Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Handicap Adaptive Vans, Wheelchair Lifts & More

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your Mobility Resource Dealer  knows your needs are specific to your particular situation. Many factors must be considered when deciding which vehicle is best for you. To help you decide, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions. Thank you for visiting The MobilityResource.com!

Are the ramps difficult to operate?

No. Most side-entry minivans are fully automatic. With the push of a button, the power door will open, the van will lower to the ground and the ramp will deploy. Once inside, just push another button to stow the ramp, raise the van and close the door. In no time, you’re on your way easily and safely!

Handicap vans with manual ramps are very easy for your loved one to operate as well. Ramps are built with springs that take much of the weight away from the operator, making stowing and deploying fast, safe and easy. Rear-entry minivans work much the same way as side-entry vans, either fully automatic or assisted manual conversions.

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Which lowered-floor minivan is best for me?

Your needs and goals are specific to you, something your local Mobility Resource Dealer knows. If you are a driver who would like to drive from your wheelchair, the side-entry fold-out ramp may provide the best wheelchair transport solution. The side-entry offers the most flexibility. With removable front seats, the driver can remain in the wheelchair and roll right up into the driver position. Transferring to a factory seat is easy with the addition of a six-way power transfer seat that slides back, turns sideways and raises or lowers to the optimum transfer height. The fold-out ramp allows for an easy exit from the vehicle in case the power ramp fails for any reason.

As both a driver and passenger, the side-entry fold-out ramp with removable front seats allows the wheelchair user or others to access either front seat. The wheelchair user can also ride from the middle position of the van while others sit on the rear sofa. A rear-entry van allows the person in the wheelchair to transfer to the front driver or passenger seat with the addition of a transfer seat, but does not allow access to the front seats with the wheelchair.

If you use a wheelchair and are only going to be a passenger, either the side- or rear-entry van will work, depending on other circumstances.

If you travel alone, the side-entry fold-out ramp may be the best solution as discussed above. However, if others need to access the rear of the vehicle, an in-floor side-entry ramp may be your best bet. The in-floor ramp slides into a compartment below the floor to allow access to the passenger-side sliding-door entry. If an attendant needs to be with the person in the wheelchair, a rear-entry van may allow the wheelchair to roll between the two middle seats of the van, allowing others to sit next to the person in the wheelchair.

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Where can I park my adaptive van?

A rear-entry vehicle allows wheelchair or scooter access to the vehicle in narrow garages and standard parking lots without having to use specially designed parking spaces. However, this is not the best solution if access is required in parallel-parking situations or when needing to access a vehicle parked on the street, especially in inclement weather. In those situations, the side-entry van is a better choice.

It should be noted that larger scooters or tilt-in-space wheelchairs may not have the maneuvering room to turn in a side-entry van. Therefore, the rear-entry may provide the best solution because it involves straight-line entry and egress. Those who can maneuver inside the vehicle and prefer to enter and exit the vehicle in the forward-facing direction may prefer the side-entry.

All these factors and more play an important part in selecting the proper vehicle. The Mobility Resource™ Dealer in your area will share their knowledge with you and help you choose the most appropriate vehicle for your needs. You can also try out different types of adaptive vehicles so that you can be sure you find the right solution to fit your needs.

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Can I drive from my scooter?

No. It is NOT recommended that you ride from the seat of the scooter while in a vehicle. For safe operation, the person in the scooter should always transfer to an automotive seat properly installed in the vehicle. Your local Mobility Resource Dealer can show you the options available to make transferring safe and easy, including the Braun^® transfer seat. A scooter should always be restrained with an appropriate wheelchair tie-down system to secure the scooter in the vehicle in case of a sudden stop, start or turn. If the driver has physical limitations, The Mobility Resource always recommends an evaluation by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) prior to driving. A CDRS can evaluate your physical abilities and prescribe adaptive equipment, if necessary, to allow for a safe driving experience for all.

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Can I drive from my wheelchair?

In many cases, yes! Your local Mobility Resource Dealer has a variety of options that allow you to drive from your wheelchair, including electric tie-down systems, hand controls and more. Transfer seats are also available, allowing the individual to transfer out of the wheelchair into an automotive seat. If the individual with the wheelchair will be transferring to a standard automotive seat once inside the vehicle, then a wheelchair tie-down system will be needed to secure the wheelchair in case of sudden stop, start or turn. If the individual in the chair will be remaining in the wheelchair while traveling, then both a wheelchair restraint system and occupant restraint system will be required. Your local Mobility Resource Dealer  can assess your particular situation and install the required safety systems in your vehicle.

Where does a scooter lift mount?

A swing-arm scooter and wheelchair lift can be mounted in the trunk of most vehicles. There are models designed for the rear doors of most sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles, full-size vans and minivans. Other models are designed for mounting on the driver or passenger side of full-size vans or minivans, sport utility vehicles and some crossover vehicles. Others can mount in the trunk of a sedan.

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What about my pickup truck? Is there a model for me?

Absolutely! Bruno^® Independent Living Aids manufactures scooter carriers and wheelchair lifts specially designed for the bed or cab of most full-size or compact pickup trucks. A variety of outer arms is available to accommodate different cab lengths. This way, the scooter or wheelchair can be placed close to the front door, eliminating the need to go to the back of the truck.

Your lift can be mounted on either the driver- or passenger-side of the truck. Since there are no structural vehicle modifications required, the scooter lift can easily be reinstalled in your next pickup. It will not detract from the value of your current truck at the time of sale. These lifts are designed to remain out in the elements. However, if you need or use a truck cap, a Bruno Pow’r Topper™ can be installed to work with your scooter or wheelchair lift to raise and lower the truck cap as the lift removes or stows your scooter or chair!

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Will a scooter lift fit in my car?

Not all scooters or wheelchairs fit into all vehicles. However, there are a number of scooter lift models and mounting kits available from Bruno. Chances are good that your needs can be accommodated. Talk with your local Mobility Resource Dealer before making any vehicle purchase to find out what works best for you.

Will the scooter lift take up much room?

It depends on the lift and the scooter or wheelchair being stowed. Most interior lifts are designed to fold out of the way when not in use to maximize both visibility and interior storage. Trunk lifts are normally mounted to the side of the trunk, maximizing storage space. Some are even designed to quickly disassemble for maximum space.

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Can I use my scooter lift in more than one vehicle?

There are some detachable scooter lift models that offer an additional tower base that can be mounted in another vehicle. With three simple steps, the lift can be removed and then relocated to the other vehicle.

What happens when I sell my vehicle?

There are no structural modifications done to your vehicle when the scooter lift is installed. Therefore, it can be easily removed from your vehicle upon resale. And because there are hundreds of mounting kits available, it’s possible your current lift can be installed in your new vehicle.

As always, talk with your local Mobility Resource Dealer before making any vehicle purchase to find out what works best for you.

Can I mount the scooter lift to the hitch on my vehicle?

There is a lift available that can be mounted outside the vehicle to a class II or class III hitch (not included). The platform automatically folds when not in use. An optional Swing-Away is available to allow access to the rear of the vehicle. A standard-lighted license plate holder and a third brake light are included for additional safety.

The vehicle seat is too high for me to climb up to. What can I do?

With the Bruno Turning Automotive Seating system, the seat not only turns out of the vehicle, but can also lower to a comfortable height, making it easy to sit or get up from the vehicle seat. Once seated, it will lift you into the vehicle. Let the Bruno turning car seat do the work while you just enjoy the ride!

With the TAS, I can now easily get into my vehicle, but what about my scooter or wheelchair?

The Mobility Resource Dealer in your area has solutions for easily stowing your wheelchair or scooter. Go to Making an Informed Purchase, read about our wheelchair or scooter lifts, or learn about converting a van to accommodate a wheelchair lift.

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Is the Turning Automotive Seat safe?

Yes. The Turning Automotive Seat meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. All Mobility Resource Dealers are factory-trained for sales, installation and service.

What if I want to change vehicles?

There are no structural modifications made to your vehicle when installing a Turning Automotive Seat. Therefore, it can reinstall in your next vehicle. It will not affect the resale of your current vehicle because the original seat can be reinstalled.

How do I know what type of hand controls I need?

A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) is trained to evaluate your situation and determine the best equipment for your needs. They will be able to write a prescription for the car hand controls required for you to safely operate your motor vehicle. The CDRS will also provide the proper training on the equipment to make sure you are comfortable being on the road again. Your Mobility Resource Dealer  can direct you to the CDRS in your area.

Can someone else drive my vehicle if I install hand controls?

Usually, yes. Most hand controls are designed so that they don’t interfere with the regular operation of the vehicle. You or your loved one can alternately drive the vehicle safely and comfortably. Only the most advanced drive-by-wire systems eliminate the ability to operate the vehicle in the standard fashion. Talk with your local Mobility Resource Dealer before making any vehicle purchase to discuss your particular needs as well as those of others who will be driving the vehicle.

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Are there hand controls for my vehicle?

Driving controls are available for most vehicles, including cars, minivans and full-size vans, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles and wagons. However, the type you need may not be available for ALL vehicles. Talk with your local Mobility Resource Dealer before making any vehicle purchase to find out what works best for you.

I had a stroke. Can hand controls help me?

Yes. Many stroke victims have regained their independence with the help of driving controls. Adapting the hand controls for the side of the body unaffected by the stroke is possible. A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) and your local Mobility Resource Dealer can evaluate you to determine which controls you need in order to drive safely.

What if I want to change vehicles?

Many hand controls can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle with the correct mounting kit. The only exception is the drive-by-wire systems. Be sure to talk with your local Mobility Resource Dealer before transferring your hand controls.

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