Wheelchair users can get around with the help of a wheelchair-accessible van. Whether the user wants to drive the van or act as a passenger, there are many options available. Reliable car models with the necessary modifications to make a van safe and comfortable for wheelchair users can be found at a variety of dealers. They are partly tax deductible.
Our 3 Favorite Wheelchair Accessible Vans
When comparing wheelchair accessible vans, we took into account price, customer service, vehicle features, warranties and availability. When buying a wheelchair transporter, make sure whether you prefer side entry or rear entry. Ask the company you're buying from if there are any discounts, and research if your state offers additional financing options. Last but not least, make sure you test drive the wheelchair bus to confirm that it is a good fit for you. The best wheelchair transporter companies will be happy to let you take one of their models for a spin.
- Our favorite:brown ability
- Great Features:Vantage Mobility International
- Our choice for the guarantee:Rollx
Types of wheelchair trolleys
There are broadly two types of wheelchair transporters: side entry and rear entry. Side entry is better for wheelchair users who want to drive the van. Rear entry is preferable for families where one of the children is in a wheelchair.
Wheelchair trolley with side entry
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Most non-commercial wheelchair transporters are side entry. With a side entry wheelchair van, it's easy to pick up or drop off a passenger curbside. If the van has a ramp for exiting and boarding, a disabled space is usually required to accommodate the extra width required. Side entry wheelchair transporters usually have seats that can be removed. Some even have seats by the door that can be set up once the door is closed. Side entry vans allow the wheelchair user to either ride as a passenger or drive themselves, making them a good choice for wheelchair users who want to drive sometimes or all the time.
Wheelchair car with rear entry
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Rear entry wheelchair transporters have a lowered area in the rear to accommodate the wheelchair and a fold out ramp. With this setup you don't have to modify the van that much. The middle seats can remain unchanged, allowing other passengers to sit there. This type of conversion usually costs less than side-entry conversions.
While this change is minimal and in many ways more convenient than side entry, it really only works for wheelchair users who don't want to drive. Parallel parking is also a challenge with this setup, as a lot of space is required behind the van. Rear entry wheelchair vans are ideal for families where one of the children uses a wheelchair.
Cost of wheelchair carriage
- How much does a handicap van cost?
A wheelchair van can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000. Wheelchair transporter prices can be broken down into the price of the transporter itself and the cost of additional modifications. The cost of a van can range from $20,000 to $70,000. The cost of handicapped vehicle conversions ranges from $15,000 to $30,000. That might seem like a lot, but these modifications require highly skilled, meticulous engineering.
Grants are available to offset the cost of wheelchair transporters. Availability varies by state, as does the amount offered. Certain charities can also help, as can Veterans Affairs programs.
- Will Medicare Pay for a Wheelchair Car?
Probably not. Medicare Part B is the only part of Medicare that may cover a handicap van because it allows for durable medical equipment (DME) coverage. But typically Medicare won't cover it. However, this varies by state, so it's always a good idea to do socheck the ruleswhere you live.
(Video) Top 10 Best Van Wheelchair Ramps Review in 2023- Will Medicaid Pay for a Wheelchair Car?
In most cases not. Medicaid generally follows the same rules as Medicare. Except in the most serious of emergencies, Medicaid will not pay the price of a wheelchair transporter. However, disability allowances are available to help cover the cost of a wheelchair van.
- Is a wheelchair bus tax deductible?
Partially. The disabled vehicle itself is not tax deductible. However, any modifications made to the van to make it wheelchair accessible are deductible. In addition to a ramp, other deductions include transportation for medical purposes, gasoline, tolls, parking fees, and insurance premiums. If the van is used commercially, further deductions are possible.
Our favourite
brown ability
brown abilityis our choice for handicapped vans due to their fair prices, wide selection and nationwide availability. BraunAbility has five models to choose from: Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Ford Explorer. Every BraunAbility Transporter comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty. BraunAbility is also able to convert certain vans into wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
A free survey on BraunAbility's website helps users find the best van for them. The survey asks pertinent questions such as whether the wheelchair user will be driving the car, what type of ramp is desired, and the height of the user when in the wheelchair. Once you have completed this survey, BraunAbility will recommend one of their models to you. You can also 'build' your van on the website, starting with either the make and model of the vehicle or the conversion type. Other options to choose from include trim, color, and customizations. Customizations include the docking system, transfer seat base, hand controls, and independent driving system. Rear and side entry options are available. Each van model has a manual locking system.
You can search for dealers near you by zip code and also browse dealer inventory. BraunAbility Transporters must be purchased through a retailer, not through the BraunAbility website.
| BraunAbility wheelchair trolley | starting price | characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Grand Caravan | 43.179 $ | Rear entry and side entry options Flip-N-Fold for more seating electric doors |
| Chrysler Pacifica | 50.480 $ | Rear entry and side entry options Electrically adjustable 8-way driver's seat Premium fog lights |
| Toyota Sienna | 58.495 $ | Rear entry and side entry options Electrically adjustable 8-way driver's seat Blind Spot Monitor |
| Honda Odyssey | 67.750 $ | Side entry option power ramp in the ground Blind Spot Information System |
| Ford-Explorer | 71.765 $ | Side entry option power ramp in the ground forward detection system |
Learn more about BraunAbility
Great features
Vantage Mobility International (VMI)
Vantage Mobility International (VMI) offers four different models of wheelchair transporters: Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Pilot. These are available with side entry and rear entry. VMI offers up to $2,000 in rebates for veterans and has a wealth of resources on its website to help veterans understand their benefits.
Other resources on the VMI website include dealer locator, vehicle manufacturer, payment calculator and financing information. You can also contact customer service or request a demo. VMI's helpful vehicle selection tool will match you with the vehicle that best suits your needs. VMI models have practical features such as power ramps, parking assistance, voice command, blind spot mirrors and rear view cameras. Each van comes with a 3 year warranty with a range of 36,000 miles. You can view 360 degree interior and exterior views of the vans on the VMI website to get an idea of what they really look like. You can use the dealer locator to find a local dealer and also check the stocks of all VMI dealers. When you find a van you like, you can arrange a test drive through the VMI website.
| VMI wheelchair trolley | starting price | characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Grand Caravan | 50.385 $ | Three ramp options backup camera Parking assistant |
| Honda Pilot | 56.044 $ | Optional manual ramp in the floor Multi-angle rear view camera Vehicle Stability Assist |
| Toyota Sienna | 58.535 $ | Three ramp options Blind Spot Mirror Electric tailgate |
| Chrysler Pacifica | 65.117 $ | Power-Ramp-Option im Boden Parking assistant Integrated voice control |
Our choice for guarantee
Rollx Vans
Rollx sells new and used wheelchair transporters. Their five models include the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, GMC Savana, Dodge Ram Promaster and Ford Transit. Every Rollx van comes with a solid 7 year 100,000 mile guarantee. Options for their vans vary and include useful features such as rear view cameras, keyless entry, 8-way power driver seats and brake assist.
Rollx is committed to helping veterans who need a wheelchair cart. In addition to supporting the National Veteran Wheelchair Games and working with the Semper Fi Fund, they also have a program that offers Veterans a $1,000 rebate and process all VA paperwork required for a purchase.
Once you've bought a van, it can be delivered straight to your home. Rollx also helps with repairs. A Rollx technician can come to your home, or a Rollx customer service representative can help you find a suitable service workshop. Their roadside assistance is also available 24 hours a day and is free with every purchase for the first year. These include towing services, flat tire assistance, gas delivery, lockout service and more.
| Rollx wheelchair trolley | starting price | characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Grand Caravan | 54.845 $ | Electrically adjustable 8-way driver's seat backup camera Electric tailgate |
| Chrysler Pacifica | 60.295 $ | backup camera Ready alarm brakes Keyless entry |
| Ford Transit | 67.995 $ | Parking assistance backwards backup camera AdvanceTrac von Ford |
| Dodge Ram Promaster | 69.995 $ | backup camera Brake Assist Rear Parking Sensors |
| GMC Savana | 99.900 $ | Stabilitrak backup camera Electrically adjustable driver's seat |
bottom line
Mobility vehicles like a wheelchair van can make it easy for any wheelchair user to stay mobile. To offset the high cost, consider government grants that can help fund wheelchair transporters. Be sure to test drive a van to see if you're happy with it. It can also be helpful to write down a list of features you want in your van before you make your purchase. A wheelchair van is worth it for the sense of freedom and well-being it brings. If you are unable to purchase a wheelchair trolley, awheelchair liftis an alternate option.
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