What Are Handicap Vans?

What is a handicap van?

A handicap van is a special category of wheelchair accessible vehicle, re-manufactured for easier accessibility with a wheelchair.  This specific type of accessible vehicle is referring only to a full size van with a lift or a lowered floor minivan.

As you could just about guess, there are many distinctive types of handicap accessible vans.  Full sized conversion vans will usually have a handicap lift installed.  This lift is usually connected in the back doors or the side passenger doors of the van.

Handicap accessible minivans usually have a wheelchair entrance at either the back hatch or side passenger door.  Unlike full size conversion vans with a lift, wheelchair accessible minivans a handicap ramp with a lowered floor.  The ramp and lowered floor provide a reduced ramp angle easily navigated by even manual wheelchairs, as well as providing enough headroom to enter and exit the now handicap accessible vehicle.

Minivans with a handicap lift are also available, although they are less popular than lowered floor vans.  The reason is that a minivan with a lift has less headroom and a narrower doorway, making it more difficult to enter and exit the mobility vehicle.