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Buyers Guide for Mobility Vans
You're a first time buyer, and like many other customers have questions about mobility vans, or how or where they are built, and what kind of pricing to expect. This portion of our website will assist you to find answers to your
questions and provide mobility solutions. We encourage you to gather as much information as possible, but the best education of needs and options is done through a consultation with a Mobility Consultant. Our staff knows the
inside and out of Adaptive Equipment and can custom fit and recommend the perfect transportation for friends, family, and most importantly you!
There are many different options and possibilities with Accessible Vehicles; the most common option is a Mobility Van. A mobility van is modified to allow a wheelchair or scooter user to drive their equipment directly into the
vehicle with no assistance. Featuring a 10-11" dropped floor for easy entry and exist (with headroom up to 58"!)
and removable front seats that allow the user to ride safely in the front passenger area or drive
from their wheelchair.
TIPS TO BUYING AN ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE:
- Create a list of features you want and need, so you can accurately access the cost differences
- Take into consideration how you're going to transport the whole family.
- Consider the equipment that needs to be transported. Will it change over time?
- What is the age of the user and caregivers?
- Have a budget. Check with a Mobility Consultant to obtain all information including 10-year financing options and rebates available.
- Talk with a Certified Mobility Consultant to explain features and benefits, and guide you through the buying process.
- Purchasing your van from Ability Center provides a piece-of-mind because we are a Certified Mobility Dealer that is part of NMEDA and is QAP certified.
- Rent and try before you buy. Ability Center will apply your rental costs to the purchase of a new or previously-owned vehicle.
- Buy for today, and tomorrow! It's a big investment that should last you many years.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS:
- Do you convert the vans there? No. Vans with new ramp conversions are converted in three locations: Indiana, Michigan, and Arizona.
We
obtain them complete. We install external or internal lifts, and any adaptive equipment necessary to custom fit the driver to their van.
- What vans are being converted? Currently, the manufacturers are converting the Dodge/Chrysler minivans, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey
Chevrolet/Buick minivans, and Ford E-Series vans.
- I want to carry two wheelchairs. Can I? Most van conversions make carrying two wheelchairs a breeze, but that depends on the style
of chair or scooter. Talk to our Mobility Specialist they'll know what will work for
you.
- I can't make it down to your store. Can you come out? Yes. We love in-home demonstrations. It gives you the chance to have your
whole family there and try the van in your environment. Just pick a van, and we'll bring
it out to you at no-charge.
- How do I secure my wheelchair? Depending on the model, there are several ways to secure your equipment. Three typical ways are:
4-piont manual strapping system that comes with every van; optional 4-point retractable
straps; and the EZ-Lock bracket system. Please check with your Mobility Specialist to see if a bracket designed for your equipment. There are some popular wheelchairs on the market that do not have a bracket.
- I want to save more money. What do you have? Besides taking advantage of any and all rebates out there, consider a manual ramp
version or the very popular used van with a new conversion. A pre-owned conversion van may
be the way to go if you are considering a budget. You can save thousands on a pre-owned van.
- Why is the price set the way it is? The final price is a combined cost of the van AND the mobility conversion. What will determine
the overall price is what you want out of the van and options (i.e.: Toyota Sienna
Limited versus Dodge Grand Caravan SE). The conversions are priced very closely and do not generally affect overall price.
- Can I trade in my non-converted vehicle? YES! Bring it by and we'll give you the best deal on non-converted or converted vehicles.
We'll take the stress out of selling the vehicle on the market.
- Can I try the van first? Absolutely! We have a rental fleet, so try one over a weekend to see if it going to work for your family
and we'll credit you those costs on your purchase.
- I want to buy my van at the dealer; they've been nice to me. Depending on the manufacturer and conversion, that could be done. You
will not take physical possession of the van, but your relationship with them will be
continued. Before you do, talk to our Mobility Specialists and they'll let you know if that van can be purchased through your favorite dealer. We have a great working relationship with most dealers, so we know how to work with
the auto dealers in your town.
- Do you offer financing? Yes. We work with banks that finance mobility vans up to 10 years, or on terms that fit your needs. Our
rates are comparable to what is on the market.
- Can I use my own bank? Certainly. But be cautious, you must let them know that it is a van converted for wheelchair access. Some
private or national banks will not finance the total cost of the mobility van, and only
finance up to 120% of the value of the van prior to conversion. Call your Mobility Specialist before you go to your bank, it may be helpful to assist you with your bank by letting them know of your intentions.
- Does Medicare pay for vans? No. Due to Medicare guidelines and policy the vehicle conversion is a "deluxe item" only to be used
outside the home, for which that equipment Medicare does not deem "medically necessary".
- Who will assist with funds for me? Depending on where you live, your state could have funds set aside for financial assistance.
These funds are available upon application and approval of your case and if the state has
funds available. Sometimes this can take up to 6 months or longer. Call our Mobility Specialist; they will know where to direct you to start the process.
- I am a disabled Veteran. How do I obtain a mobility van? If the VA has provided you with a wheelchair or scooter, you are entitled
to a lift for your existing vehicle or a mobility conversion to transport that equipment.
Depending on your diagnosis or if your disability is service connected or not, either will be provided. Call us; we'll work with your local VA to help you start the process. We are very experienced with Veterans policy and
procedures.
- Can I convert my own van? The vans we offer are complete, but you could convert your own. This is a very rare circumstance, but if
it absolutely needs to be done your vehicle needs to fit the manufacturer's criteria for
converting a customer-owned van. In just about all cases, because of the time and additional expenses, it is more beneficial and cost effective to the customer to purchase a van post-converted to take advantage of rebates.
Conversions cannot be financed on their own.
FLY & DRIVE PURCHASE PROGRAM
Did you know we can fly you to our store and put you up for the night? Customers nationwide who purchase a new or used accessible vehicle from Ability Center will receive airfare and hotel room reimbursement. Our locations just
happen to be situated in some of the country's top vacation spots. So consider flying into town, purchasing your accessible van from Ability Center, and then take some time to visit and travel before you head back home.
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