Posts Tagged ‘handicap lift’

The Right Process for Handicap Van Conversion Buying

In today’s marketplace, there are a large number of handicap van conversions available for disabled people. There are lifts, driving devices and ramps to make mobility easier. Many customers haven’t owned this type of vehicle before, and the choices can be a lot to take in. However, it is possible to become an educated buyer through researching appropriately. Follow these simple steps to ensure a proper fit and experience.

Understand the disabled equipment available. Today there is a handicap conversion van or other adaptation for almost any physical ailment. Scooter lifts, handicap seats, handicap platform lifts, and hand controls can make almost any car, truck, SUV, minivan, or crossover more accessible. Handicap vans with a ramp are the most common and the peak of accessibility.

Find an accredited mobility dealer. Conversion handicap van dealers are different from a traditional automobile dealership. If a handicap van conversion breaks down, the dealer should be able to assist with a problem right away. After all, an accessible van is far more important than a traditional automobile for the people who use them. In addition to 24 hour service capabilities, a mobility dealer should be certified with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. NMEDA has special programs to certify appropriate safety and quality measures have been taken on each handicap van sold through a NMEDA dealer.

Check their references. Handicap conversion van dealers often have past customers who can serve as a guide to the quality of their work. Many satisfied customers mean a reputable dealership. Be skeptical of any dealer who is unable to offer personal references. Contact each one and find out the level of service they have experienced.

Handicap van conversions can come fully assembled, or you can buy a van and send it to the factory. Buying conversion handicap vans pre-assembled will save time, but you might be able to save a few hundred dollars by shopping for a van and sending it to the factory. Be sure to talk with the mobility dealer before buying an unconverted van because some manufacturers have restrictions as to which vans can be modified.

Make sure it fits. One of the most important aspects to buying a conversion handicap van is to make sure it fits. People come in different shapes and sizes. So do wheelchairs, and entrance into the handicap van should be comfortable, meaning the user shouldn’t have to lower their head to get through the entrance. There should also be enough space in the interior of the van for easy maneuverability. Think about how many people will be riding in the handicap conversion van. Ask your dealer for demonstrations on as many vans as possible.

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.

Selecting A Handicap Lift For Mobility – Part 3

Some items to keep in mind when selecting a scooter lift for a car, truck, SUV, or minivan:

• How much does your scooter or power wheelchair weigh?  Scooter lifts have a wide range of weight capacities, and a heavy wheelchair on a lightweight scooter lift is a recipe for disaster.
• How long will your disability allow you to use this mobility device before you may need something a little more accessible?  If you have a degenerative disability, it may make sense to purchase a higher end accessible lift or handicap accessible van instead of wasting money on a lift for a scooter you will only use for a couple months.
• Will the scooter lift work in your vehicle?  Not all scooter handicap lifts work in every model of vehicle on the road.  Make sure the scooter lift you select will work with your current vehicle, and ask if it can easily be transferred to a different vehicle in the future.

Some items to keep in mind when selecting a handicap lift for a van:

• How tall do you sit in your manual wheelchair or scooter?  This may seem like an odd question, but you want to make sure that you can easily transition from the handicap lift into the vehicle without bumping your head on the door frame.
• How much does my wheelchair weigh when sitting in it?  Make sure to select a handicap lift that has a weight capacity high enough for the load you want it to carry.
• Will the full size van fit in my garage?  Another odd question, but if the van doesn’t fit in your garage, you will need to load and unload from the van outside, which can be a hassle or even dangerous during winter months in northern climates.
• Would a minivan with a handicap ramp better suit your needs?  Handicap accessible minivans have become very popular in the last decade.  They get better gas mileage, are easier to park, and easier to drive than a full size handicap van.  In many cases, they will also have more interior space for maneuvering a wheelchair or scooter.

Portable Handicap Lifts

A portable handicap lift is specifically engineered to allow convenient and easy access for people using wheelchairs.  They may need access to stairways, stages, porches, and elevated platforms.  A trustworthy handicap lift is available in an assortment of models and can be used in commercial or residential applications.

Handicap lifts that are easily transported are an economic solution for those who use wheelchairs.  Especially in comparison to traditional elevators and stair lifts–which cannot be moved.  These portable mobility lifts can be used outdoors or inside, and are created in a manner that can accommodate many models of today’s wheelchairs.  This includes power wheelchairs, sports chairs, manual wheelchairs, and child wheelchairs or pediatric wheelchairs.  An electric model may be available with battery backup systems, so the handicap lift will work even if the power is out.  Hydraulic portable handicapped lifters can be more expensive than electric models, but they do offer additional functions.

For optimum safety for mobility lift, they include non-slip flooring, braking systems, seatbelts, and simple controls.  Some have key switches to prevent unauthorized use–like by children who may hurt themselves playing with portable handicap lifts.

Selecting A Handicap Lift For Mobility – Part 2

In part one of “Selecting a Handicap Lift for Mobility”, we talked about mobility scooter lifts and when they might be a good solution for transporting a scooter or other mobility device like a power wheelchair–mainly for people able to walk short distances.

But for people using a manual wheelchair or power chair full time, sophisticated handicap lifts for full size vans or minivans could be a better solution.  With these higher lever mobility devices, a handicap device user can actually ride onto the platform and into the full size vans.  Lifts for full size vans that can be used in this way offer a fully accessible option for accessible travel.  Vehicles with a lift have commonly been referred to as handicap vans, meaning they compliment a vehicle that has been modified specifically with handicapped transportation in mind.  There are several companies that make these handicap lifts, and a local handicap lift dealership can help you in selecting a handicap lift for mobility.

There are some specific questions your local mobility dealer should ask you that we will discuss in Part 3.

Including The Disabled In The Holidays

Disclaimer:  This post has little to do with handicap vans, handicap lifts, or accessible vehicles.

As the holiday season fast approaches–and may be over for some–it is important to remember to include people with disabilities and welcome them at any gatherings you may be attending.  All too often, disabled individuals can easily become shut ins for much of the year, and outcasts when they do venture out for holiday gatherings.

An interesting blog entry on another website gives some excellent advice:

Knowing how to react and feeling comfortable and making other people feel comfortable is always an issue. But can be handled well. So at this time hug, hope and love. Reach out to get to know the person.  Let them know of your concern and give an extra hug to them and to their child if that’s the case and then move on to a topic of mutual interest that you both can share.

In other words, treat them like you would any other relative or friend.  It is truly a wonderful time of year, make it wonderful for everyone involved.  Don’t be afraid to give a ride to a wheelchair user who doesn’t have a handicap accessible van.  Grab the cousins and make a human handicap lift to get your aunt up the front steps.  Happy Holidays!

Selecting A Handicap Lift For Mobility – Part 1

Handicap lifts help make the everyday lives for disabled individuals easier by making it possible for them to see their world on their terms, often without any aid.  However, it is important to match the appropriate handicap lift with the disabililty of the person who will be using it.  There are literally dozens of different varieties of these lifts for handicap use on the market, and they can be purchased from a number of different mobility equipment retailers.

If you are seeking a handicap lift for a car, truck, full size van, minivan, or SUV, do a serious analysis of your level of personal mobility before selecting a handicap lift.  Can you walk unnassisted for short distances but require a scooter or other mobility device for longer distance?  Then a handicap scooter lift might be appropriate for you.  These handy mobility lifting devices can be attached to your vehicle with a rear hitch mount, in the trunk of the car, or in the back hatch of a minivan.  If you have limited control of your legs and don’t feel comfortable driving, a set of mechanical hand controls for driving handicapped could be a great addition to the mobility scooter lift purchase.

There are fully automatic handicap lifts for full size vans and mini vans that will be addressed later.