Renting a Wheelchair Accessible Van
Caregivers who care for a patient in a wheelchair need a lift-equipped van when it is time to go places. Suppose the patient has a doctor’s appointment.
In that case, if there’s a family gathering to attend or there’s an opportunity for a long trip, the first consideration is how to transport the wheelchair user.
Take the situation of helping the wheelchair user get into a car. If the patient cannot stand at all, they’ll need to remain in the wheelchair or be lifted and placed into the car.
Is the caregiver able to do that?
And get the wheelchair loaded in and out of the car independently?
It takes work.
If the patient can stand momentarily, you could use a transport chair. Transport wheelchairs are smaller and lighter, making them much easier for the caregiver to fold and load in the trunk.
If the patient has adequate mobility, a transfer board, which helps the user to slide into the car without standing up, can help the patient be seated in a car.
The safety of both the caregiver and the patient is the most important factor in these decisions.
Fortunately, there is another available option for caregivers and wheelchair users.
Lift-Equipped Vans
Renting a wheelchair-accessible van is a solution to consider in these situations. These vans are modified with equipment that will lower and then lift the wheelchair and the patient into the van.
The wheelchair is secured inside the van. A licensed driver can then drive the van to the destination.
The van can then be parked in a handicapped space, and the wheelchair–user is lowered to the ground at the destination. No discomfort for the wheelchair user! No back strain for a caregiver!
Rentals are Available
Actually, rental lift-equipped vans are available in most areas of the U.S. It is possible to rent a lift-equipped wheelchair van for a day, a weekend getaway, or a lengthy vacation.
National car rental companies may or may not offer vans equipped with lifts for wheelchairs. The rental companies may refer you to a company that rents wheelchair vans.
First of all, most wheelchair van dealers who sell wheelchair vans also offer rental vehicles.
Next, call far ahead and check the auto insurance requirements, availability, and payment requirements. If your driver has never driven a van, you might want time to get familiar with it.
Here is a limited list of companies that offer rental wheelchair-lift-equipped vans.
BraunAbility
“BraunAbility has a wide variety of makes and models to meet you and your family’s needs. Even choose to have a front seat removed to make space for a wheelchair user.
Large inventory with wheelchair restraint systems to accommodate both manual and power wheelchairs to help you get to where you need to go.
Available across the United States from coast to coast. BraunAbility can deliver the right solution to more people than ever.”
AMS Vans
“AMS Vans is one of the largest wheelchair-accessible vehicle manufacturers and mobility dealers in the nation.
AMS offers much more than just low-prices on quality handicap vans; we feature a robust inventory of van conversions, affordable short- or long-term handicap van rentals, online classifieds, mobility equipment sales including installation and trade-in opportunities.”
Wheelchair Getaways
“Wheelchair Getaways started as Accessible Vans of America in February of 1997. Today we remain a member-owned organization made up of independent mobility dealers and locally accessible transportation providers.
Our purpose is to consistently provide you with the highest product quality, safety, and customer service standards to meet your wheelchair-accessible vehicle needs.
Our nationwide network of over 190 locations is a testament to the decades of happy customers who have used Wheelchair Getaways for their accessible vehicle rentals.”
MobilityWorks
“Our mission is to assist our clients in mobility so they can Be There for routine daily activities and special life events.
We do this by training our team to listen to our client’s unique needs to fit them with the best mobility solutions, maintaining the largest inventory in the nation of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and certifying our service teams.
By making the products and services, we offer access to everyone through our 90+ locations and Buy Direct program.”
Wheelers
“Wheelers has been breaking travel barriers through innovative services and products since 1987.
Our mission is to have Wheeler’s rental affiliates available in every city in the United States and Canada.
Wheelers aims to connect you to the best possible solution for your transportation challenges.”
To summarize:
A wheelchair-accessible van rental is an option for caregivers who need to transport a patient in a wheelchair. These vans are equipped with equipment that will lower and lift the wheelchair and the patient into the van, making it easier and safer for both the caregiver and the patient.
National car rental companies may or may not offer vans equipped with lifts for wheelchairs. Still, there are wheelchair van rental companies that can provide rental options and delivery services.
Rentals are available in most areas of the United States and can be rented for a day, weekend, or longer.
So if you are planning a vacation or renting for daily use, it is essential to research the rental company and check availability, auto insurance requirements, and payment options before renting a wheelchair-accessible van.
“Travel safely and have a blast!”