A list of all the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles which have been review so far:
Braun Entervan
Braun Companion Van
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Companion Van Wheelchair Vans
Companion wheelchair accessible vans from BraunAbility are unlike any other wheelchair van available today. Like other handicap vans, Companion Vans have a lowered floor, but the part of the floor that has been lowered is different. Only the middle section has been lowered. This type of conversion has been done on full size mobility vans for years, but the Companion Van is the first lowered floor minivan to have this "midcut" design.
Because the Companion Van was engineered for wheelchair users who are attended, accessibility into the van is provided through a manual folding ramp. Don't worry too much about the manual operation, though, because it is very easy to operate with one hand. A good rule of thumb is that if you can pick up a gallon of milk off the kitchen floor, you can operate the ramp. The side door is also manually operated unless a power door has been pre-installed at the manufacturer.
Companion Vans have pre-manufactured wheelchair strap connection points installed throughout the lowered floor portion of the van for secure and safe wheelchair transportation.
Custom ground effects make this van look stylish, as well as mask the look of its wheelchair accessibility.
Upside:
-Companion Van wheelchair vans are more affordable than fully automatic or other full cut lowered floor vans.
-Because of their manual operation, Companion Van handicap vans are less likely to have malfunctions in the accessible system which could leave you stranded.
-Manual operation also reduces any repair costs you could incur in the unlikely event of break down of the wheelchair accessible van conversion
Downside:
-The Companion Van is not a good application if you want to drive from your wheelchair. Because the floor is only lowered in the middle of the mobility van, there is no way to remove the front seat and roll a wheelchair under the steering wheel.
-The passenger side sliding door sill has not been lowered like other lowered floor minivans. This can make it difficult for ambulatory passengers to enter and exit the vehicle through that door.
-Because the manual ramp folds up into the doorway, it has to be deployed every time anyone other than a wheelchair user wants to enter or exit through the passenger sliding door. The folding ramp can also cause extra road noise when traveling.
All things considered, the Companion Van from BraunAbility is a wonderful conversion for handicap use if you are accompanied by an attendant. Consult with a Certified Mobility Consultant to learn if this handicap vehicle modification is right for you.
All wheelchair vans reviewed so far.
Because the Companion Van was engineered for wheelchair users who are attended, accessibility into the van is provided through a manual folding ramp. Don't worry too much about the manual operation, though, because it is very easy to operate with one hand. A good rule of thumb is that if you can pick up a gallon of milk off the kitchen floor, you can operate the ramp. The side door is also manually operated unless a power door has been pre-installed at the manufacturer.
Companion Vans have pre-manufactured wheelchair strap connection points installed throughout the lowered floor portion of the van for secure and safe wheelchair transportation.
Custom ground effects make this van look stylish, as well as mask the look of its wheelchair accessibility.
Upside:
-Companion Van wheelchair vans are more affordable than fully automatic or other full cut lowered floor vans.
-Because of their manual operation, Companion Van handicap vans are less likely to have malfunctions in the accessible system which could leave you stranded.
-Manual operation also reduces any repair costs you could incur in the unlikely event of break down of the wheelchair accessible van conversion
Downside:
-The Companion Van is not a good application if you want to drive from your wheelchair. Because the floor is only lowered in the middle of the mobility van, there is no way to remove the front seat and roll a wheelchair under the steering wheel.
-The passenger side sliding door sill has not been lowered like other lowered floor minivans. This can make it difficult for ambulatory passengers to enter and exit the vehicle through that door.
-Because the manual ramp folds up into the doorway, it has to be deployed every time anyone other than a wheelchair user wants to enter or exit through the passenger sliding door. The folding ramp can also cause extra road noise when traveling.
All things considered, the Companion Van from BraunAbility is a wonderful conversion for handicap use if you are accompanied by an attendant. Consult with a Certified Mobility Consultant to learn if this handicap vehicle modification is right for you.
All wheelchair vans reviewed so far.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Braun Entervan Handicap Vans
BraunAbility (formerly the Braun Corporation) has been making wheelchair accessible vehicles for years. In the early years, they were creating full size handicap accessible vans, but with the advent of the minivan in the early 90's, Braun engineered and introduced something new: the lowered floor minivan.
Though the years, the fit, finish, and technology have changed, but a few features remain the same. Braun Entervans offer a lowered floor which offers a few advantages. First, a lowered floor allows for enough headroom for wheelchair users to enter through the sliding passenger door. Not many people realize that without lowering the floor, there is just not enough headroom for most people to get through the door while seated in their wheelchair. Another advantage of a lowered floor is that their is extra headroom while inside the vehicle. This allows for a comfortable ride and a natural line of sight through the van's windows.
In the beginning, Braun Entervans operated manually or with the use of magnetic switches located at the rear passenger tail light. Through extensive development, BraunAbility engineers developed a keychain remote to operate the door and power ramp. In the last few years, they have integrated their handicap conversion remote with the original remote you get from the manufacturer (Dodge, Chrysler, Chevy, etc.). This was an important development because it eliminated the extra clutter of having additional remotes to run the handicap accessible conversion.
Throughout development, BraunAbility has stayed committed to constant improvement of their products. What you get today is a fully accessible van conversion. With the touch of a button, the passenger sliding door opens, the ramp folds out from the doorway, and the van kneels to the ground. The floor has been lowered to the front firewall and removable front seats have been installed. With all these features, a fully accessible vehicle is the result. Many people who are able to transfer have added hand controls and a transfer seat. For individuals unable to transfer, you can even drive from your chair with the assistance of hand controls and an EZ Lock.
All in all, the Braun Entervan is a great product and is helping thousands of people around the country have a higher quality of life--which is what wheelchair accessible van conversions are all about.
Upside:
-BraunAbility is one of the most reputable wheelchair van manufacturers in America
-The fit and finish of the Braun Entervan is so well done, to the untrained eye can't even tell it is a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
-Full automation allows for a wide variety of applications, including driving from a wheelchair.
Downside:
-Because of engineering costs of making the system fully automated, the Braun Entervan can be more expensive than other accessible vehicles on the market
-Although every Braun Entervan comes with a 3 year warranty, repair bills can become costly once the warranty expires.
The Braun Entervan has and will always be a staple to the wheelchair van industry. It is a safe, reliable choice no mater what your disability, and should be considered at the top of anyone's choices for mobility.
See all wheelchair vans reviewed.
Though the years, the fit, finish, and technology have changed, but a few features remain the same. Braun Entervans offer a lowered floor which offers a few advantages. First, a lowered floor allows for enough headroom for wheelchair users to enter through the sliding passenger door. Not many people realize that without lowering the floor, there is just not enough headroom for most people to get through the door while seated in their wheelchair. Another advantage of a lowered floor is that their is extra headroom while inside the vehicle. This allows for a comfortable ride and a natural line of sight through the van's windows.
In the beginning, Braun Entervans operated manually or with the use of magnetic switches located at the rear passenger tail light. Through extensive development, BraunAbility engineers developed a keychain remote to operate the door and power ramp. In the last few years, they have integrated their handicap conversion remote with the original remote you get from the manufacturer (Dodge, Chrysler, Chevy, etc.). This was an important development because it eliminated the extra clutter of having additional remotes to run the handicap accessible conversion.
Throughout development, BraunAbility has stayed committed to constant improvement of their products. What you get today is a fully accessible van conversion. With the touch of a button, the passenger sliding door opens, the ramp folds out from the doorway, and the van kneels to the ground. The floor has been lowered to the front firewall and removable front seats have been installed. With all these features, a fully accessible vehicle is the result. Many people who are able to transfer have added hand controls and a transfer seat. For individuals unable to transfer, you can even drive from your chair with the assistance of hand controls and an EZ Lock.
All in all, the Braun Entervan is a great product and is helping thousands of people around the country have a higher quality of life--which is what wheelchair accessible van conversions are all about.
Upside:
-BraunAbility is one of the most reputable wheelchair van manufacturers in America
-The fit and finish of the Braun Entervan is so well done, to the untrained eye can't even tell it is a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
-Full automation allows for a wide variety of applications, including driving from a wheelchair.
Downside:
-Because of engineering costs of making the system fully automated, the Braun Entervan can be more expensive than other accessible vehicles on the market
-Although every Braun Entervan comes with a 3 year warranty, repair bills can become costly once the warranty expires.
The Braun Entervan has and will always be a staple to the wheelchair van industry. It is a safe, reliable choice no mater what your disability, and should be considered at the top of anyone's choices for mobility.
See all wheelchair vans reviewed.
Mission Statement
The purpose of wheelchair van review is to help sort through all the information out there for people seeking wheelchair vans. There are several manufacturers on the market today, including VMI, Braun, Viewpoint, Eclipse, Tuscany, AMS, Rollx, and many more. With full size handicap van conversions and minivan wheelchair accessible conversions with lowered floors, there are more and more products on the market, and more options than ever for people with disabilities to expand their lifestyle.
So, check back often and feel free to leave comments on my reviews of wheelchair vans. Mine is only one opinion, and although I will educate myself as best I can, the more opinions we can get on here, the more helpful it will be for people seeking independence.
Enjoy!
So, check back often and feel free to leave comments on my reviews of wheelchair vans. Mine is only one opinion, and although I will educate myself as best I can, the more opinions we can get on here, the more helpful it will be for people seeking independence.
Enjoy!
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