Tag Archives: wheelchair vans

Wheelchair Vans, Accessible Cars, and Wheelchair Accessible SUVs…Proudly built just for you!

VMi New England has been building and selling the safest, most affordable, and reliable wheelchair vans, mobility cars and accessible SUVs for over 25 years! Our FREE, at-home product demonstration program takes the stress out of purchasing an accessible vehicle and will ensure you get the perfect van for your needs. Our factory direct pricing will save you thousands over purchasing from a internet dealer. When you see a VMi New England wheelchair van for sale on our website, you know you’re getting the safest and most reliable handicap accessible vehicle on the mobility market today. Buy factory direct and save!

Our success is measured by our customers’ happiness…

VMi New England’s mission is providing you with the perfect new or used wheelchair van or handicap accessible vehicle, based on your individual mobility needs, and our entire inventory of new and used handicapped vans come standard with the most comprehensive mobility conversion warranty in the industry. With our vans, you’re purchasing a handicap van or accessible car directly from a manufacturer at factory direct pricing, and while a internet mobility dealer or car dealer may mark up a wheelchair van or wheelchair lift thousands of dollars, we pass our factory direct savings directly on to you, our customers.

Free at-home product demonstrations and nationwide delivery! We offer you the freedom to make the purchase of wheelchair vans, handicap vans, scooter accessible vans, and mobility vehicles easier than it’s ever been before…

The right wheelchair accessible vehicle at the right price…We offer FREE, at-home mobility vehicle demonstrations and substantial factory direct savings. Our mobility consultants will bring the wheelchair conversion you’re interested in directly to your home and provide a custom fitting and mobility consultation with both you and your family…all in the comfort of your own driveway! Or you have the option to come to our facility and test out new and used, Honda, Toyota, Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen and Ford wheelchair vans Whether you’re interested in new or used wheelchair vans or accessible cars, our huge selection of over 150 accessible vehicles, fast handicap vehicle loan track approval processes, and nationwide delivery make buying the wheelchair accessible van or car of your dreams an absolute breeze.

mobility concept vehicles for wheelchair drivers

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“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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

wheelchair vans with advanced safety technologies you can rely on

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wheelchair vans with advanced safety technologies you can rely on

At VMi New England mobility center we have wheelchair vans that offer safe, convenient and reliable personal mobility that stand the test of time— the freedom to travel where you want, when you want. Our wheelchair vans include the most popular minivans available offering some of the most advanced safety technologies available. Come visit our mobility center showroom where every day is a ability expo and see mobility vans like the Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge Grand Caravan.

Come try out reliable mobility vans from Vantage Mobility, Eldorado, Mobility Works or BraunAbility many different styles and configurations:

Extra-tall height: Toyota VMI Northstar Access 360, Eldorado Amerivan, Chrysler/Dodge Entervan XT, Toyota Rampvan XT
Standard height (foldout ramp): Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge-Chrysler
Standard height (in-floor ramp): Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge-Chrysler
Centered-lowered: Dodge CompanionVan SE
Rear-entry: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Dodge-Chrysler

come see first hand the added space you get from a extra-tall height with in-floor or foldout ramps from the best manufactures in the industry

With more room to enter and exit, Toyota VMI Northstar Access 360, Eldorado Amerivan, Chrysler/Dodge Entervan XT, Toyota Rampvan XT the BraunAbility Entervan XT and Rampvan XT are built to fit your space needs. Several provide extra-tall height offering the highest vertical door clearances available, a full four inches more than the standard lowered floor wheelchair van. They are available in Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country Touring and Limited models as well as three Dodge Grand Caravan models; the Express, Mainstreet Crew and R/T models.

The Toyota Northstar Access 360 wheelchair van is available in the Sienna model. With its sporty look and one-touch entry and exit system, this mobility vehicle has high-tech convenience and the reliability of premium transportation.

wheelchair vans with standard height lowered floor conversions offer reliable, safer in-floor ramps or a power foldout ramp for people with power wheelchairs

The VMI Nothstar & Summit, Eldorado Amerivan and BraunAbility conversions all offer different heights in the same Honda, Toyota, Dodge and Chrysler Town & Country Touring and Limited models.

The standard height handicapped vans also are available in the Honda Odyssey model. The Odyssey wheelchair handicap conversion van features the one-touch power and entry/exit system as well as the flexible Step and Roll seating. It boasts a 3.5L V6 for optimum power with fuel economy performance. The Honda Odyssey door opening height is different from each of the different manufactures.

standard height with in-floor ramp

Premium in-floor ramp wheelchair and scooter vans have been being built by Vantage Mobility for over 20 years and available in four trim levels: LE, SE, XLE and Limited. The Toyota Sienna rampvan Northstar Access360 features the out-of-sight ramp that stores safely in-floor for obstacle free entry and exit.

Center-lowered with foldout ramp

Do you travel with a companion regularly? The Dodge CompanionVan SE while not a choice if you want to ride in the passengers front position of a wheelchair van. It’s economical and has a lowered floor with ample room for a wheelchair or scooter. The CompanionVan SE features a manual door and bi-fold ramp with 52.5 inches of door opening height.

Rear-entry Wheelchair Vans

Rear entry wheelchair vans or mobility vans. The rear-entry conversion is available on models including the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. You can customize its seating configurations and choose the features best suited for your individual needs and budget.

To speak with a handicap van specialist and receive your free mobility consultation, contact VMi New England at 508-697-6006. Call or email for additional information on many different wheelchair van products.

Abstract: Our staff have worked with rehabilitation engineering research experts all over the United States for more than 26 years on wheelchair transportation safety issues with a objective of looking at all the issues related to the safety of individuals seated in wheeled mobility devices while they are being transported or while they drive themselves in a motor vehicle. Researched topics include: the safety of individuals who drive from their wheelchairs in smaller vehicles and those who are transported in larger vehicles like buses, working with industry engineers to create industry standards as best practices to improve the safety of individuals who use mobility devices, and the crashworthiness of wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. We have been working with products to make releasing the seatbelt easier, an easier system for securing a wheelchair, automated docking systems for individuals who drive themselves while seated in a wheelchair or use public transportation, and a system for the safety of both individuals and their mobility devices while using public transportation vehicles. These projects have been a collaborative effort involving the experts across the globe.
Descriptor Terms: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY MATERIALS, DEVICES DESIGN, DRIVING, MOTOR VEHICLES, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY, TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, WHEELCHAIRS.

Built in Safety

Some handicapped van conversion are designed with safety in mind, some are not. Using much of the same safety technology developed to protect drivers piloting modern racecars 200+ miles per hour, some engineers have created what we believe to be is the safest wheelchair accessible minivan conversion available today. You can rest assured that the safety features built into the wheelchair van conversion you get from us will be there when you need them. Not all fully automated accessible van conversions are built utilizing duty-tested systems that allow you to easily exit the vehicle in the case of power loss or emergency, or has successfully crash-tested their wheelchair accessible vehicles. Not all handicap van converter build quality conversions,there are more and more grey market conversions being built and sold on-line or on ebay every day.

At VMi New England mobility center, we believe you can’t put a price tag on your family’s safety, but your wheelchair van shouldn’t break the bank either…When you purchase a accessible van from us you are assured it will not be a great market conversion, you’re not only saving money. You’re also gaining 26+ years of accessible vehicle safety experience and innovation that will be there when you need it most…

Saying Goodbye to the Wheelchair Accessible Volkswagen Routan

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Chrysler report indicates that it won’t be building any more minivans for Volkswagen. You can at least try to act surprised.

In 2008 Volkswagen struck a deal with Chrysler to turn the Town & Country into the Routan. The VW version of the Canadian minivan got a fresh face and returned suspension, but was essentially the same as its Chrysler counterpart. After four years of dismal sales (despite a costly advertising campaign with Brook Shields) the Routan has apparently been discontinued. The news was apparently slipped in under the radar into an announcement of production adjustments at the plant in Windsor, Ontario.

While the decision to axe the Routan was likely driven by lackluster sales, we can’t help but wonder if the tense relations between Volkswagen and Fiat/Chrysler didn’t usher the Routan to its grave. The Routan was just one of many nameplates under which the same van was sold, alongside the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram C/V and, in overseas markets, the Chrysler and Lancia Grand Voyager. Volkswagen reportedly has no plans to replace the Routan with a new model, although it has plenty of vans overseas (like the Touran and Sharan) it could bring over to North America if it deemed it worthwhile.

Over the past month or two, we’ve been going through our wheelchair van buyer’s guide here at VMi New England. This week was meant to spotlight the Volkswagen Routan, the fourth line of new minivans we offer.

Unfortunately though, the Volkswagen Routan is being discontinued.

Remembering the Volkswagen Routan

The Routan is an interesting mix of a vehicle. See, the name and logo say Volkswagen. The exterior curves and interior aesthetics look and feel like a Volkswagen. Much like you would expect from a “European” vehicle, it also features a tighter suspension with firm steering to match.

Beneath its sheet metal and fiberglass exterior, however, it’s almost the exact same van as the Town & Country/Caravan. The engine, the dimensions, the wheelbase, the list goes on.

The Routan is built on the same frame with the same engine.

But you’d be surprised how much the look and handling add. Many have commented that the Routan is about as sleek and sturdy as a minivan could possibly get. Alas, it wasn’t enough to keep it in production.

Though sales have been okay for the Routan, they weren’t quite good enough to keep it alive. Part of the problem is no doubt the higher cost of the van. Considering just how similar it was to the considerably cheaper Caravan in terms of specs, it was often a hard sell.

And so, the Routan has been retired.

The Future Beyond the Routan

Volkswagen is currently planning to replace the Routan with a crossover SUV. While this might be good for the general public, SUVs (particularly crossovers) don’t exactly offer great wheelchair access.

For the wheelchair van community, we will still be offering the Odyssey, the Town & Country, and the ever popular Caravan, all three of which are fantastic vehicles. Could the future bring a new wheelchair accessible minivan into the mix?

Why does Honda make wheelchair vans?

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Why does Honda make wheelchair vans?

Truth be told, Honda isn’t in the business of making wheelchair vans. It is in the business of making great vehicles that readily lend themselves to wheelchair van conversion. Models like the Odyssey and the Element would sell well regardless of their use in wheelchair van circles. Honda undoubtedly appreciates their popularity in the accessibility market and takes that under consideration when making the vehicles, though.

As we continue to see an increased demand for accessible vehicles and the reputation of Honda wheelchair vans continues to grow, we can undoubtedly expect to see more Odyssey conversions on the road.

Honda’s Wheelchair Vans

The Odyssey minivan are extremely popular conversion targets and are happily used by thousands of people who rely upon wheelchairs.

These Honda wheelchair vans don’t roll off the assembly line ready for use. They start out as standard passenger vehicles and are then modified by conversion experts for wheelchair use. That happens because people hold the Odyssey and Element in high regard.

Honda isn’t known for full-sized vans, but two of its smaller vehicles have strong fan bases in the wheelchair van community.

Honda’s get strong marks from their purchasers on a number of fronts. Here are three of them:

◦First, they’re aesthetically pleasing. The Element is one of the more attractive vehicles that are well suited for conversion and the Odyssey impresses critics year after year with its good-looking design.
◦Second, Honda has earned their reputation for reliability and cost-effectiveness. These are sturdy, reliable options that consistently provide a great deal of bang for the buyer’s buck, matching the manufacturer’s overall profile.
◦Third, conversion pros have turned the process of making a stock Honda into an impressive Honda wheelchair van into a science. The adjustments necessary to make the transition are proven and effective. Put simply, these vehicles make great wheelchair vans.