Wheelchair Accessible Van Rentals
A handicap van rental can be convenient for home and away.
Three sources of information about renting and buying a wheelchair accessible van in the US or Canada are Wheelchair Getaways, Accessible Vans of America, and NMEDA.
Wheelchair users may not want to drive a wheelchair accessible van all the time, but sometimes a van can be a real treat. Handicap van rentals are available from a number of dealers in the USA and Canada. Some also sell used handicap vans.
Minivans and vans have earned their place as the North American easy-going vehicle. For ease of loading and unloading people and things, they're one of the best types of vehicles. The best dealers take into account the specific needs of wheelchair and scooter users when carrying out handicap van conversions.
Wheelchair Getaways advertises itself as "the leading accessible van rental company in the United States".
The second owner, Stewart Gatewood, bought the business in 1994. Mr. Gatewood at that time had 30 years experience with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. In 1998 he retired but Wheelchair Getaways has stayed in his family.
There are used handicap accessible vans for sale on the Wheelchair Getaways website, as well as a selection of rental wheelchair accessible vans. The business is operated through a network of franchises throughout the USA and in the Province of Ontario, Canada (in Toronto).
Rental rates are currently in the range of $80 to $100 per day (in the US). There are short- and long-term rentals available.
On the website there are pictures of the wheelchair accessible vans, and plenty of information about the adaptations that make the rental accessible vans safer and more comfortable for wheelchair and scooter users than conventional cars and vans.
Another business, also in the US, which rents wheelchair accessible vans is Accessible Vans of America, LLC.Accessible Vans of America is actually a network of members, each of whom is a mobility dealer. AVA requires that its members have an actual storefront to serve customers in their area. Every member of Accessible Vans of America has to also be a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association (NMEDA).
These three organizations among them have members across the USA and in Canada. The NMEDA has a quality assurance program its members can choose to participate in. NMEDA also operates a mediation program to help resolve complaints against any of its members.
Another option for wheelchair users, for in-city, slower driving is the "wheelchair car" from Spain. The real name is the Vexel Quovis, a little car you drive while seated in a wheelchair.
