If you have a mobility issue, you may consider purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. These vehicles feature a variety of features that make entering and exiting the vehicle easy. These features include side-entry access points, power ramps, removable seating, and in-floor ramps.
Side-entry access points
When choosing a Chevy wheelchair accessible vehicles for sale, a side-entry model offers more flexibility in the floor plan and seating area. Side-entry vehicles can accommodate three wheelchair users while allowing up to five non-disabled passengers to ride in the back. They also offer a more stable seat for the driver. Aside from securing the wheelchair, side-entry vehicles also provide extra storage space for passengers. This space allows for camping and sporting gear. They can also carry commodes and lifting machines. Some of these vehicles also have roof racks for easy transportation.
Side-entry vehicles can also accommodate two wheelchair users and two passengers with one user. They feature an accessible driver's seat and lowered floor. The wheelchair driver can also drive the vehicle from their wheelchair. In addition, power conversions offer a kneeling system that reduces the ramp's angle.
Power ramps
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles incorporating power ramps are an excellent choice for drivers with mobility issues. These ramps allow passengers to quickly get into the vehicle without blocking the door or the floor. They also offer greater ground clearance and room for longer wheelchairs and leg rests. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) advocates for including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
There are two basic types of ramps: manual and power. Manual ramps are folded and slid out, while power ramps can be deployed with the push of a button or essential fob remote control. A manual ramp requires assistance from a caregiver, who must open the passenger-side sliding door, position the ramp for accessible use, and close it. Power ramps are easier to operate than manual ramps.
In-floor ramps
In-floor ramps are ideal for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These ramps can be folded underneath the vehicle's floor and are virtually invisible. Additionally, they offer an extra 3/4 of an inch of length compared to fold-out ramps, which can be helpful when negotiating curbs. However, they are not suitable for everyone.
In-floor ramps offer better passenger access than fold-out ramps. In-floor ramps can fit underneath the van's floor, allowing for less obstruction and more space for adaptive seating. As a result, in-floor ramps are more convenient. They also allow the front passenger seat to recline.
In-floor ramps are one of the most popular types of wheelchair ramps. They retract into the floor of the wheelchair-accessible van when not in use and extend outward in a folding motion when they're needed. Some models include handrails for easy navigation, and the floor of the ramps is perforated to make cleaning easier. The downside to in-floor ramps is that they're usually more expensive than fold-out ramps.
Removable seating
Removable seating in wheelchair-accessible vehicles is a valuable feature that makes driving more comfortable and accessible. Many cars have these seats to help a driver quickly get in and out of the vehicle. Some models also have a swivel car seat to allow a tall person to enter and exit the vehicle. Removable seating is usually made of a material that is easily removable and allows for an easy transition to an OEM passenger seat. It does not involve complicated electronics or engineering and is best suited to commercial and heavy-cycle applications or areas where vehicle corrosion is a concern.
Tie-down points
Tie-down points on wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be manually tightened or powered, depending on the vehicle type. Manual tie-downs are the most affordable, but they require assistance to secure the wheelchair. Using manual tie-downs requires someone to hold the wheelchair in place while someone else locks the straps. Moreover, manual tie-downs cannot be attached to any moving part of the wheelchair. In addition, releasing them requires lifting a ratchet mechanism and pushing a release button. An adequately secured wheelchair can prevent an accident by reducing the impact on the vehicle. Tie-down points are critical to the safety of wheelchairs. The tie-down points should be located behind the wheelchair's rear securement points.