Mobility products for motor vehicles are primarily lift systems for passenger transfers and scooter/wheelchairs. The following links can help you identify products that will fit your needs.

Ameriglide (800) 790-1635

Braun Mobility Products 1-800-THE-LIFT

Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.

Vantage Mobility International (VMI) (800) 348-VANS

 

There are several companies throughout the U.S. who modify vehicles (trucks, cars and vans) for the special needs community. There are basically two catagories; personal vehicles and commercial vehicles. GM, Ford and Chrysler all have mobility programs and will provide discounts on new vehicles to be used as "special needs", sometimes up to $1000. Contact the manufacturers for more information here:

• Chrysler Automobility Program
• Ford Mobility Motoring Program
• GM Mobility Program

Personal vehicles

Accessible vehicles range from cars with swing-out and drop-down seats and roof top carriers to fully modified wheelchair accessible vans. The most common modifications are vans and are either mini-vans or full-size conversion vans.

Mini-vans

Mini-vans, (and some cars and trucks) can be equiped with seats that swing out of the vehicle and drop down such as the GM Sit-N-Lift® power seat. go here for more information on the Sit-N-Lift.






Bruno makes a Lift-Up® seat which can be installed in the front or second row. They also make equipment for lifting wheelchairs and scooters up into the back of the van. Contact Bruno for more information.






Wheelchair accessible mini-vans require extensive modification and utilize ramps for entry/exit. Since a person sits up higher in a wheelchair  the conversion requires that they cut the floor out and drop it down approximately 10". These vehicles can be adapted to drive from the wheelchair or sit in the passenger area or the second row. They can be outfited with special controls and equipment so people with severe mobility problems can still drive. Contact Braun Mobility and VMI for more information and to locate a dealer near you.


Full-size vans

These vehicles are usually equiped with lifts instead of ramps due the height difference. The lifts can be installed in the side entry door or rear and can lift a person seated in a power wheelchair. The floor usually need to be cut out and dropped like the min-vans. They are normally modified the same as conversion vans and can have all the luxuries available in thue market today. Contact Braun Mobility and VMI for more information and to locate a dealer near you.

Commercial vehicles

These are generally full-size vans and transit or airport style mini-busses. They are fitted with lift systems in the side or rear entry similair to personal full-size vans. The lifts are generally higher capacity units made to last longer and can lift a person while seated in a power wheelchair. Contact Braun Mobility and VMI for more information and to locate a dealer near you.