Tag Archives: rear entry

Adaptive Q&A

With such a wide variety of adaptive vehicle equipment available, selecting the appropriate features or modifications can become big task. In an effort to facilitate this process, here are the responses to some of the most frequently asked mobility equipment questions.

Are ramps difficult to operate?
Most vans equipped with side-entry mobility equipment are fully automatic. The seamless loading and unloading process can be as simple as pushing a button. Vans can be converted to automatically open their doors, lower to the curb and deploy or stow a ramp without the driver or passengers needing to work with any equipment. Manual options are also available, however these are also very easy to use. Built with springs that carry most of the ramp’s weight, manual ramp options are also quick, safe and simple to use solutions.

Can I drive from my wheelchair?
In many cases, it is possible for drivers with disabilities and the need for a wheelchair to avoid transferring by properly securing their chair and themselves within the vehicle. With the use of both a wheelchair tie-down system and occupant restraints, driving from a wheelchair can be a safe and convenient option.

Can I drive from my scooter?
Operating or riding a vehicle from scooter is not recommended. In order to remain safe while traveling, passengers or drivers in scooters should always transfer into vehicle seating. Turning or swivel seats can make the transfer process easier and less demanding on those with limited mobility or access to caregiver assistance. Scooters should also be properly secured with a tie-down system to prevent movement in case of a sudden stop or turn.

Side entry vs. rear entry – which is best for me?
There are a few things to consider when deciding between a side entry and a rear entry vehicle. Passengers who are not going to be driving the vehicle typically use rear entry vehicles. Side entry vehicles work well for drivers and co-pilots getting in to the front of the vehicle, as well as passengers. Depending on the parking conditions of your regularly visited establishments, your vehicle’s entry points may need to be redefined. If you often need to parallel park or live in a region that experiences recurring inclement weather, a side-entry vehicle will prove to be a better option for your needs. These are only a few of the deciding factors when it comes to choosing between side and rear-entry.

Can someone else drive my vehicle if I install hand controls?
In most cases, both able-bodied drivers and those with disabilities can comfortably operate vehicles adapted with hand controls. Most hand controls do not interfere with the way a manufacturer intended the vehicle to be driven.

Wheelchair Van Conversion Styles: Side-Entry Vs. Rear-Entry

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There are several wheelchair accessible van conversion styles you’ll want to consider when choosing the right mobility solution for you. One decision you’ll have to make is to choose between a side-entry wheelchair van and a rear-entry wheelchair accessible van.

Side-Entry Vs. Rear-Entry Wheelchair Vans
One of the most important choices you’ll make in selecting a handicap accessible wheelchair van is side entry versus rear entry. Your choice will impact such things as the wheelchair seating positions, your ability to accommodate other passengers, and parking options. Side-entry wheelchair vans represent the majority of the market—over 75% for most personal use vehicles. However, rear-entry wheelchair vans are also gaining in popularity as more products become available. Here is a look at some key points you’ll want to be aware of.

Style	Side-entry wheelchair minivans	Rear-entry wheelchair minivans
Advantages	Enter and exit safely onto curbside away from traffic Drive from a wheelchair or sit in the front passenger position in a wheelchair or driver position More choices available More storage space	Park in any parking space—no extra room required for ramp (excluding parallel parking) Side passenger doors aren’t blocked by a ramp Mid-passenger seats can be mounted next to the wheelchair position Great for long wheelchairs/leg rests Less expensive conversion More ground clearance
Important options	Power ramp and doors Power kneeling system In-floor ramp or fold-up ramp (some ramps are manual)	Power ramp and doors Power kneeling system Driver swivel seats available Manual conversion available
Limitations	Requires handicap parking space/extra room for ramp deployment Some driveways aren’t wide enough to accommodate a van	Must exit and enter from traffic area It is not possible to drive from the wheelchair and/or having the wheelchair in the front passenger position Less storage space available
Conversion price	$19,000-$25,000* *Cost of conversion only (vehicle cost is additional).	$17,000-$22,000* *Cost of conversion only (vehicle cost is additional).

Rear-Entry Vs. Side-Entry Handicap Accessible Minivans

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VS.

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.

Wheelchair Van Ramp Information

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Wheelchair ramp information
There are two types of wheelchair ramps, the in-floor ramp and the fold out ramp.

In-floor ramps are stored inside the floor of the van so that it is out of the way and allows more access space inside the cabin.

The Pros of The In-Floor Ramp:

With no ramp in the doorway, passengers who are not in wheelchairs can enter and exit the vehicle without having to deploy the ramp.
If you’d been bothered by the foldout ramp interfering with the front passenger seat reclining, that issue is eliminated with an in-floor ramp.
Out of sight, out of mind! An in-floor ramp is completely concealed, so the interior looks closer than ever to that of a standard Vehicle.

The Cons of The In-Floor Ramp:

The in-floor ramp has a slightly higher ramp angle compared to the foldout.
Deploying an in-floor ramp onto a high curb could be a problem.
An in-floor ramp may require more maintenance because the ramp tends to collect more debris.

Fold out ramps are stored folded up inside of the cabin which reduces the Cabin space, but does allow a lower

The Pro’s of The Fold Out Ramp:

If you pull alongside a curb, it’s very easy to deploy a foldout ramp onto the sidewalk.
In the case of an emergency, a wheelchair user can always push a foldout ramp until it deploys.
Because the ramp is stored upright, less debris is able to get trapped and result in maintenance issues.
Compared to the in-floor option, the foldout conversions have a lower ramp angle

The Cons of The Fold Out Ramp:

Because the foldout ramp is housed in the doorway when stored, it takes up a small amount of interior space.
The ramp can limit the front passenger seat from fully extending in a reclined position.
In order to enter or exit on the ramp side of the vehicle, the ramp must be deployed.

You Have Other Choices, Too

Side Entry Ramp 
At the risk of stating the obvious, the side entry ramp deploys from the side of the van rather than the back. The side entry ramp is deployed after the power-operated door on the side of the van slides open. Ramps can be automatically activated or manually opened and closed. For maximum safety, a power ramp should have a manual override in case of a power failure. All AMS side entry ramps are automated, with a manual override, and operation by remote control or controls inside and outside the door.

A side ramp can present a problem if you park in a two-car garage or in a non-handicap-accessible parking space, because you won’t have enough room to deploy the ramp properly. That said, they work beautifully in handicap parking spaces and won’t require you to open the ramp into oncoming traffic.

Rear Entry Ramp
Usually less costly than a side ramp conversion, the rear entry ramp wheelchair van deploys from the back of the van and is typically better suited for the wheelchair user who prefers to sit in the middle or back of the vehicle. Manual operation is the standard for rear entry ramps, which accounts for the lower cost, but automated rear entry ramps are available. Long-channel rear entry ramps can accommodate two wheelchair users in a minivan. Rear entry ramps can be hazardous in some parking situations if you have to deploy the ramp into a lane of traffic.

Portable Ramp 
A lightweight, portable ramp offers flexibility in that you can use it for vehicle access as well as access to homes and buildings without handicap access. A portable ramp includes the same safety features (non-slip surface, side guards) as a permanently installed ramp, and these ramps typically fold up for easy portability.

Channel/Track Ramps
Instead of one wide ramp, economical channel or track ramps have two ramps with slip-proof channels, with each one wide enough to accommodate one wheel of a wheelchair. Also portable, track ramps can be adjusted to accommodate wheelchairs of any width simply by spreading them further apart.

What to Look For in a Wheelchair Ramp
Wheelchair accessible ramp designs vary, but there are a few things to look for in a ramp that affect your safety and ease of use. As always, price is a factor. That said, some of these features are, or should be, non-negotiable.

Non-Slip Surface 
Also called an anti-slip surface or non-skid surface, a non-slip surface can be painted on or applied, like a rubberized coating. The need for a non-slip surface is indisputable, and most wheelchair van ramps are treated in some way to prevent slips and skids.

Sufficient Width
Wheelchairs come in different widths, and so do accessible van ramps. Make sure the ramp on your chosen van is more than wide enough to accommodate your wheelchair.

Side Guard/Lip Side guards (or lips) on either side of the ramp help prevent your wheelchair from falling over the edge of the ramp during entry or exit.

Maximum Weight 
Wheelchair ramps have weight limits, and they vary, though most ramps can handle several hundred pounds. Always ask. Take both your weight plus the weight of the wheelchair into consideration.

Degree of Incline 
A lower incline or slope means an easier climb up the ramp. The ADA recommends a 2:12 slope, which means every 2″ of vertical rise requires one foot of ramp (9.5 degrees of incline).

Manual/Motorized
An onboard ramp can be manually operated or automated to deploy and retract at the push of a button. An automated ramp adds to the price of the conversion; if you choose an automated ramp, make sure it has manual back-up. If, for some reason, the vehicle loses power, you’ll still be able to enter and exit.

Things Parents Should Know About Accessible Vans

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As with any product that’s been around a while, wheelchair vans have evolved in a number of ways, with a variety of conversion designs and peripheral equipment like wheelchair tie-downs, portable/removable seats, and powered ramps with manual override. Overall, today’s accessible vans are more reliable, easier than ever to use, and safer.

If your child’s disability requires a wheelchair, and you’re in the market for accessible transportation, here are some important guidelines to help you shop:

One Size Doesn’t Fit All
A wheelchair van, whether it’s transporting an adult or a child, is tailored as much as possible to the physical requirements of the wheelchair user, with family lifestyle and budget taken into consideration as well.

You can always start your search for wheelchair vans online but will want to visit a local Mobility Center, you’ll work with a mobility consultant, whose expertise will guide you through the process, pointing out the technical differences between rear entry access and side entry access, the variety of wheelchair positions inside the cabin, ramp deployment possibilities, and special seating options.

The Child’s Size
A consultant at a reputable online dealership or local dealership will be incredibly thorough in compiling the details (like wheelchair width and height, your child’s height while sitting in the wheelchair, and other essential information), which should help identify the perfect van for your family.

Your child’s age and size are factors, too. If your child is a tall, brawny teenager with a permanent sports injury, a rear entry wheelchair accessible minivan should work better because of its wider and higher opening.

The Family’s Size
Consider the size of your family. A big family (5-7 children) might need the extra room provided by a full-size van. For smaller families, an adapted minivan should work beautifully, and both vehicle styles can be equipped for wheelchair accessibility. Keep in mind that even an only child will have friends who will join you for an occasional outing. With the right seating configuration, a side-entry minivan can transport up to seven (7) passengers (assuming two or three are youngsters).

The Child’s Condition
Along with wheelchair size, your child’s condition has tremendous bearing on vehicle selection. When a child with limited mobility travels with a ventilator or feeding tube, the vehicle must accommodate it. In such situations, rear entry access is often the better option.

Side entry vans require the wheelchair user to maneuver into position; an operating ventilator or feeding tube on an independent portable stand can easily make positioning awkward. Rear entry access eliminates the need to maneuver–the wheelchair and ancillary equipment roll directly into position from the back of the van.

Make sure the above determinants—wheelchair dimensions, your child’s specific physical attributes, family size and lifestyle—are addressed by the mobility consultant to zero in on the best-suited van.

Seating That Makes Sense
The van’s seating configuration should be based on the condition of your child and how you’d prefer to interact while in the van.

Seating For a Caretaker
If you or a caretaker needs to assist him or her, it would be helpful to have a seat right next to the wheelchair, as the front passenger seat can make interaction awkward.

The Front Passenger Seat
Now is a good time to talk about the front-passenger seat, which can be adapted for portability, so you can remove it completely. With a wheelchair docking system installed, the coveted front-passenger position is wheelchair-ready.

That said, size definitely matters here. The laws in some states restrict the size of a child riding in that position, with a typical recommendation of 50 lbs.+ and the ability to tolerate the force of a deployed airbag. A child with a frail or sensitive physical condition should be seated in the middle of the cabin for safety. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s seat-belt laws for wheelchair passengers.

Part of the Fun
When there are several passengers in the van, middle seating in the cabin would put your child at the center of attention and always part of the fun. The side entry accessible van has an array of configuration possibilities, including jump seats and the potential for passenger seating in front, alongside, and behind the guest of honor in any accessible van.

Focus on the Future
As you explore the different wheelchair van conversions, plan for the future. How old is your child, and is he or she still growing? You’ll want to prolong the serviceability of this particular investment for many years, with as few—if any—adjustments as possible as your child grows.

At some point, your child will be eligible to ride in the front-passenger position, so you might want to arrange for a portable/removable front-passenger seat at the time of purchase. Consider the changes that may come over time, and discuss them with your mobility consultant.

You’re now better prepared to choose the ideal wheelchair van for your child and family, with essential features to research and questions to ask your mobility consultant. Go forth and shop!