Mar 15, 2022
A person's hand using a wheelchair


When it comes to shopping for a mobility van, today’s market provides a nice variety of features and options. With technology constantly changing, it can be overwhelming to understand how to purchase the right van for your mobility needs. Keep reading to learn more about selecting the right van for you in Baltimore, MD!


Know Your Requirements

The first important element to consider is your specific requirements. Mobility is a very personal concept. It can mean different things to different people and may involve varied features based on a person’s unique situation. Therefore, it’s important to know what your exact requirements are both now and what’s anticipated for the future so you can get a van that will evolve with you.

Here are some questions to ask yourself. Who will be driving the van? What are the dimensions of your wheelchair, scooter, etc.? How many passengers do you expect? How will you get into and out of the van? Do you want to buy new or used? How will you secure your wheelchair or scooter when the van is in motion?


Common Features to Look For

The following are key features to look for when choosing a van built for mobility access. As cost can shift greatly based on the options selected, you should prioritize your needs based on what’s most important to you:


Cargo Space and Design

Cargo space refers to the area in the back of the vehicle where passengers would sit. It’s recommended you test drive a van to see whether the interior layout will work for you. You should also take measurements of your wheelchair or scooter to get an idea of how much space you’ll need.


Ramps and Lifts

Ramps can be manual or motorized. These provide a way into the van from the ground to the floor of the vehicle. They can even be portable!


Accessibility

Vans offer different options in terms of wheelchair and/or scooter accessibility. If you have a wheelchair, you’ll need a van with a ramp or lift. If you have a scooter, just a ramp may do.


Removable Seating

Removable seating can be helpful when you need more space inside the vehicle for different situations. Larger vans offer more options and can reduce seating considerably for increased cargo room and more accessible space.


Backup Camera

Many vehicles offer a backup camera to assist with reversing and parking. This is a common feature in cars today and it can be an option on these vans. It’s highly recommended to opt for a backup camera to provide additional safety measures.

Vans for mobility have come a long way over the years. These vans can be set up with special features, such as a backup camera, lift and/or ramp, and modern modifications. Are you in the market? Call Jerry’s Mobility today to find the best van for you and your loved ones! Our dealership specializes in mobility and wheelchair-accessible vehicles and we work with the top brands!

Image via Pixabay