How Big does Your Wheelchair Van Need to be?

These days, wheelchair vans come in all shapes and sizes. With modern ranges giving you a much more varied choice than the traditional bulky accessible vehicles, you can choose a vehicle to suit your needs and wants exactly. Before you buy an accessible van, however, you should probably put some thought into how big your vehicle needs to be.

The smaller accessible vehicles have an instant appeal because of their stylish, compact look. Driving a compact wheelchair van allows for a more 'normal' driver and passenger experience and removes the stigma of the traditional accessible vehicles. The very small wheelchair vans, however, may compromise on comfort and spaciousness in favour of style, and will only be able of carrying one mobility challenged passenger. That said, if you want to drive your own accessible vehicle, a small vehicle will give the most liberating feel.

If you will regularly, or even infrequently, need to drive more than one mobility challenged passenger, a larger accessible vehicle is a more appropriate choice. There are many models available which comfortably fit a few mobility challenged passengers at a time, as well as some more able bodied passengers. With larger accessible vehicles it is important that you ensure each passenger space allows a clear window view for the passenger, so that they don't feel boxed in.
Another crucial feature in large wheelchair vans, as well as in accessible vehicles generally, is easy and quick loading of wheelchairs. This is important in making every journey more enjoyable, whether it is a major trip or just a run to the shops.