Should I Buy Used Wheelchair Van?

One of the major benefits of using the handicap vans is the fact that it eliminates all types of pain and strain that is associated with mobility equipment that have been designed for travel. The most important aspect of purchasing a mobility vehicle is the freedom it will bring you. Many used wheelchair vans have the same feature benefits found with newer vehicles. This is an excellent idea for many reasons. For one thing you can get a van that's nearly as good as a new one without paying the premium you pay for a new car.

Just like other cars, the value of a wheelchair van dramatically drops as soon as it's driven off the lot. Often a used vehicle can be located that is only one or two years old. In these cases, there may be significant warranty coverage remaining from the dealer's warranty. Also, equipment such as ramps, lifts, and other operation assistance devices may still have coverage through the manufacturer's warranty still in effect.

For many a used mobility vehicle is the only option as the cost of a new one can be far more than is affordable. With some good research, you can find excellent lightly used wheelchair vans for yourself. Be sure to look for a dealer that has several used mobility vehicles in their inventory, rather than just one or two.
If you choose to purchase a used wheelchair vans, you may be able to find one with exactly the customizations you require. Here are some options you'll find when shopping for handicapped vans:

• Rear versus side door entry,
• Mini vans versus full sized vans,
• Power floor ramp and power lift gate,
• Driver transfer seat ,
• EZ Lock restraint system,
• Stainless Steel Floor,
• Long Automatic Folding, Swing Out Ramp System,
• High Entry Door, Lighting, and Grab Handles,
• Load Leveling Height Control Rear Suspension,
• Remote Control Entry,
• Custom Ground Effects,
• Removable Front and Passenger Seats,
• Center Row Seat,
• Retractable Wheelchair/Passenger Restraint System,
• Non-Skid Flooring,
• Protective Carpet Mat.

Purchasing from a dealer with a service department can help you avoid the headaches of car trouble knowing that the parts are in stock and the technicians are highly trained and certified. Even with the option of having your van serviced at your home may not be in your best interest because you need parts, diagnostics and other skilled tools readily available within a service department. A reliable and qualified van conversion professional will help you find the vehicle that is right for you, not just try to sell you any vehicle just to move it off their lot or to make a commission for a listed used vehicle.

Don't give up if you don't find a brand new vehicle in your price range. You can look into purchasing a used vehicle that has already had all of the conversions, or you might consider seeking out refurbished mobility lifts and restraint systems to install. Most important of all is to gain your independence again and live without any limitations.

If you need Wheelchair Vans or mobility lifts for you or a person you care about please visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California. Whether you need new or used Mobility Scooters feel free to contact us.

Mobility Lifts For Wheelchair Vans

If you have never purchased a handicap vehicle, then you may not know about all of the accessories that you can have included on a van. A mobility lift, or wheelchair lift or mobility scooter lift, is a mechanical device that is permanently installed in the mobility van.

Mobility lifts are ultimately what make you able to get in and out of your vehicle. Instead of having to awkwardly struggle to get in and out of your car and risk harming yourself or others, a mobility lift will do the work for you. These lifts are adaptable to your vehicle and they will work no matter what type of wheelchair van you have. Before you buy an automatic or a mobility lift, you will need to make sure that you are buying a quality brand. There are several manufacturers of scooter/wheelchair lifts. Biggest names are VMI, Pride, EZ Carrier, Harmar Mobility etc.

There are various designs and styles, but essentially, the lift consists of a flat metal panel that will raise and lower to allow the wheelchair passenger to get into the vehicle. Simply roll your mobility device on the platform from either side, hit a button, and let the Meridian do the lifting for you. Scooters and power chairs are automatically secured when lift is raised. Retractable belts are also available for securement. The lift is attached to the van either on the outside undercarriage of the van or inside the vehicle. Inside the van, the driver may be able to simple roll into place and lock down the chair or scooter in the driver's area. Some types are only for vans with side entry. Other types utilize a boom to lift the chair into the rear cargo area of a smaller mini-van or SUV. The type that you require will depend on not only your needs, but on the type of vehicle that you own. The mobility lift works great in a wide variety of wheelchair vans. Some of the van models that are compatible for installation are the Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, GMC Savana, Ford E-Series, and Chevrolet Express. Lift works with cars such as Cadillac escalade, Lexus LX, Porsche cayenne, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Sequoia. If you are converting a minivan, you may be required to install a manual lift. Manual lifts are slightly smaller and do not need the same amount of support and space that an automatic lift requires. If you are not physically capable to operate a manual lift, you will have to purchase an automatic.

Some of the characteristics of mobility lifts are: Multi language LCD Interface, remote control, warranty, fully FMVSS compliant, built in manual backup system, signal LED's on both sides of mobility lift.

Your mobility dealers can install wheelchair platform lift in less than 3 hours for most installations. And visual and audible maintenance reminders let users know when their platform handicap lift needs service, parts replacement, or repairs. You should expect a 3 year warranty on parts and a 1 year warranty on labor.


If you need Wheelchair Vans or mobility lifts for you or a person you care about please visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California. Whether you need mobility van rentals, Mobility Scooters , or disabled driver hand controls, we have either used it personally or our family or friends have.

Mobility Scooters Key Features

A mobility scooter can be used to help retain mobility. Before buying mobility scooters, as with any other product, it is best to get educated on the various brand names in the market, their features and their functions. Mobility scooters were invented more than 20 years ago because of mobility gain concerns. Compared to power chairs, mobile scooters are lighter, compact and more steerable.

There are currently three types of mobility scooters available on the market today: the folding scooter, the three-wheeled scooter as well as the four-wheeled scooter. There can be a choice between a front wheel drive or a rear wheel drive; four wheeled or three wheeled mobility scooters. There is a wide range available in mobility scooters of different sizes, styles and colors. The vehicles can be used both, indoors and out door.

Most Mobility Scooters are primarily intended to be used on solid surfaces, like paved concrete, indoors, or over grass. Indoor mobility scooters provide greater range of movements, allowing the operator to take tighter turns. There are, in fact, several models that are designed to go over terrain that is much rougher. These units are called heavy duty scooters and have many features that make it ideal for outdoor use. Mobility scooters that can be used on the road and should have the following safety features fitted: Front and rear lights, Head Rest & Arm Rests, Charge level indicator, Indicators and hazard lights, Horn, Rear view mirror, Brakes… Many manufactures offer additional features such as: Reverse warning siren, Puncture proofed tyre`s, High visibility reflectors, Improved Suspension, Easy carry battery bag.

New Mobility Scooters require very little maintenance, other than their annual service. It is recommended that certain steps are undertaken to ensure long life. Keep it looking good, but also prevent unnecessary wear. Don't let your mobility scooter get too wet if you are caught in the rain, dry your mobility scooter to prevent corrosion. If you plan to travel at night, then lights are essential, especially if you are travelling on the road. Each scooter will have a different maximum weight so check with the manufacturer for this information.

Familiarize yourself with the scooter prior to making your first trip outside the home and get used to steering, starting and stopping. Some people advise practising with the scooter in a safe area prior to using on the pavement. Try to use your scooter in good weather before going out in the rain. Build up the length of your trips gradually as you confidence grows. This will also give you a chance to test the battery range of your vehicle.

You should exactly now what you need and expect from your mobility scooter before you buy it. Make sure that they are physically capable of operating the disabled mobility scooters, have good vision and hearing, and can remember relevant safety procedures. Consult qualified and highly experienced healthcare workers so that the skills of the perspective users can be professionally assessed. Make sure has been recognized for excellence in customer service by regional institutions and has good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the national Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.

Need Mobility Scooters or scooter lifts? Buying or renting Mobility Vans visit Creative Mobility Online. We are happy to answer all your questions about Mercedes, Honda, Dodge, Toyota and Chrysler Mobility Vans.

Honda Wheelchair Vans With VMI Conversion

One of the most popular wheelchair vans on the market today is the Honda Odyssey, and one of the most popular conversions is the Northstar from VMI. Honda is the maker of one of the best and most long-lasting minivans on the market. Vans like the Odyssey have high safety ratings as well as a variety of extra features perfect for families and individuals alike. These vans are some of the most reliable on the market, and they're known to outlast their counterparts by thousands of miles. For this reason, companies specializing in handicapped conversions have created Honda wheelchair vans, which are some of the best one the market.

Honda minivans tend to last for thousands of miles beyond the normal life of a minivan. The reason that these vans are excellent for conversion vans is that they can stretch your dollar further. A wheelchair van is a huge investment. These vans are much more expensive than regular minivans because of their conversions. Since the Honda vans last so long, they'll mean that your dollars go further.

Another reason that these conversion vans are excellent is that they handle better than most other vans on the market that are comparable to them. The vans feature lowered floors, but they are still easy to drive, park, and get into and out of.
Honda wheelchair vans are also great because they can be customized to your needs. You can get side loading, front loading, mobility lifts, and ramps. Some are automatic, and some are manual. Each of these options will suit different types of people better, and you can change different aspects of your Honda wheelchair vans in order to meet your needs.

When one considers the advantages of the Northstar in-floor wheelchair ramp system, there is no question why the Northstar is far and away VMI’s best-selling product.
• Maximum interior space for wheelchair maneuverability,
• Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers,
• Reduced accessible van conversion wear (no need to deploy mobility ramp for able-bodied passengers) ,
• Clean, uncluttered mobility vehicles interior ,
• Less dirt and debris from ramp into wheelchair vans interior ,
• Wider usable accessible ramp surface ,
• Easy access to all interior buttons, handles, and switches ,
• Full use of front passenger seat ,
• No squeaking or rattling from wheelchair ramp,
• Handicap Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision ,
• Deployable on curbs up to 10” in height ,
• Ultra-low 8.0° accessible ramp angle,
• 750lb. wheelchair ramp capacity,
• Sure Deploy backup system allows users to stow or deploy the mobility ramp van conversion even in the event of complete power failure ,
• Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind.

For all these reasons, the Honda wheelchair vans that are on the market right now are excellent for individuals and families with special needs. These vans are great for those who need something small and maneuverable that will still easily hold a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Hand controls or other handicap driving aids can also be added for a completely independent driving solution in Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar wheelchair vehicle conversion.

If you need Wheelchair Vans or mobility lifts for you or a person you care about please visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California. Whether you need mobility van rentals, Mobility Scooters , or disabled driver hand controls, we have either used it personally or our family or friends have.

Invacare Mobility Scooters

When mobility and flexibility becomes an issue with people with disabilities, "mobilityscooters" can be of great help. Before you buy mobility scooters, as with any other product, it is best to get educated on the various brand names in the market, their features and their functions. The biggest of names among the mobility scooter manufacturers are Pride and Invacare.

Pride mobility scooters are usually considered to be the best in the three- and four-wheel category. They are very good for internal as well as external use and are easy to maneuver.

Invacare scooters are considered to be good on even, hard terrain - there are faults associated with their movement on soft or uneven ground. Some of their versions have faulty rear fork lifts, which make the scooters give a bumpy ride. However, most of these setbacks have been corrected in their new Zoom series. Also there are Lynx L-4 and Leo.

The Lynx L - 4 offers the features of the L-3 model with the performance and bold look of a four-wheel scooter. The stable four-wheel base of the L-4 model handles varying surfaces with ease. Customize the L-4 model to fit the consumer by simply adjusting the seat height, armrest width and tiller angle. Get comfortable, get set and go! With a top speed of five mph, you can feel confident the Lynx L-4 scooter will get you to your destination on time. Some of the key characteristics are:

·         4-Step Quick Disassembly,

·         Estimated 7 Mile Travel Capability,

·         0 - 5 MPH Speed Range,

·         Indoor and Outdoor Travel Ready,

·         Available in Blue or Red, 3 or 4-Wheeled.

The Leo offers a stable four-wheel base that provides a smooth, safe drive and handles varying surfaces with ease. Features include a full lighting package, built-in splash guards to protect the electronics and transaxle, comfortable seating that swivels and slides and flat free tires. With a sophisticated design and impressive features, the Leo Scooter will get you where you're going in style! Some of the features are:

·         0 - 5 MPH Speed Range,

·         Available in Silver or Blue,

·         Full Lighting Package,

·         Indoor and Outdoor Travel Ready,

·         Up to 15 Mile Travel Range.

It is important to note that mobility scooters that will travel on main roads should be equipped with taillights and headlights with speed of 8 mph minimum, as provided by law. Today almost all mobility scooters are powered by rechargeable electric batteries. Electric mobility scooters need batteries to run. A typical mobility scooter would require two 12-volt batteries. Sealed lead rechargeable batteries are used and the charger is often supplied on board. 

A mobility scooter is extremely beneficial for people who lack the stamina or the strength in the shoulders or the arms to manoeuvre a manual wheelchair. Further the swivelling seat of the mobility scooter is more advantageous as compared to the adjustable foot supports as available in conventional wheelchairs. The mobility scooter is extremely beneficial for people who have systemic disability or are down with conditions that affect the heart, lung or are plagued by arthritis and obesity.

Need mobility scooters or scooter lifts? Buying or renting mobility vans, visit Creative Mobility Online. We are happy to answer all your questions about Mercedes, Honda, Dodge, Toyota and Chrysler Mobility Vans.

Pride Mobility Scooters

Get around smoothly and in style on a Pride Scooter. Whether you're mostly indoors or love to roll on grass or trails, these scooters are easy to operate inside and outside. Pride Scooters are also easy to maneuver around corners and simple to disassemble for transporting on or in your vehicle. With many models, colors, and sizes to choose from, including extra weight capacity, you will find the style that best fits you. Pride mobility scooters are developed for people who have no problems getting around the house, but who need some help at the time they want to go out for longer distances. The main benefit of the mobile scooter is that there are numerous opportunities for you to choose the one that is suitable for your own particular needs. When it comes to Pride mobility scooters you have so much option as GO GO, Victory 10, Celebrity X and Maxima. Here are some of the features:

·         Exclusive, one-hand Feather-touch disassembly provides the ultimate quick transport system,

·         Crush proof basket,

·         Delta tiller with wraparound handles,

·         Pride's exclusive stylish, lightweight, black, low profile wheels,

·         Backlit battery gauge

·         Long-lasting, high-intensity LED headlight offers optimal pathway illumination,

·         Easy access tiller-mounted charger port,

·         Available as 3 and 4 wheel model.

A mobilityscooters advantage is its small sit-down motor, suitable for people with less vigor with their arms or shoulders essential for a manual wheelchair use. Moreover, the rotating seat of a mobile scooter is trouble-free for unlike wheelchairs, you do not have to shift the foot supports. One more advantage is its look because it does not look like a wheelchair-which is often associated with disability. A plus factor is it cost much less than powered wheelchairs. Electric mobility scooters need batteries to run. A typical mobility scooter would require two 12 volt batteries.

The thumb levers of the mobility scooters can control the reverse motions of the vehicle. The seat of the scooter is padded and it is placed above the vehicle on a stem. The user can rest the feet on the floorboard. The scooter is in fact cozy to use and it is very easy to be handled as long as you learn how to use the tiller properly. The user needs to have enough strength in the hand in order to bash the levers backwards and forwards.

There are currently three types of mobility scooters available on the market today: the folding scooter, the three-wheeled scooter as well as the four-wheeled scooter. Each of them has different features that you need to take into account at the time you choose the one that is most suitable for your particular requirements. The folding scooters can be folded, as the name says, and this way they are very easy to transport from one place to another. The three-wheeled mobility scooters are very easy to control and thus highly recommended for any person. They are suitable for being used indoors, even if they are larger than the folding ones. Finally, the four-wheeled scooters are suitable for the outside use and they benefit of more stability.

You can either buy it used from a private individual or from an auction site like EBay or you can buy it new from a reputable dealer. Many things that are sold used are in poor condition. You might end up having to replace the batteries or tires. You also run into a lot of no-name generic scooters. 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. The Pride mobile scooters provide the perfect vehicle for the mobility needs. You can speak to a professional salesperson when you decide to purchase one. 

If you need WheelchairVans or mobility scooters for you or a person you care about please visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California.