There are many different types of wheelchair ramps for vans, and the features that you need to consider when purchasing a van are not always the same. You should make sure that you have found a ramp that is appropriate for your personal needs. Consider these top three points when determining what type of wheelchair ramp will work best for you.
Why is a wheelchair ramp for van necessary in the first place? The biggest advantage of a ramp for van is the ease of access. Most van owners like to park their vehicles at a motorized wheelchair ramp for a van which can easily be moved from one place to another. This makes it easy to transport your vehicle from your driveway to the office, or back to your house when needed. Of course, there are more advantages than just ease of use, but these are some of the major ones.
If you need to go to the store or drive to work with a wheelchair, you will need to maneuver through a door into the vehicle. At times this may require pushing or pulling because the door may be positioned higher than normal. At other times, the door may be too narrow and there may not be room to turn into the vehicle or even roll the wheelchair through.
A handicap accessible van can easily be pulled through an entrance on one side only. This is called a sliding entrance and allows for easier movement through the entrance. It is also convenient to place the wheelchair inside the van without having to turn around and maneuver the vehicle through the entrance on one side only.
Ford Transit Connect Wheelchair Van
A van with a side entry, or folding door, will usually have a door that opens on a hinge that flips open. When turning the handle the door can fold all the way in, creating a much smaller space in the van. The door is closed behind you and it is easily maneuvered through the entrance on the opposite side. This type of entranceis ideal for getting in and out of the vehicle.
A telescoping entrance will open the door completely with no need to turn a handle. The door can also be locked. When turning the handle, it is very easy to maneuver the door through the entrance. This type of entrance is a good choice for handicapped individuals who have difficulty bending over, especially in tight places.
One type of entrance is known as a retractable or swing open entrance. It can be opened or closed by simply pulling a cord, and it can easily slide open or close depending on the situation. Some models are adjustable, allowing the user to select the angle or length of the ramp to ensure that the entrance will open or close according to the needs of the user.
When using a folding door, the user can leave the wheel chair in the van during all the hours of the day or night. It is easy to change out as needed. Because the entrance can fold up the area is more compact, allowing the users to bring along the chair at any time without fear of it becoming damaged or unattractive.
What about the bottom panel of the door? It can be easily removed and cleaned so it can be replaced when needed. Since the entrance is folded up, there is no worry about spilling liquids into the vehicle when it is parked overnight.
A rear door is less secure than a van with a rolling door. Using a folding entrance means the ramp can be opened in an emergency and closed without having to enter the vehicle. The entrance can be easily accessed when needed for carrying around groceries or with groceries or other items. There is no need to turn the handle to open the door.
It is a good idea to check the ramps for vans which fit into your vehicle. If you live in an area that has a lot of snow, then it may be necessary to purchase a ramp for a van that is designed for driving on snow. This is a good idea if you have children that like to sled on the driveway. It may be necessary to purchase a ramp for van that features an electric lift to help you get into and out of the vehicle quickly in case of an emergency.
