Mobility Vehicles And Accessories

Mobility vehicles truly make life easier for individuals suffering from a physical ailment. The basic idea of accessible vehicles is to make them more usable and equipped with powered lift or ramp to permit access to the vehicle in wheelchairs. The basic concept of these vehicles is that these are altered in a way so that it can accommodate wheelchair inside to give the required comfort to the disabled person.

As there are differing needs and requirements of individuals that varies with the form of disability they are dealing with, it obvious that the requirements would not be the same. These are mainly some big cars or regular vans or mini vans that are converted into accessible vehicles. Purchasing the wrong minivan for your needs will not only hold little promise for making your life easier; it might make getting around even more of a hassle. You've got to do some research of the available wheelchair vans in order to determine the one that would best suit your individual needs and the needs of your family.

Full size wheelchair vans have comfortable seating for up to seven passengers combined with a spacious "trunk" for all the things you take on the road are important to you a full size mobility van is the only solution. Full size mobility van offer many optional accessories that make accessibility and comfort a seamless part of your everyday transportation routine. A full size wheelchair accessible van used to be the only viable option for drivers with disabilities, but this is no longer the case. 

There are wheelchair accessible conversions available from wheelchair van dealerships for a minivan you might already own, but you can also buy a pre-owned minivan with a conversional ready installed. A reputable wheelchair van dealership will both sell and perform conversions on minivans from big name manufacturers like Dodge, Chrysler, Volkswagen and Honda. They are regular vehicles that have been converted to make transporting wheelchairs and scooters easier on the disabled.  

What about equipment? Many of them will come equipped with electric wheelchair and scooter lifts, as well as mobility accessories such as hand controls and seat transfers. Wheelchair ramps are quite popular to help you get in and out of the vehicle, but they can be quite expensive.  There is nothing wrong with looking around a bit to see just which ramp models are the most affordable.  If there's not enough room for a ramp, you may find a lift works just as well.  A lift can help you get from the ground to the inside of your car in no time at all.  Some lifts attach to the back of the vehicle and keep your wheelchair safe as you drive.

There are a variety of hand controls that help disabled drivers to access a vehicle's pedals and steering wheel with relative ease. Some hand controls are installed on a more permanent basis. You can also purchase hand controls that can easily be installed and taken off in a matter of seconds. This is convenient for disabled individuals who share their vehicle with a non-disabled person. You might also opt for lightweight hand controls that can be easily carried when traveling.

Renting or buying mobility vans like Honda, Mercedes or Dodge can make your life easier If you need mobility vehicles like mobility scooters for you or loved one visit Better Life mobility Centers in San Diego and Las Vegas. Contact us for more information.

Wheelchair Vans Conversion

Wheelchair Vans are vans that have been altered to fit wheelchairs with the driver's seat.  Traditional modifications involve lowering the van's floor and adding a ramp.  This enables passengers to be rolled into the vehicle. 

Generally the modifications in a vehicle are done for converting the van into a totally different form of accessible van for the handicapped. The usual steps that are taken by the manufactures for converting a van tends to differ a lot from the brand and the manufacturer. Modifications can be classified into 2 broad categories – the first in which an individual using a wheelchair will be the driver of the vehicle, and second in which an individual seated on a wheelchair would be a passenger. These are the two different ways of perceiving handicap accessible vans and the conversions will differ accordingly.

Try before you buy. Not sure what you'll like best? Try renting first. Your dealer will reimburse rental fees if you end up purchasing the vehicle. Decide where to buy. Decide whether you'll buy directly from the dealer and get it converted at your local licensed adaptive equipment dealer, or buy a van from a mobility manufacturer, secondary modifier, a factory direct seller, or online. What's the difference? Dealer direct + conversion: Not all vans chassis can be converted, or converted safely, so ask dealer before you buy your vehicle direct. Dealer direct + “chop shop” conversion: You may save money with a fabricator, but you won't be sure that all the products work smoothly together or live up to vehicle safety standards. Not recommended. Online: You can shop online, but before you buy, be sure to try them out: all people and wheelchairs have different needs and requirements. Also make sure you have a local service arrangement for your van. Factory direct seller: They convert the vehicle after purchasing it, so it does not have the same testing or quality controls. Not recommended. Feel good about your dealer. Whichever dealer you choose, be sure you feel good about your relationship. You'll need to return many times over the life of the van for preventative maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. 

Conversions of these vehicles would usually involve some changes in the flooring (usually a lower floor is maintained); seating arrangement will be modified for allowing easy wheelchair access; reconfigurable seating arrangement; some means to have access to the external part of the vehicle, in case of going out or coming inside the vehicle (use of lifts, ramp or a turning seat); stiffened suspension that allows added weight of the power chairs and ensures additional weight to be managed from conversion; powered kneeling system added for reducing the slope of ramp; facilities for side and rear entry; fuel lines and gas tanks to be modified; vehicle to be certified and all NHSTA safety requirements to be met. All these aforementioned modifications are crucial to make a vehicle properly accessible by the handicapped and physically challenged persons. It might take several days for completing the entire process of modification; however, the scheduling process to convert and ship this modified vehicle to the site of conversion can take considerable time. Commercial Wheelchair Vans are normally Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, converted to suit persons using wheelchairs. 

Visit Better Life Mobility Centers for wheelchair vans conversion or other mobility vehicles. We are happy to answer all your questions about mobility vans.

What Should You Consider About Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are for individuals who are mobile enough to operate a vehicle but find it hard to walk distances, due to a disability or health problem. These vehicles are perfect proofs of the self-confidence and physical independence of their riders, because operating them requires considerable hand strength, balance, good vision and hearing, and the ability to concentrate and react appropriately. Riders of mobility scooters also need to remember a wide range of safety procedures and exercise patience, especially in crowded metropolitan areas. In this regard, they can easily act as role models for careless and quick-tempered motorists!

Almost all mobility scooters utilize keyed access. This ensures that your scooter is not used without your permission. They also frequently feature headlights, taillights, and turn indicators, which greatly improve the safety of the device and allow it to be used at night. The seat of a mobility scooter can be adjusted in many ways. They typically can be raised up and down, and frequently swivel to the left and right. The swivel feature makes it much easier to enter and exit the device. The arm rests are also frequently adjustable. The width of some can even be adjusted and many can be flipped up.

Today almost all mobility scooters are powered by rechargeable electric batteries. Since the battery is responsible for powering the unit, it is very important to properly maintain and use the battery. They that are powered by battery and can be used both indoors and out. There are so many types of scooters today on the market: Folding/Easily Transported Scooters, Three-Wheeled Scooters, Four-Wheeled Scooters, Heavy Duty Electrified Personal Mobility Scooters. Gasoline powered mobility scooters proved to be inefficient and very unsafe. They could not be used indoors and posed many safety and health more risks.

The safety features of the mobility scooter should also be considered. If you intend to use it frequently outdoors, then it is a good idea to purchase a scooter that has an adequate set of lights. This includes blinkers, headlights, and running lights. There are two different types of scooter tires available as well. Solid foam filled tires are great because they never need to be filled with air and are puncture proof. They do not provide as good of a ride as air filled tires, which also can be adjusted to accommodate different terrains.

It is far better to purchase a mobility scooter new from a reputable dealer. This way you are guaranteed that the device is in perfect working order and will provide years of reliable service. You are taking a very large risk when you purchase a mobility scooter used and when you factor in the cost of repairs, it often ends up costing just as much if not more than a mobility scooter that was purchased new.

Many mobility companies do not get accredited nor do they have a certified seating and positioning specialist (ATP).  Many scooter users have back aches, pressure sores, and fatigue because they have not been properly seated/measured for the use of a mobility scooter. Ask about back height, seating angle, weight, and cushion brand.

If you need mobility vehicles like mobility scooters for you or loved one visit Better Life mobility Centers in San Diego and Las Vegas. Renting or buying mobility vans like Honda, Mercedes or Dodge can make your life easier. Contact us for more information.

Turning Automotive Seating In Mobility Vans

Getting to where you’re going starts with getting in and out of your vehicle. Turning Automotive Seating (TAS) is great mobility product which makes vehicle access much easier for anyone who needs it. Custom seating options can be installed on most sedans, mini-vans, pickups and SUVs. Variety of solutions can enable the seat to swivel, tilt, or lower, assisting in the entry and exit of the vehicle.

This revolutionary system for higher vehicles provides easy access to an automotive seat. The seat rotates, comes out of the vehicle, and lowers toward the ground, eliminating the climbing and twisting normally required to enter a higher mobility vans. Both units are powered out and down; however, the Turny is rotated manually, while the Turny Orbit has powered rotation.

·         Makes entering and exiting your higher vehicle easy

·         User weight capacity of 330 lb/150 kg

·         Safe - uses automotive seat and seat belt; meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

·         No structural modifications to your vehicle - will not affect resale

·         Can reinstall in your next vehicle

·         Can be stopped at any point for ideal transfer height

·         Power or manual rotate versions available

·         Hundreds of vehicle-specific mounting kits provide a safe and precise installation for mobility vans, SUVs, pickup trucks, CUVs and full-size vans - first and second row applications available

·         Sales, installation and service provided by our factory-trained worldwide network of dealers

Bruno Carony

This revolutionary system transforms an automotive seat into a wheelchair. The end user simply glides from the vehicle onto the wheeled base, remaining seated the whole time. No more lifting for the caregiver! The Carony system operates in conjunction with a Bruno Turny or Turnout. Ride safely in an automotive seat secured with the vehicle's seatbelt!

·         Eliminates lifting or transferring by the caregiver

·         User weight capacity of 220 lb/100 kg

·         Safe - uses automotive seat and seat belt (no need to travel sitting in a wheelchair); meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

·         Requires a Turny Turnout

·         No structural modifications to your vehicle - will not affect resale

·         Can reinstall in your next mobility vehicles

·         Works with minivans, pickup trucks, SUVs, CUVs, full-size vans and sedans - first and second row applications available.

·         Available with 12 in or 24 in rear wheels

·         Seat has removable inserts to accommodate different seating

·         Sales, installation and service provided by our factory-trained worldwide network of dealers.

Dealer must help you figure out what equipment you need with a personal mobility assessment and match you with the right handicapped van, wheelchair, and mobility equipment. What's more, they should make it all work together seamlessly right here on site, and provide repairs and service when you need them. It has to be Authorized Mobility Van Dealership and offers the most technologically advanced wheelchairs and durable medical equipment available. Their caring team members will make sure you get the right color, style, and fit, so that you are happy with your purchase. You'll also find convenient access to manufacturer service across the nation.

Receive Unparalleled Service by Factory-Trained and Experienced Mobility Experts. Plus, dealer service technicians all receive ongoing certification and training. You should be treated with integrity and caring by our long term team members. Has arrangement with manufacturer or a clear plan for service and repair, so you're not stuck between your mobility company and the dealership when you need help. Mobility Centers need to be in comfortable, accessible locations that are easy to find, park, and shop.

If you are interested in buying or renting mobility vans or mobility scooters visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego and Las Vegas. Contact us for any question about mobility vehicles.