I need to haul... a wheelchair; wheelchair vans

[RobertN]

My Grandmother is 101 and in wheelchair, and my MIL is 86 and in a wheelchair. It has progressed to point that getting them in/out of car to wheelchair is difficult, hard on our backs, and uncomfortable at best for them. Took Grandma to a Doc appt a couple days ago; it was very uncomfortable for her lifting in/out of car, and my back was sore for two days even though we were careful, used gait belt etc.

Us at Fire Dept Easter egg hunt

Due to budget, we are looking at older vans.

Anything particular to a wheelchair accessible van too look at? Is ramp or lift better? Grandma and MIL are both in standard wheelchairs.

Right now we are in a quandry, as there are not many avaiable localy; would have to drive to San Francisco Bay area to get a selection.

 

[Bird]

Yep, those vans are very expensive. If it's only for infrequent use, there are places you can rent them. I know my brother rented a nice one to take our Mother, in a wheelchair, to my sister's funeral. My mother-in-law was also in a wheelchair quite a long time, in West Virginia, and my wife's brother bought a van with the raised roof only, removed the second row seats, built wooden ramps, and it was always a 2 person job, one pushing and one pulling, to get her and her wheelchair into the van.

 

[dusty3030]

Definitely lift.

Found this place via Google.

Vehicle Search | Nor-Cal Vans

 

[timster2]

I use a powered wheelchair and/or a scooter to get around. Currently I have a full size van and a ramp that works ok, however, a lift would be a whole lot better. I have been looking for a while and have found a few good deals on Craig's list that were worth looking at. I just have visions of getting a new vehicle in the near future so I haven't pulled the trigger on a used one. It is a small market for sure and people tend to get rid of grandmas/grandpas modified van soon after a they pass. Keep an eye out on Craig's list so you can find something local that you can look at. As long as you are not in a hurry you will find a good used one for a reasonable price. There are some dealers around that specialize in accessible vans new and used, however, they seem to get a premium price for their efforts.

 

[aczlan]

Another path that might be worth looking into if you dont mind doing some work yourself, a junkyard near me got in a dozen E350 transit vans (like the airport shuttles) a few years back and they all had power lifts in the back that looked like they could be modified to work in a "normal" full size van.

Aaron Z

 

[jaotguy]

look at the "para" transport companies around you ... they often sell used vehicles ( buses ) with lifts, once they get a few miles on them ....

or at used ambulances, some have low wide rear doors ... some cab companies also replace their handicapped accessible vehicles from time to time ...

warning : they often have transmissions or motors that need replacing ... that and vehicle age restrictions


even a small bus would do for those few times you needed them .....

 

[94BULLITT]

I think a lift would be better. Look up underneath of the van if it has a lowered floor to see how the conversion was done, I have seen some pretty poor jobs on conversions.

 

[RobertN]

So far the two we have looked at had lifts. One needed too much work, the other sold before we could make funding arrangements. I have been watching CL, but not many showing up locally.

 

[bigtiller]

This came to mind but probably not what you are wanting to do.

 

[RobertN]

I actually do have a bike capable of doing that, and a trailer just like that...

This came to mind but probably not what you are wanting to do.

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