Tag Archives: Mobility Seating

mobility concept vehicles for wheelchair drivers

“To get something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” ~Unknown

dodge wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles
Were going to change the world one person at a time
Join the revolution
Do you want a 4×4 wheelchair vehicle you can drive?
We have built 4×4 accessible vehicles going all the way back to the 80’s
Want a 4×4 SUV you can drive your wheelchair from?
Want a Ford Explorer SUV that is a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
We can and will build you a concept vehicle you can drive from a wheelchair.
 'Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.'    - -George S. Patton
‘Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.’    – -George S. Patton

One definition of resilience is “the ability to cope with shocks and keep functioning in a satisfying way”. Resilience is about the self organizing capacity of systems. This means the ability to bounce back after disaster, or the ability to transform if a bad stage has happened. Both of these forms of resilience seem relevant to explore in our times, especially in relation to Assistive Driving Technology for Wheelchair Drivers.

Vmi New England and Automotive Innovations as a company is aware of this challenge and has been working on cutting edge wheelchair driving technology since the 80’s

automotive mobility concept vehicle systems
Vmi New England and Automotive Innovations is leading in its study of ever evolving automotive wheelchair driving systems.

wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles

Ford wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles

The way we see it, everyone has a fundamental need to have there own personal transportation, to access anything they need like, clean water, food, fibres and many other goods and services.

For future human development it is essential to understand the contribution each person can make to human livelihoods, health, security and culture if given the chance.

wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles

wheelchair driver and passenger concept vehicles

Resilience thinking is part of the solution, as it thrives at building flexibility and adaptive capacity. People and nature are interdependent. That means, we have to look for collaboration within society to find resilient solutions.

Interdependence between people and nature.

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Exploring the missing links in our imagination
Solutions to find new possibilities in the Assistive Driving Technology require creativity.

Creativity is the answer to missing links in our imagination, at least according to Jim Sanders. They have found a unique way to explore the relationship between current automotive designs, people and technology.
A safe operating vehicle for people in wheelchairs
“In the face of ever evolving change in transportation needs, we need to work together to find safe mobility solutions for humanity. The key is in creative mobility solutions that connect nature with people. Flexible and adaptive strategies will bring us further. By stretching our imagination, we will start to explore the unknown. And by always looking for new combinations of technology, and common sense, we will find the new solutions.” Jim Sanders 2013

Sometimes even the smallest shift in thinking or doing can create the biggest changes in someones lifecan you save trust for a rainy day?necessity is the mother of invention

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driven by the freedom of the choice  to explore the worlds future possibilities

 VMi New England Mobility Center and Automotive Innovations is one of America’s best providers of wheelchair vans, vehicle modifications, and adaptive equipment including hand controls, wheelchair and scooter lifts, ramps, raised doors, lowered floors and specialized gas, brake and steering controls. With hundreds of accessible vehicles available to be custom built for your specific needs, from the industries best manufacturers such as VMI, Eldorado and Braun, at our New England mobility center.   Founded in 1984 and offering the best equipped mobility facility in New England with a unparalleled commitment to offering a broad selection of specialized vehicles and services to meet the needs of every customer. Our facility is also Quality Assurance Program (QAP) certified (first in Massachusetts) through the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), resulting in Automotive Innovations being held to the highest standards in the vehicle modification industry.   We have a strong and committed Veteran sales staff with many decades of experience satisfying our customers’ needs. Feel free to browse our inventory online, visit our huge indoor showroom where every day is a ability expo, request more information about vehicles, set up a test drive or inquire about financing!   Feel free to call upon our friendly Mobility Consultants with any questions you may have about options on wheelchair vans or any of our other products. 508-697-6006We look forward to exceeding your expectations for decades to come!
concept |ˈkänˌsept|nounan abstract idea; a general notion: structuralism is a difficult concept | the concept of justice.• a plan or intention; a conception: the center has kept firmly to its original concept.• an idea or invention to help sell or publicize a commodity: a new concept in corporate hospitality.• Philosophy an idea or mental picture of a group or class of objects formed by combining all their aspects.• [ as modifier ] (of a car or other vehicle) produced as an experimental model to test the viability of new design features.ORIGIN mid 16th cent. (in the sense ‘thought, frame of mind, imagination’): from Latinconceptum ‘something conceived,’ from concept-‘conceived,’ from concipere (see conceive) .
exceed |ikˈsēd|verb [ with obj. ]be greater in number or size than (a quantity, number, or other measurable thing): production costs have exceeded $60,000.• go beyond what is allowed or stipulated by (a set limit, esp. of one’s authority): the Tribunal’s decision clearly exceeds its powers under the statute.• be better than; surpass: catalog sales have exceeded expectations.mobilitynoun1 elderly people may become socially isolated as a result ofrestricted mobility: ability to move, movability,moveableness, motility, vigour, strength, potency.2 the gleeful mobility of Billy’s face: expressiveness,eloquence, animation.3 the mobility of the product: transportability,portability, manoeuvrability.4 an increasing mobility in the workforce: adaptability,flexibility, versatility, adjustability.
freedom |ˈfrēdəm|nounthe power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint: we do have some freedom of choice | he talks of revoking some of the freedoms.• absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government: he was a champion of Irish freedom.• the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved: the shark thrashed its way to freedom.• the state of being physically unrestricted and able to move easily: the shorts have a side split for freedom of movement.• (freedom from) the state of not being subject to or affected by (a particular undesirable thing):government policies to achieve freedom from want.• the power of self-determination attributed to the will; the quality of being independent of fate or necessity.• unrestricted use of something: the dog is happy having the freedom of the house when we are out.• archaic familiarity or openness in speech or behavior.

B&D Independence | Transfer Seats | Mobility Seating

B&D Independence Transfer Seats

Mobility Seat VMi New England Massachusetts

The new B&D Independence leadership series of handicap transfer seats that are equipped with a variety of new benefits. These seats are designed to give you maximum comfort while driving or riding in a handicap accessible vehicle, providing a seamless entry into the vehicle from your wheelchair.

This new leadership series of seat bases includes a 24 month warranty on parts and 12 month limited warranty on labor, providing peace of mind in the event of a product malfunction. They also have a 500 pound total combined weight capacity, test certification to meet various requirements with a semi-integrated seatbelt system, new central wiring distribution channel, repositioned wiring harness, direct vehicle chassis ground system, 12 inch swivel gear for smooth turning, swivel adjustment screw that allows for a 5 degree adjustment, Delrin bearings for quieter operation and stability, an actuator protective cover that prevents objects from falling into the actuator, two position adjustable switch box, application specific part numbers, and a direct mounting system that requires no drilling to operate.

These are just some of the features that make our selection of seat bases one of the best purchases you can make for your accessible vehicle. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger you deserve maximum comfort and there is no reason why your mobility should be limited. Contact us today for more information on how to purchase a new transfer seat.

Transfer Seats for Minivans

The mobility industry converts a wide selection of various minivans, which B&D Independence is proud to support with direct-mount seat bases. These include:

  • Chrysler Town & Country
  • Dodge Grand Caravan
  • Honda Odyssey
  • Toyota Sienna
  • Volkswagen Routan

We also carry seat bases for older minivans conversions such as Ford Freestar, Ford Winstar and Chevy Venture.

Our Products

Leadership 51

The L51 is our most popular model. Designed for lowered minivans, this 6-Way Transfer Seat Base is available for both driver and passenger sides. The 6-Way Transfer Seat moves forward and back, raises up and down, and swivels.

Travel Horizontal: 20”
Travel Vertical: 6 3/8”
Swivel: 100º
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.


Chrysler Town & Country with Braun Entervan Conversion
Honda Odyssey with VMI Conversion
Chrysler Town & Country with Braun Entervan Extra Tall Conversion Dimensions
Length: 33 1/2″
Width: 14 1/4″
Down Height: 6 1/8″ to 8 7/8″
Chrysler Town & Country with VMI Conversion
Toyota Sienna with Braun Rampvan Conversion
Honda Odyssey with Braun Entervan Conversion

 

Leadership 53

The L53 is a 4-Way Transfer Seat for the driver or passenger side. It has similar features as the L51 as it moves forward and back and swivels. This 4-Way Transfer Seat does not raise up and down.

Travel Horizontal: 20”
Swivel: 100º
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.

Dimensions
Length: 33 1/2″
Width: 14 1/4″
Down Height: 6 1/8″ to 7 5/8″

 

Leadership 75

The L75 is a 4-Way Transfer Seat for Chrysler, Dodge and Toyota Mini Vans that have been converted for rear entry or not had the floor altered. This 4-Way Transfer Seat Base does not raise up and down.

Travel Horizontal: 35” to 37”
Swivel: 100º
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.

Dimensions
Length: 55 1/4″
Width: 10 1/2″
Down Height: 3 5/8″ to 5 5/8″
L75 for Rear Entry Minivan

 

Minivan Options (L51, L53, and L75 Models)

180 Degree Swivel: Allows rotation of the seat 180 degrees, so that the user has greater flexibility in how they transfer into and out of the seat.

Trim Package: A set of three covers that match the OEM interior of your vehicle. Providing OEM aesthetic quality and made with ABS material, these covers keep the moving mechanisms of the base concealed and protected. (Available on model L51 only.)

Hand Held Pendant: Our standard Easy Access switchbox with an extended harness and shorter switches, provides the user with increased range of where they place their controller.

Extended Travel: Certain transfer seat base models for the minivan can be extended four inches. Speak with your Dealer to see if your vehicle may qualify for this option.

VMI Ricon | Transfer Seats | Mobility Seating | 6 Way Power Transfer Seat Base

Ricon 6-Way Power Transfer Seat Base™

Ricon powerseat newenglandwheelchairvan.com

The Ricon 6-Way Power Transfer Seat Base provides convenient and time saving transfers from wheelchair to driver or passenger seat. Operation is simple. With the press of a finger, the fully automatic Power Transfer Seat Base swivels 90 degrees with individual controls for front to rear travel and height providing complete control and comfort. Ricon quality assures dependable service.

  • Fingertip control
  • Fits most full-size vans
  • Adaptable to most seats
  • Adjustable to rotate left or right
  • 1-Year limited warranty
  • Completely automatic rotation

* 508-697-6006

For more info contact us at info@newenglandwheelchairvan.com

The 6-way Power Seat Base from Ricon makes transfers from wheelchair to driver’s or passenger’s seat convenient and easy. It saves you valuable time, too. At the touch of a fingertip, the fully automatic Power Seat Base swivels 90 degrees to allow carefree transfers. Individual controls for front to rear travel and height give you complete control and comfort. And with Ricon’s quality commitment, you’ll have dependable freedom for years to come.

Power Seat Base Specifications
Power: Electro – Mechanical
Motor Rating – Vertical: 12 Volt DC, 16 Amp cycle avg. at rated load
Motor Rating – Horizontal: 12 Volt DC, 9 Amp cycle avg. at rated load
Motor Rating – Swivel: 12 Volt DC, 5 Amp cycle avg. at rated load
Rated Load Capacity: 300 lbs. (136kg)
Weight: 95 lbs. (43kg)