Posts Tagged ‘handicap van conversion’

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 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 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

VMI Northstar with Honda Odyssey Part 2

Part 2 of the VMI Northstar handicap van conversion on the Honda Odyssey minivan goes into detail about some of the features of the Honda van.  Specifically, the power and reliability the Honda Odyssey provides, as well as the safety features Honda builds into every one of their handicap accessible vehicles.  These are a few of the reasons the industry is buzzing with excitement over the handicap accessible van.

The Honda Odyssey Touring model handicap van provides:

• Honda V6 engine – 3.5 Liter, 244 horsepower
• Increased fuel economy with cylinders that turn on and off depending on driving conditions
• Special body construction that allows for increased safety during a collision

Vantage Mobility International

Vantage Mobility International (VMI)

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, VMI specializes in manufacturing handicap vans and making vehicles more accessible.  They have a full line of handicap accessible minivans, handicap lifts, and scooter lifts.  In their state of the art manufacturing facility, they have the latest technology including an assembly line designed to create uniform and reliable accessible vehicles.

Their minivans have lowered floors, powered wheelchair ramps (in-floor and folding), and power kneel.  These features work together to make the minivan more accessible.  VMI currently converts Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, Chrysler Town and Country minivans, and Honda Odyssey minivans.  They are constantly working at providing more accessible features in their accessible vehicles, and are continuously working to create handicap van conversions for more types of vehicles.

VMI has partnered with Tuscany Conversions to create some of the most luxurious full size handicapped vans in America.  These vans come standard with a VMI-Ricon wheelchair lift, and a variety of optional features including raised roof, raised doors, lowered floor, automatic doors, flat screen TV’s, navigation, and more.

VMI also has a full line of handicap scooter lifts that will provide customers with a more accessible world regardless of their scooter-wheelchair and vehicle.

Handicap Conversion Vans

Handicap Van Conversion

A handicap van conversion is much different from a traditional conversion van.  When most people think of a conversion van, they think of a fancy, finished full size van.  A family van.  Maybe it has a raised roof for extra headroom.  Handicap conversion vans cover a much broader variety of vehicles.  Handicap van conversions can have a lowered floor, a raised roof, both, or neither.  Confused?

Lowered Floor Minivans

One of the most popular conversions is the lowered floor minivan.  These vans are wheelchair accessible either through the back hatch or sliding passenger door.  The lowered floor means more headroom, a better line of sight through the windows, and a reduced ramp angel for easy wheelchair transition.

Full Size Van with a Lift

Less popular than a lowered floor minivan, a Full Size handicap van with a lift is still a good choice for many people who want wheelchair accessibility in a vehicle.  Full size van can have a raised roof or lowered floor, and are generally a good choice for people who sit taller in their wheelchair.  Full sized handicap conversion vans will typically have a handicap lift installed in either the side passenger door or back doors.