Handicap Minivan

A handicap minivan is an altered minivan which provides handicap accessibility options to those people who need this assistance. Modern minivan models already come with many automated features, such as automatic opening and closing side and rear doors, which make these vehicles ideally suited to be converted to a handicapped accessible vehicle. Adding a side entry or rear entry lift ramp is one modification which can be made to allow the handicap person the ability to drive their scooter or wheel chair directly into the vehicle without have to get up and try to climb into the vehicle.

When selecting adaptive equipment options, like rear or side entry lift ramps, you should find a handicap minivan which matches your parking habits. If you have to parallel park in most areas and have a large garage or parking space at home, then a side entry lift is better. However, if you have a small parking space, or do not have to worry about having the rear of the vehicle being blocked, then a rear entry lift may suit your needs.

Another option found in a handicap minivan is turning automatic seating features. These special seats will turn to face the door, move out of the vehicle making getting into and out of the vehicle easier without having to twist and turn your body. Swivel turning seats are available for both the passenger and driver side seats. Optional features found in this type of seating include the lift up seats. This additional feature will raise and lower the seat once it moves out of the vehicle, making transferring simple as sitting down.

If you are wheel chair bound, another seating option found in a handicap minivan is a special automotive seat, incorporated into a wheel chair. This type of seat is a lift out seat which is lowered onto the wheel chair base and once secured, does not require the person to have to bring along a separate wheel chair for trips around town. Your driver will not have to worry about you falling when attempting to transfer and will make it easier them to get you into and out of the vehicle.

Should you still be able to operate a motor vehicle, but find it difficult pushing on the gas or brake pedals, you can look into driving control options found on a handicap minivan. There are special levers which are placed on the steering column and within reach of the steering wheel to control gas and brakes allowing you to use your hands, instead of your feet to drive the vehicle. If you have problems with arthritis or other conditions which make grasping and holding objects difficult, there are electronic controls also available which use a joystick to control steering and electronic controls for the gas and brakes.

You can find a handicap minivan using resources available online at The Mobility Resource, which offers access to dealerships in your area, which are current on all federal safety laws and regulations. The site also has access to mobility resources and financial assistance and provides needs assessment to find the handicap vehicle for your individual situation.