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.

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