Traveling Safely And Comfortably In A Mobility Van

Handicap van conversions take a standard vehicle and then add various features so that it becomes accessible to someone who has medical issues affecting mobility. These vehicles are highly customized to meet the specific needs of a driver or passengers that require different amounts of space for comfort. The result of these conversions is a mobility van that has a combination of functional features and options that increase driver safety. At the same time, the vans can be customized even further in order to give the driver and passengers convenient options for long trips.

Custom Access

The most recognizable features of a mobility van have to do with how passengers with a limited range of motion or wheelchairs get into and out of the vehicle. The doors on the side might be widened in order to accommodate new options. Ramps are installed to assist someone in a wheelchair or with difficultly walking to move up a gradual incline into the van. Alternately, a lift could be placed in the vehicle so that anyone who is on a ground-level platform is gently lifted into the cab. Custom access also means modifying the interior so that there is sufficient space for someone with crutches or a wheelchair.

Driving Safety

Most basic handicap van conversions that are designed to allow someone with limited mobility to drive adjust the dashboard and gears so that everything is within the reach of the driver's arms. There are some features that are designed to help make driving easier beyond this modification. A touch screen global position system (GPS) puts a real-time atlas within reach that will plot routes and identify locations while on the road. Enhanced fog lights on the front of the mobility van increase the amount of visibility that the driver has at night and in poor weather conditions. Even the suspension and brakes are able to be modified in order to create the safest and most comfortable driving conditions possible.

Entertainment

Handicap van conversions address some issues beyond safety and accessibility. The conversion also makes it possible to provide entertainment and other options for the driver and passengers. Some options include a complete sound system that spans the length of the van so that music played in the front can be enjoyed by everyone. Monitors and media players that are installed give passengers some ways to pass the time during long road trips. Some mobility vans even have space for small refrigerators and other appliances in the back that will make traveling more enjoyable.