If you are in the market for a wheelchair or scooter-friendly vehicle, there are a number of different companies that handle handicap van conversions. Almost any vehicle can be equipped with safe options for persons with disabilities, from small passenger cars to full-sized vans. Whether you need a chair lift to be installed in your current vehicle, or need to purchase a previously converted van, there are several purchasing options to choose from.

Types of Handicap Van Conversions

The most popular forms of van modifications, according to 2002 questionnaire completed by the NHTSA, are "hand controls, wheelchair securement, automatic door openers, steering control devices, and lifts." Modifications regarding seat belts, increasing head and foot room, and modified switch pads were also extremely popular. Of all the individuals questioned in this survey, 73% felt they were very or extremely safe with these conversions and felt in control of their own driving capabilities.

Some handicap van conversions are simple and only require a few adjustments to the steering gear and brake controls. These types of changes can include installing brake pads into the wheel and remote controls to open powered doors and lifts from either the outside or the inside of the car. Installing zero-effort steering knobs can also allow quadriplegics or those with limited hand motion the ability to maneuver the wheel efficiently and safely.

When a van needs to have a lift or driver's seat securement tie-down rail installed, it often requires heavier conversion engineering skill. The seat must be removed and floor rails installed to allow the wheelchair to be locked into place, while space for the doors and lifts must be cut into the side of the van. All of the above handicap van conversions must be done by a licensed expert who fully understands how to follow established safety guidelines and make the van as secure and safe as possible.