Vantage Mobility International

The VMI Slide-Away Handicap Lift Is Back!

A recent press release from Vantage Mobility International was good news to full size handicap van drivers who use a handicap lift. VMI told the world they were making available a new generation of Ricon Slide-Away platform handicap lift for full size vans. Because they are one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of platform handicap lifts, Vantage Mobility International developed this exciting design for greater access for the disabled as well as other passengers.

“Our new Ricon Slide-Away handicap platform lift is a big step forward in quality, design, and functionality,” said Doug Eaton, CEO of Vantage Mobility International. “The engineering team has worked hard to give it exclusive features and technology… Not only does it employ the highest quality parts, but this handicap platform lifts functionality is unmatched.”

VMI and Ricon also redesigned several system components to give these handicap lifts even better performance than previous models. These upgrades include a better pressure relief valve in the hydraulic lift pump and a change to aluminum from steel to reduce the weight of the handicapped lift.

“While our Slide-Away handicap lift is the culmination of over 20 years of design ingenuity, that is only a piece of this new disabled access product,” added Eaton. “How we put together the Slide-Away is just as important as the parts, design, and technology. VMI has spent the last two years improving our handicap lift manufacturing processes to better ensure the Slide-Away from Ricon will perform up to customer expectations.”

Additional information about the VMI Ricon Slide Away handicap lifts can be found at VantageMobility.com.

Lift My Scooter | Scooter Lifts

LiftMyScooter.com is a website which was built for people looking for info on handicap scooter lifts for vans from VMI (Vantage Mobility International).  There are a lot of options for people who are looking for greater accessibility in a vehicle.  It is sometimes difficult to process all the different handicapped products online.  It should be noted that a handicap scooter lift may not meet every accessible need.  For those individuals requiring better vehicle access, a handicapped van can be a great option.  LiftMyScooter.com provides information on these handicap van conversions.

Elite G2 Scooter Handicapped Lifts

VMI Elite G2 lifts are designed to be convenient and simple.  They have features.  These scooter handicapped lifts have a platform which can be driven on or off, which is not a standard industry feature.  The Elite G2 also offers enough strength for loading heavy power handicap scooters in a quick manner.  Interior space is also maximized in these handicapped van scooter lifts.  As an affordable scooter lifting solution, the VMI Elite G2 is a great option.  It is even available with 5 color accents to suite your mobility device and vehicle.  For individuals considering a higher degree of access, a handicap accessible van conversion could be a better choice.

Excel Handicapped Scooter Lift

The VMI Excel handicapped scooter lift is perfect for tight fits.  This is possible by reducing the vertical height required at the back of the vehicle.  They are mounted inside the handicap vehicle, and lifts a device inside to protect it.  It features a slim design which blends nicely with almost any accessible vehicle interior.  The Excel also offers curbside loading options, offering accessibility for handicapped people like never before.  A hearty weatherized option is great for access to a handicap truck bed.  These scooter lifts can safely raise up to 350 lbs, meaning most power devices can easily work.

VMI Outback Lifts

VMI Outback scooter handicapped lifts represent a sturdy answer for a hitch mounted transportation.  They also work on almost any handicap vehicle.

Handicap Van Conversions

Handicap van conversions are a higher level of accessible vehicle which should be considered for those requiring better access.  Most handicapped minivans have a lowered floor with a ramp (known as a handicap ramp van).  Many handicapped vans come with either an infloor or folding ramp.  Some manufacturers offer nationwide delivery, while other work with local handicap van dealers.  The VMI Northstar handicap accessible van has an infloor ramp, while the Summit has a folding handicapped ramp.  Both the Summit and Northstar are available on the Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.

Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar Conversion

Since it hit the scene in late 2006, the Honda Odyssey with the VMI Northstar conversion has become extremely popular with individuals seeking better transportation options in a wheelchair. VMI is one of the most reputable names in the handicap accessible van industry, and Honda builds some of the most reliable vehicles on the road today. Combine the two, and you get one of the most amazing handicap vans on the road today.

VMI Northstar handicap vans include:

• 11 inch lowered floor
• Remote control activation
• Power in floor ramp
• Power kneeling feature
• Removable front seats
• Optional rubberized flooring
• And much more

MobilityReport recently went through a video series of 8 parts that gives even greater detail of the Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar conversion that starts here.

VMI Summit Handicap Conversion Vans

Folding Ramp Handicap Vans

VMI makes one of the best in floor handicap ramp conversions in America, but their folding ramp handicap van (the VMI Summit) is pretty great too.  Like all products from VMI, the Summit handicap minivan conversion has been meticously designed and tested to ensure safe and reliable usage.  The engineer team at VMI re-thought how a fold out ramp on a handicap van should work, and the result is one of the best folding ramp minivans for handicap accessiblility.

Features of VMI Summit Handicap Vans

• Power Folding Ramp – Unique design minimizes wear and tear while providing a low ramp angle with safety rails on the sides to prevent roll off.
• Lowered Floor – While reducing the ramp angle as much as possible, this accessible feature ensures ample headroom and a natural line of sight through the handicap accessible vehicle windows.
• Removable Front Seats – You can choose whether to ride in the front passenger or even the driving position.  Driving may be possible for many wheelchair users through the implementation of hand controls, a transfer seat, or other driving aids.
• Remote Control Access – A keychain remote activates the entire VMI Summit conversion for handicap use.

The VMI Summit Conversion Is Available On

• Honda Odyssey
• Chrysler Town & Country
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Consult a professional to determine which is right for you.

VMI Northstar Handicap Van Conversion

Safe, Reliable Wheelchair Transportation

With over 15,000 VMI Northstar handicap van conversions on the road in the US today, it has become one of the most popular and reliable handicap accessible van conversions around.  Why is this VMI handicap conversion van so popular?  There are a lot of reasons, but the most prominent is an in-floor handicap ramp which leaves an open doorway for ambulatory passenger to enter and exit the minivan without deploying the ramp every time.  In short, it is one of the most user friendly handicap accessible vehicles available.

Features of VMI Northstar Handicap Vans

• Power In Floor Handicap Ramp – Leaves an open doorway for non-wheelchair using passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.  It also provides a lower ramp angle, making it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.
• Power Kneel – A mechanism actually lowers the suspension of the accessible vehicle closer to the ground, reducing the ramp angle even more.
• Removable Front Seats – A handicapped individual can choose to ride in the front passenger position or even drive (with the aid of hand controls or other driving aids)
• Remote Control Activation – With the touch of a button on the keychain remote, the door opens and ramp deploys so your van is ready and waiting when you get to it.
• Lowered Floor – One of the most important features on any handicap accessible minivan, this feature means enough headroom to ride comfortably and a more natural line of sight through the windows.

Which Minivans Can Have the Northstar Handicap Van Conversion?

• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Honda Odyssey
• Each minivan make has unique advantages that could make it better for certain disabled individuals.  Consult a professional for details.

VMI Handicap Vans

Handicap Accessible Minivans

Vantage Mobility International makes several types of handicap mini vans for disabled use, including the VMI Northstar, VMI Summit, and VMI Northstar E Series.  These unique VMI handicap van conversions are available on minivans like the Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.  Each has unique accessible features that make them different, and each provides special options for wheelchair or scooter users.

VMI Northstar

The feature that most people notice first on the VMI Northstar handicap van conversion is the power in floor handicap ramp.  The uncommon design of this in-floor ramp make it extremely durable and safe.  The VMI Northstar handicap accessible van conversion also has power kneel, a lowered floor, remote control activation, removable front seats, and Sure Deploy Backup.

VMI Summit

The VMI Summit handicap van is similar to other lowered floor minivans, but it has a power folding handicap ramp for wheelchair use.  This folding ramp has been designed to be reliable, and VMI Summit handicap van conversions also have a lowered floor, power kneeling feature, activation by remote control, and front seats that can be removed to allow the disabled passenger to ride up front or even drive.

VMI Northstar E Series

The VMI Northstar E Series conversion for handicpa minivans features a manual conversion.  The infloor handicap ramp slides out easily from a compartment in the floor of the lowered floor minivan to provide a simple incline plane to enter the vehicle.  Northstar E Series handicap vans do not have other power options, but they do have removable front seats.

Handicap Accessible Full Size Van Conversions

VMI has made full size handicap vans for wheelchair use for a long time, but recently they partnered with Tuscany Conversions to make some of the most luxurious handicap full size vans in America.  These vans can be equipped with almost any Ricon handicap lift, and can have optional features like a lowered floor, raised roof, leather, flat panel TV’s, and more.

VMI Northstar with Honda Odyssey Part 8

Part 8 of the Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar handicap van video series ends up where we started:  the features Honda brings to the table that makes this handicap accessible vehicle so popular.

These handicap accessible features include (on the Honda Odyssey Touring)

• Ergonomic controls
• Voice activated controls
• Navigation system

VMI Northstar with Honda Odyssey Part 7

Part 7 of the VMI Northstar handicap van conversion on the Honda Odyssey chassis shows just how much VMI wants to meet their customer needs.  What do you suppose happens to the carpet flooring in a wheelchair accessible van?  That’s right, it gets used and abused.  VMI has a rubberized flooring flooring option in their accessible vehicle conversions that is easy to clean and keeps looking new long after carpet would have worn out.

Not only does VMI care about the looks of their handicap accessible vans, they also put a high premium on customer safety.  For this reason, the include a backup system that can run the VMI Northstar handicap conversion even if “worst case” scenario happens.  No matter what, even in a total electrical failure, this fail safe will allow you to operate the conversion and safely enter and exit the vehicle.

VMI Northstar with Honda Odyssey Part 6

One of the coolest features of almost every lowered floor handicap conversion vans is the removeable front seats.  This feature enables a wheelchair user to either ride in the front passenger position or even pull behind the wheel and drive (often with the assistance of handicap driving controls).  Once again, VMI’s engineers have outdone themselve, designing even this small detail to be as user-friendly as possible.

VMI Northstar with Honda Odyssey Part 5

Part 5 of the VMI Northstar handicap van of the Honda Odyssey minivan gets into the meat and potatoes of the accessible vehicle conversion.

Features included in the VMI Northstar handicap van conversion:

• Remote control activation of the entire mobility system
• Power sliding passenger door
• Power in floor handicap accessible ramp
• Power Kneel
• Multiple button locations