What Is an Accessible Van?
Accessible vans are specially adapted vehicles, also known as accessible vans, that are designed for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. Accessible vans are available in rear-entry and side-door versions, and are made easier for wheelchair users to enter and exit the vehicle by incorporating a collapsible access system. Accessible vans are increasingly becoming the modern travel choice for people with impairments, with the high capacity of a van and the features of an accessible vehicle.
Main features of accessible vans
1. Ramp systems, lifts
Accessible vans generally use ramp systems or lifts to help wheelchair users get in and out of the vehicle. These ramp systems can be folded manually or electrically, and when not in use, they can be folded and stored on the inside of the van's sliding door or under the floor of the van.
2. Spacious interior
Accessible vans generally have plenty of interior space (spacious floor area) to help wheelchair users enter the vehicle easily. Meanwhile, accessible van seats of 7, 6, 4, 5, etc. can be flexibly arranged inside the van to accommodate different numbers of wheelchair users.
3. Side-entry or rear-entry
Accessible vans are categorized into side-entry and rear-entry. Side-entry accessible vans can provide flexible seating arrangements to support wheelchair users to enter and exit safely at the roadside. Rear-entry accessible vans can be easily parked in standard parking spaces and maintain structural integrity.
4. Customizable seating configurations
Accessible vans are designed to serve people with disabilities, and are generally equipped with raised, leg-extended, armrest-adjustable, swivel-folding accessible van chairs, as compared to regular vans. The vehicle itself is also equipped with innovative steering controls, manual controls and other adaptive devices.
5. Safety anchoring systems
In order to ensure that the wheelchair is securely fastened in the vehicle while it is in motion, accessible vans are also equipped with wheelchair anchors or electronically monitored wheelchair mounts. Some vehicles are fitted with handrail bars to help wheelchair users maintain their balance in economic situations.
Applicable people of accessible vans
• Wheelchair users
This is the main group of people who use accessible vans and need to enter and exit the vehicle by means of a wheelchair and other equipment.
• Caregivers/Family members
Help wheelchair users to enter and exit the vehicle, and flexibly adjust the seating layout of the vehicle to provide a comfortable interior environment for wheelchair users.
• Medical / Paratransit Services
Can provide accessible services for hospitals, schools or carpool programs for non-emergency medical transportation.
Advantages of accessible vans
• Wheelchair users can enter and exit the vehicle independently.
• Vehicle is equipped with a safety immobilization system to reduce risk when traveling in the vehicle
• Rear-entry accessible vans support frontal entry for wheelchair users without the need to contort the body.
• Complies with U.S. ADA or local public and private transportation accessibility regulations.