How it works:

The in-floor ramp slides in and out of a pocket built into the floor of the van. When stowed, the ramp is not visible from inside or outside of the minivan. An in-floor ramp comes with automatic controls and doesnt require any manual deployment.

A look inside:

The in-floor ramp provides extra room inside the van, and because its hidden, is more aesthetically pleasing. If there are other people who need access to the van, an in-floor ramp is advantageous since access is not limited from the passenger side.

However, this ramp is not recommended for wheelchair or scooter users who will be alone driving the minivan, as the back-up system to deploy the ramp is not as easy to use from a wheelchair or scooter as the fold-out ramp.

Find a wheelchair van with an in-floor ramp for sale, near you.

Considering an In-Floor Ramp Van

If you’ve begun researching options, you know there are a lot of ways for people in wheelchairs or scooters to access their vehicle. In-floor ramp vans are one possibility; there are also folding ramps and several types and styles of lifts for occupied and unoccupied mobility aids.

If you can make it up and down a ramp, or if you have someone to assist you, it’s may make more sense than a lift. To decide between ramps that fold out or slide in and out of a floor compartment, consider the benefits of each. While both are ultimately great ways to enter and exit your handicapped-accommodating vehicle, one will probably be better suited to your preferences and needs than the other.

Advantages of an In-Floor Ramp Van

Perhaps the best part of an in-floor ramp van is they stow away in a pocket in the floor. They aren’t visible from inside or outside the van. Plus, they don’t take up interior room. They also aren’t any hassle when they aren’t needed. This is in contrast to fold-out ramps, which block the doorway and must be deployed any time you want to use the door. In addition, this style of ramp is fully automated. It doesn’t require any lifting, pulling, pushing or other physical exertion.

Who Should Install an In-Floor Ramp in your Van?

In-floor ramps for vans are perfect for people who use their handicap van with some frequency without the person in a scooter or wheelchair. As mentioned, this style doesn’t obstruct the rear passenger-side door. It doesn’t have to be let down and put back up for people to climb in and out. In-floor storage is also a useful feature if you use the rear interior of your van for moving large items with some regularity.

Additionally, if you often use your handicap van to transport friends, coworkers or other associates, you’ll probably appreciate the invisibility of the in-floor ramp. It’s certainly the most aesthetic option. The ease of operation is also great for people with limited mobility who travel primarily with another elderly or physically limited person. If you and your company can’t easily handle a fold-out model, the in-floor type’s fully automated functionality is ideal.