Posts Tagged ‘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.

Honda Odyssey with VMI Conversion

VMI Conversions available on Honda Odyssey Minivans

Vantage Mobility International was one of the first companies in America to do a full scale handicap accessible van conversion on a Honda Odyssey.  Their handicap van on the Honda Odyssey minivan features an 11 inch lowered floor for an entry height of about 55 inches and interior height of about 59 inches (in models without a sunroof).  The ramp width is about 29.5 inches, and the door opening width is about 31 inches.  The 5.5 inches of ground clearance is among the most in the industry.  VMI converts the Honda minivan with either the VMI Northstar or VMI Summit handicap van conversions.  The Summit has an electric folding handicap ramp, the Northstar has an electric in-floor handicap ramp.  One of the most unique optional features is a rubberized flooring which reduces wear and tear on the interior, and is much easier to keep clean than traditional vehicle carpeting.

One of the reasons a Honda Odyssey handicap van is so exciting to so many people is because it has been difficult to find an import handicap accessible vehicle.  A lot of people prefer an import for fuel economy, comfort, luxury, or a variety of other reasons.  VMI recognized this and developed the Honda Odyssey with VMI handicap van conversion to meet the needs and desires of its customers.  For a visual demonstration, check out our Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar video pages.

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 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.

Central Alabama Mobility

Gulf States Mobility – Central Alabama Mobility

With over 85 years of combined experience, CAM serves businesses, individuals, and governmental agencies with new and used mobility products, handicap vans, and handicap accessible vehicle products in Alabama.  As a small company whose sole business is helping richer, more fulfilling lives through increased mobility, they are committed offering quality handicap accessible vans, handicap lift vans, and other mobility products to the communities they serve.

Central Alabama Mobility is committed to continual education to provide the latest innovations in the mobility industry.  Their professional staff is constantly attending training and service seminars to learn more about new products that are available.

They offer handicap lifts for full size vans and scooter lifts from:

• BraunAbility
• Harmar Mobility
• Vantage Mobility International

Central Alabama Mobility offers commercial handicap vans with lifts like Paratransit vans and Goshen Coach vans.  But not only does CAM offer handicap vans and handicap accessible vehicles, they also have personal mobility products like wheelchairs, scooters, wheelchair lifts, ceiling lifts, door openers, and environmental controls.

The most exciting products offered at Central Alabama Mobility are lowered floor handicap conversion vans from Vantage Mobility International, BraunAbility, and Viewpoint Mobility.  VMI and Braun lowered floor minivans are side entry and accessed with a powered handicap ramp that allows individuals to enter and exit the vehicle.  Viewpoint Mobility also has powered ramps, but the wheelchair user enters the van through the back “hatch” of the van.  This rear entry setup has unique advantages over some other applications.

Central Alabama Mobility has 3 locations in Alabama:

• 1647 Coosa River Pkwy Wetumpka, AL 36092
• 1436-B West I 65 Service Road South Mobile, AL 36693
• 2201 University Blvd East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

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.