the vehicle. Reducing the tire pressure can have a significant positive effect on ride quality. Consult the owner's manual or manufacturer for safe tire pressures based on the load that the vehicle will be carrying. Aftermarket shock absorbers that are specifically tuned for enhanced ride quality can improve comfort further, as can softer spring packs.
¶ Hitch accessories and towing
Towing is only possible on vehicles that are still able to mount a hitch receiver. However, the trailer itself (or a hitch accessory, such as a bumper basket), and the drawbar in the receiver would need to be disconnected in order to permit elevator or ramp operation. This could add significant time to the process of unloading the passenger from the vehicle.
¶ Resale value
Vans with wheelchair elevators are generally able to be converted back into a standard van with a raised roof, which could then be reused or sold as a camper conversion. The wheelchair elevator itself could be sold independently.
Minivans with sunken floors have irreversible modifications and will forever be wheelchair vans with no other useful purpose.