Mobility Vehicles For Disability Needs

As we getting older, our health beginning to deteriorate and the energy that we had when we were young has reduced significantly. To many of us, this could mean low energy level, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular pain and deficiency of energy that should not stop anyone from living a life that is pleasant and enjoyable. If you do not like the appeal of wheelchairs, right now there are some other mobility options which you can use to assist you move around and to do various of your needs.

Mobility vehicles, like wheelchair vans, scooters, and wheelchairs are created to assist old people as well as handicapped one or people with health conditions (Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and others) to move and do tasks that they expected was never actually possible. All those devices have grown into extremely favored and popular in region like the United States in latest years. Large numbers of families are now more comfortable to be next to each other with their older family members. To move around and do lots of other aspects that they thought were not quite possible any longer. It is a magnificent advantage that such mobility equipment can honestly give to handicapped people.

Those with a spinal cord injury, disabilities, limited dexterity or range of motion and other conditions may need more than low-tech or reduced effort hand controls to operate primary and secondary driving controls on an accessible or handicapped vehicle.

Primary driving controls are input devices that control the gas/brake and steering functions. Secondary controls are all other electro-mechanical functions such as lights, wipers, shift, etc.

In comparison to a normal wheelchair, electric mobility (like power chairs) tool provides a lot more mobility as well as better range of movement. Wheelchairs need to be hand controlled and for a person with weak arms, this could perhaps be a problem. The handles of the mobility scooter are much easier for disabled person and they allow better maneuvering of the vehicle and offer more fluidness in drive. Corresponding to the version you select, you might choose for more maneuverability with 3 wheel scooter while a 4 wheel model offers more balanced handling. Like a result you can ultimately enjoy getting benefit of such vehicles for both indoors and outdoors conditions.

Wheelchair accessible vans provide many different features for the efficiency of persons operating wheelchairs. All those mobility vans have the capacity for one or two wheelchairs. On particular demand, they could be transformed to satisfy mobility scooters also. Front and rear air cooling system is optional. They are also provided with 4-point or 5-point tie downs for the wheelchairs, alongside seat belts. Total hand controls, 6-way power seat in driver position, power-assisted steering, and external entry controls are also present as other different components.

The ramps of conventional wheelchair vans are commonly spring counter-balanced, bi-fold manual ramp type, with magnetic anti-rattle provisions. Most van dealers additionally incorporate electronic or hydraulic operated ramps. Yet still, the manual types are more trustworthy and easy to handle.

When passenger conversions for handicap vans are concerned, there are certain changes that are must. The floor has to be reinforced; seats have to be added; wheelchair securements have to be installed; hoist or ramp has to be installed; windows have to be installed; van lining and finishing should be modified.
If you are interested in buying or renting Mobility Vans - Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Honda Odyssey, Dodge caravan, Chrysler Town and Toyota Sienna Wheelchair Vans visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California. Contact us for all information you need on Handicap Vans

What To Look For When Buying Used Mobility Van

Instead of buying a brand new wheelchair vans, you can choose to get a used mobility van. Ideally, you want to contact a qualified person about your particular needs, including limitations of the wheelchair user, seating specifications and specialized equipment that’s to be installed in the van.
Along with so many vans having a reconstruction before they hit the showroom floor, more and more used mobility vehicles are being available for purchasing. A pre-owned mobility vehicle will fit the payments for lots of people and carries an reasonably priced way to accomplish independency. Be sure to find a dealer that has many different pre-owned mobility vehicles in their stock, instead of than just one or two. They will most likely be able to recognize your needs and discover the ideal fit for you. For the majority a used mobility vehicle is the only alternative as the cost of a new one can be far more than is acceptable.

Right before buying a previously owned handicap vans, look at some options about the modification into your aspect to consider. Take a look at the specific options that the vehicle will arrive with, such as the controls, pedals and other. Getting started with the ignition, determine if it is a dash installed control, or a turnkey on the steering wheel. For most people, this turning motion is upsetting or they simply just cannot do it. Walk true at the mechanics of the vehicle, discover the transmission system type. Most commonly, an automatic transmission is going to be the best fit as a manual transmission involves switching of gears while you are driving and operate of a clutch as well.

On the interior of the van, look over the many types of controls. Are the switches big enough and easy to find? Search for a mobility vehicle that offers electric power locks and windows. This is a must have, most especially for individual that suffers from upper body mobility difficulties. Bench seating are usually more pleasurable and offer the maximum space too. Search over the van and test drive it to be absolutely certain that you are fully satisfied. This is the most significant consideration. If extra transformations are necessary, consult with the dealer to see if that will be possible. Many previously owned mobility vans will offer automated ramps and lowered ground floor for easier entering and unloading wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

The independence that a mobility vehicle will achieve far overshadows any investment they cost. As well as with having an increase in your mobility outside the home it will build up an increase your self esteem. For many that suffer from a handicap or mobility issue, depending on others can lead to depression and even further health problems. Having the independence to go to the store, go shopping at the shopping centers or lunch with old friends will lead to a great top quality of live. That is the objective for any person, and a mobility vehicle can be the initial action in order to achieve it.

If you are interested in buying or renting Mobility Vans - Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Honda Odyssey, Dodge caravan, Chrysler Town and Toyota Sienna Handicap Vans visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California. Contact us for all information you need on Wheelchair Vans

Toyota Sienna Mobility Van

The Sienna minivan now has a first of its kind in-line factory installed rotating power lift up seat. We proudly call it the Toyota Auto Access Seat (AAS). Toyota is the not only the first manufacturer to offer a factory installed lift seat but we are the only North American automaker to offer this mobility option directly to our customers.

The ENC mobility vans are easy to operate and they offers the most interior space in the industry. This wheelchair accessible conversion features power kneeling system, custom ground effects, remote entry, power side passenger door, and removable front passenger and driver seats. Every one of ENC's models have been life-cycle tested at the FTA testing facility. And, then, they test them again on their track - the only manufacture-owned track in the industry - using even more rigorous requirements. All are front, side, and rear crash tested. Standard Sienna features:

• 14" Lowered Standard All Stainless Steel Floor,
• 31" Wide x 54" Long Automatic Folding, Swing Out Ramp System,
• ADA 56" High Entry Door, Lighting, and Grab Handles,
• OEM Load Leveling Height Control Rear Suspension,
• OEM Remote Control Entry,
• Custom Ground Effects,
• Removable Front and Passenger Seats.

Optional Features:
• Center Row Seat,
• Retractable Wheelchair/Passenger Restraint System,
• Non-Skid Flooring,
• Protective Carpet Mat.

The new auto access seat offers a new level of comfort and convenience to anyone who may need a little extra assistance getting in or out of a mobility van. The new Sienna with Auto Access Seat (AAS) provides a much needed transportation solution for caregivers of an elderly parent or spouse with a walking disability, disabled veterans, and parents of a child with a disability.

Detailed below is a video that highlights all of the features and benefits of the new factory installed auto access seat. The auto access seat is available on the LE or XLE grade Sienna mobility van manufactured Princeton Indiana assembly plant. It offers ease of use with one touch operation from a wireless remote control that minimizes the amount of effort to get in and out of the Sienna. Some of the features include:

• Seat rotation of 90 degrees with a lift capacity of 330 pounds,
• It lowers to within 19” from the ground with 4” of side travel and reclines up 24 degrees,
• Built-in safety features includes a system override that prevent the seat from functioning if the mobility vans is not in the “park” position, if the sliding door is not completely open or if an obstruction is detected,
• A single audible beep will indicate normal operation, while two audible beeps indicate an obstruction or other symptom has occurred and ceases operation until remedied,
• The all-new Sienna with Auto Access seat meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and comes with a comprehensive 3-year / 36K mile factory warranty from Toyota and can be serviced by your local Toyota dealership.

If you are interested in buying or renting Mobility Vans - Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Honda Odyssey, Dodge caravan, Chrysler Town and Toyota Sienna Handicap Vans visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California. Contact us for all information you need on Wheelchair Vans

New Features on the 2012 VMI Honda Odyssey

VMI are reliable mobility van manufacturer for years. With over 20 years in building vans and spending millions of dollars in research and design to ensure their vehicles remain a leader in safety features, VMI has become one of the most popular manufacturers in the mobility industry.

To meet the needs of customers for extra interior space and a clean, obstruction-free handicap vans interior, VMI launched the development of the Northstar in-floor wheelchair ramp system for the Honda Odyssey minivan. After more or less tens of years of processing, the Northstar stays the most technically developed handicap ramp system on the marketplace. Rather of taking up area inside the mobility van, the Northstar wheelchair ramp just rolls out from below the floor. Below are some key features for Honda Odyssey:
• 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 handicapped vehicle interior,
• Less dirt and debris from ramp into handicap accessible vehicle 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,
• Fully crash-tested and compliant with all government safety standards
• 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.

We are starting the year with VMI Innovations for 2012! With the bold new styling on the 2011 Honda Odyssey and industry-leading Northstar system, it was once again the number one selling Honda minivan in the mobility industry. How can we make the VMI Honda Odyssey even better?

The stylish 2-tone body color matched rear valance is now standard on all VMI Honda wheelchair vans. 2012 Honda Odyssey with the 2-tone body color matched rear valance.
The stylish new interior plastics – including rear bench fold-down foot rest will be standard.

Front step flares will option for customers who need a little help getting into the front driver or passenger`s seat.

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.
The Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar handicap van conversion also offers amazing interior maneuverability. The VMI one touch remote control allows easy and simple wheelchair ramp deployment at your fingertips, while VMI Power Kneel gives an extremely low handicap ramp angle in these mobility vans conversions.

Each local VMI mobility dealer in the US is dedicated to helping you select the mobility vehicle, wheelchair lift, or accessory that will best suit your needs and budget, and to providing you the highest level of service and maintenance. Find a VMI mobility dealer in the United States or Canada and begin your journey of freedom and independence today.

Purchasing from a VMI dealer, guarantees you that you are purchasing from an organization that is bonded, licensed and insured to sell in California and Nevada. Having a license in the state of purchase gives you recourse and strict administration for any violations. As with any purchase it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The use of a dealer will save you with service, happiness and comfort knowing that that if anything goes wrong your mobility dealer are there when you need it.

If you are interested in buying or renting Mobility Vans - Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Honda Odyssey, Dodge caravan, Chrysler Town and Toyota Sienna Handicap Vans visit Better Life Mobility Centers in San Diego, California. Contact us for all information you need on Wheelchair Vans

Some Essential Questions on Mobility Vans

Mobility vans are designed and manufactured as ordinary passenger vans targeted at the mass market. A van conversion is the process where a van is customized with a wheelchair ramp or a wheelchair lift. The interior is also modified to provide easier and spacious access for disabled person on a wheelchair. When buying a mobility van you have to consider what you want from the vehicle, how much space you need in it, what colors you like, what wheelchair lift to put inside it, your preferences on interior color, brand, side doors, rear doors etc.

Safety

Safety is important for any vehicle. When it comes to safety all vehicles needs to be tested to see just how well they withstand in the event of an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets specific standards to ensure a vehicle can endure impact from the front, back and both sides. While many are standard of regular vehicles, anytime a vehicle is modified, its best to ensure those safety measures are retained. In addition, when a vehicle contains a lift or ramp, it's important that safety issues surrounding those additions are considered. Any kind of modification made to the car will have an effect to it's rigidity and safety. Even though the original mobility vans have passed a crash test the converted van may not have been tested before. Please, choose only from manufacturers / seller that has passed the crash test for their conversion units.

When buying a mobility van

Like stair lifts, power wheelchairs or any mobility products, mobility modified vehicles have many options. It is important that you get the right vehicle for your needs. You should try vehicle before you buy. Not sure what you'll like best? Try renting vehicle first. Your dealer will reimburse rental fees if you end up purchasing the vehicle.

Big question also is to 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. In a case of online shopping, be sure to try them out too. Different people have different needs and requirements. Also make sure you have a local service arrangement for your mobility van.

Full size van or mini van

The big difference between mobility converted full size and mini vans is that these firs one require a wheelchair lift, while a Mini Van uses a wheelchair ramp. Most of the disabled people feel more secure on a wheelchair ramp and there is always the very small chance that a wheelchair lift will fail leaving you stuck on your lift. Almost everyone who will drive the vehicle from their wheelchair will need to lower the floor of their vehicle. When seated in a wheelchair you are almost higher than a standard vehicle chair, so in order to see out of the vehicle properly the floor will need to be lowered. 6 to 10 inch drops are common for converted vehicles. Raising the roof has the advantage of making the vehicle easier to enter for the user and passengers.

Need Mobility Van or mobility scooter? 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.