Tag Archives: rear entry vers side entry

The Advantages of a Rear Entry Wheelchair Van Over a Side Entry Model

Leave a reply

The Advantages of a Rear Entry Van Over a Side Entry Model

rear entry wheelchair van advantages newenglandwheelchairvan.com

Rear Entry Wheelchair Vans

One of the biggest decisions that any van conversion customer will make is whether to place the vehicle’s ramp in the rear or on the side of the vehicle. This decision has some pretty big implications, including how easy it is to maneuver inside the cabin, overall cost and consideration for additional passengers. When choosing between these two popular options for handicap accessible vans, consumers should keep in mind the unique and distinct benefits of choosing a rear entry van over one of our side-access models.

Greater Accessibility and Ease of Userear entry wheelchair van newenglandwheelchairvan.com51

The benefits that come from a rear entry van are pretty big when it comes to both usability and accessibility. First and foremost, accessing the van from the rear actually allows for a wider ramp and a wider opening for access to the van, which is perfect for bulkier power chair models. In addition, rear access means that the actual access ramp itself can be longer, allowing an easier climb into the vehicle. And, because no side clearance is required, customers can park anywhere–even outside of the typical handicap parking space–without encountering maneuverability or space issues.

New and Used Handicap Vans with Rear Entry:

Less Conversion, Lower Cost

rear entry wheelchair van newenglandwheelchairvan.com

A rear entry van actually requires a less complex conversion process and is therefore much more affordable for customers to purchase. Unlike a side conversion, the process of installing a longer access ramp in the rear of the vehicle is relatively simple and straightforward, and the greater amount of space in the rear of the vehicle allows for a quicker and simpler conversion process overall. It’s the kind of common-sense conversion process that saves customers money up-front, and ample amounts of time every time they use the vehicle on their own. It also means that the vehicle itself is closer to the original look and feel of its non-converted counterpart, which is a nice touch.

Increased Clearance with a Rear Entry Van

2013 dodge rear entry wheelchair van newenglandwheelchairvan.com

While side-entry used handicap vans only grant about three or four inches of ground clearance, purchasing a rear entry van conversion actually gives the vehicle seven to eight inches of clearance. That promotes enhanced usability and the vehicle’s long-lasting integrity, which is key when buying a conversion in the first place. Making sure that the conversion is usable, and the vehicle is optimally designed, are the two most important things to consider when choosing a conversion overall.

 Call us at 508-697-6006 with your rear entry wheelchair van questions

Rear Entry wheelchair mini vans and transfer seats.

Leave a reply
 
One thing our customers have always asked for was an easy way to get wheelchair passengers into the front seats. So our engineers went to the people at B&D Independence, Inc. and they came up with a very attractive and functional solution. With the second row sliding door open, the custom rear entry mini van transfer seat has a full 36″ of movement forward and back, and a full 100 degrees of rotation. The OEM seat also retains 100% functionality of the recline and sliding track features. The VMi New England Mobility Center transfer seat offers wheelchair passengers the ability to get in the drivers seat, or front passenger seat safely and easily.The transfer seat is controlled by two switches on the inboard side of the seat, for passenger and driver respectively. B&D Independence, Inc. also offers a handheld pendant to control the seat, which gives customers a choice when choosing their controls.

One of our core values at VMi New England Mobility Center is that quality mobility equipment shouldn’t be expensive. By providing accessible front row seating without lowering the front floor of the vehicle, we are able to not only save costs, but also maintain the strength of the front OEM vehicle frame. By intruding less on the vehicle frame, we are also able to offer a reliable mobility solution that will provide years of uninterrupted service.

Full specs on the Leadership L75 transfer seat by B&D Independence, Inc. can be found by clicking here .

Rear-Entry Vs. Side-Entry Handicap Accessible Minivans

Leave a reply

One of the most significant decisions you will make in the purchase of a wheelchair van is whether to put the wheelchair access ramp on the side or in the rear of the vehicle. Both are great options and like anything else, there are pros and cons to each. Your own personal preferences and the environment in which you travel and live will have the greatest impact on your choice between the two. In addition, budget may also prove to be a consideration in your decision making process as well.

Rear-Entry Wheelchair Vans

To make a minivan rear-entry accessible, the mobility converter cuts out the center of the floor, 30” wide and 10” deep, from the rear bumper up to either the back of the middle seat or the back of the front seat. A new lowered section is then welded in and finished with the rest of the conversion.

Advantages of Rear-Entry Vans

  • Less Expensive: A rear-entry conversion method affects a smaller area of the vehicle and has less impact on the structural integrity of the minivan. For these reasons, rear-entry conversions are significantly less expensive than similar side-entry conversions.
  • Depending on the conversions it may or may not have better Ground Clearance: Although the floor is lowered with a rear-entry vehicle, there are no modifications done to the sides. In addition, a rear-entry conversion is raised higher in the back. Therefore, greater ground clearance results in more space than on a side-entry van.
  • Ease of Entry but not Exit: When you enter a rear-entry minivan, there is no turning around (there isn’t enough room) to get the wheelchair into the traveling position. All that is needed is for a person to simply move up as far as required to get into their wheelchair securement device. The down side is you have to back out and down the ramp. For individuals with exceptionally long wheelchairs or conditions requiring extended legs or tilted backs, this is especially valuable.
  • Tight Parking: A rear entry wheelchair minivan maybe able to park in regular, non-accessible parking spaces and garages if required. With the wheelchair ramp in the rear, no extra side room is required. But now you have to exit the vehicle into traffic. A rear-entry vehicle is also helpful in situations where double parking is required for loading and unloading.

Disadvantages of Rear-Entry Vans

  • Limited Parallel Parking: The rear-entry vehicle makes loading or unloading wheelchair passengers while parallel-parked impossible. Parking on the end of the street or loading or unloading on the street before moving into a parking spot would be the only feasible options.
  • Wheelchair Pilot or Co-Pilot Seating Unavailable: Rear-entry accessibility does not allow the person operating the wheelchair to sit in the pilot or co-pilot seat because the floor is only lower to just behind the front seats. Instead they must sit in the second or third row of the van unless they are able to transfer from their wheelchair into the second row to the front passenger seat.

Side-Entry Wheelchair Vans

To make a minivan side-entry accessible, the mobility converter lowers the floor between 10-15” from the rear bench seat all the way forward, referred to as a firewall, or in some cases to just behind the front seats. Therefore, with a side-entry van, a wheelchair operator can move into the pilot or co-pilot position more easily.

Advantages of Side-Entry Vans

  • Parallel Parking: The side-entry accessible van is not affected by parallel parking. Passengers in wheelchairs can still get in and out of the vehicle parked parallel to a curb, which is helpful for people who live in the city or a neighborhood where parking lots are not available.
  • Pilot and/or Co-Pilot Capability/Compatibility: The side-entry allows the wheelchair operator to drive or ride in the passenger seat. Pilot and co-pilot compatibility is an important feature for couples who wish to ride in the front together or for families with wheelchair operators that drive.

Disadvantages of Side-Entry Vans

  • Inside Space Limited: Space is limited for large really long wheelchairs.

VMi New England consultants can help you access your needs and determine if a side-entry or rear-entry van is suitable for you.