Handicap Vans and Wheelchair Vans for sale

Handicapped vans are much more than just a van with a wheelchair lift. They help restore independence and freedom for people who would otherwise have to remain home bound or rely on others for help. Being physically handicapped or in a wheelchair no longer means you have to sit on the porch and watch the world go by. With a handicapped accessible van, you're mobile.

Today's handicapped vans can be equipped with a variety of customizable features. Wheelchair lifts and ramps are only the beginning. Special controls can be fitted, movable seats, and safety harnesses. Side access and rear access are other options, as well as jump seats and transfer seats. There's really nothing that can't be done to customize a van these days.

Tips For Purchasing Handicapped Vans

You have several options for purchasing a handicapped accessible van. You can buy a new conversion van that's already been customized. Most will have a basic conversion package such as a wheelchair lift or ramp, safety harnesses and wheelchair tie-downs. If you find a good deal and it doesn't have all the features you want you can contact a conversion company to have it upgraded.

You'll also find some good deals on used handicapped vans and again, if they don't have all the features you need, you can have the added.

Before buying a handicapped accessible van, here are some things you should consider:

Safety Features

Of course safety should be your first concern. Especially when buying a used handicapped van. There should be 4 tie-downs to stabilize the wheelchair once it's in the van and you'll want to make sure they're securely bolted to the floor. The lift should also have tie-downs and/or a safety railing.

Side Entry

Side wheelchair access makes it easier for the person to enter the van and get into the driver's seat. It also allows for easier access if you do a lot of parallel parking. However, you may have trouble in parking lots when people park too close to the door.

Rear Entry

Rear entry wheelchair access generally costs less to have installed and it's more convenient for vans used to transport handicapped passengers. Most minivans can be converted to allow 2 wheelchairs side-by-side and having access in the rear makes it easier to maneuver.

Transfer Seat

It's generally not recommended that a driver stay in the wheelchair while driving the van. It's just not stable enough, regardless of the safety features that might be installed and access to the controls is inconvenient. Look for a van with a transfer seat. These seats rotate and most even move back from the wheel. After you're seated they can be moved into the proper driving position.

Hand Controls

A variety of special hand controls are available for paraplegics and they're really not very expensive at all. They can be installed in a matter of minutes and it takes just a few minutes to learn how they're used.

Which Is Better – New Or Used?

When considering buying a new handicapped accessible van versus used, your first thought should always be safety. Safety for the person in the wheelchair, safety for the other passengers in the van and safety for other drivers on the road.

That said, if you find a used minivan that passes your safety inspection, you'll also need to look at it like you would any other used vehicle – check the age and mileage, have a mechanic give it a good inspection, kick the tires and turn on the windshield wipers.

It's also much less expensive to have someone repair a ramp or lift than it is to buy a new one and that may be an option. Also, ask if the equipment is still under warranty. That might save you some money on repairs.

Next, you'll want to look at the customization that's already been done. Does it have all the features you want? And if not, how much more will you have to spend to bring it up to your requirements?

A basic new installation conversion package, including a lift and safety features can start at $7000 and can range as high as $16,000 or more, depending on what you have added. And you'll have a warranty included in that price.

Where Can You Find A Handicap Van Conversion Company?

Most dealerships don't carry a handicapped accessible van on the lot and, unless you buy used you're going to have to take care of the conversion yourself. Your dealership may be able to recommend a good company in your area. If not, you can find several online. Just do a search for 'handicapped van conversions.' Most have basic package prices posted on their websites and they'll be happy to answer your questions.

Where Can You Find Used Handicap Vans?

Many of the top conversion companies also sell vans that have already been customized, some new and some used. While this might be one of the more expensive choices, you'll also be assured of quality and safety and you'll have the full warranty to fall back on.

This is a handy search tip: find lots of wheelchair vans online by searching for "wheelchair vans in your-state-here" in quotes in your favorite search engine. This will help narrow down the search results. Or, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the link for your state. We have already applied advanced search and filtering to return only ads and auctions for handicap vans that are for sale in that state. Before final purchase, make sure you're dealing with a reputable seller, whether it is a dealership or an individual.

Surprisingly, one of the best places to find used handicapped vans for sale is to visit the websites of the companies who rent them. Just like rental car companies, these agencies are always selling off their used inventory and replacing it with new and they often have very good deals. As a plus, you already know these vans are going to be in pretty good condition and everything will be safe and in good working order.

Check back often to find your next wheelchair lift van, handicap van or handicap bus - our listings update hourly.

Handicap Vans and Handicap Buses for sale