StreetWise Resource Guide – Vehicle Adaptations

Vehicle adaptation options offer you many choices. Depending on the adaptations needed, you may be able to have them made on your current vehicle. You can buy a new or used vehicle that has been custom adapted or buy a new vehicle and have it adapted to your specifications. Some adaptive equipment will only work with specific makes and models of vehicles.

Start with the Adapting Motor Vehicles For People With Disabilities brochure from NHTSA. It covers the process of obtaining a vehicle with adaptive equipment. The process includes evaluating your needs, selecting the right vehicle, choosing a qualified dealer to modify the vehicle, being trained on the equipment, and maintaining the vehicle. Several sections list questions to ask to help in decision making. The site also includes a detailed list of resources.

NHTSA also has a section on Automotive Safety Issues for Persons with Disabilities. It contains consumer information, regulations and standards, research reports, and research notes. You can share your experiences with adaptive equipment and modified vehicles by filling out a questionnaire.

The ABLEDATA Transportation Product List has information on vehicle accessories including automotive accessories, van accessories, driving controls, and wheelchair and scooter carriers. It also includes information on vehicles including automobiles, recreational, vans, and wheelchair driven.

Here's a sample of companies offering minivan and full-size van conversions. Some have an inventory of new and used vans.

Viewpoint Mobility makes the Vision™ modification which can be installed on all Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, and GM minivans. It is rear entry with lowered floor modification. Conversions include manual, automatic, and independent driver. Various seating options are also available.

Amcar Motors Corp. makes van conversions. Vans include Chrysler Town & Country, Grand Caravan, Caravan, Ford Windstar, and Chevy Venture. The RampCar is rear entry lowered floor conversion. Choose from their inventory or have them modify your minivan.

Rollx Vans is an all-in-one conversion van manufacturer. They sell direct to you, deliver the van right to your door, and even offer at-home service. They offer mini-vans and full-size vans. Mini-van conversions are available on Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Voyager, Town & Country, and Ford Windstar. The mini-van conversion has a lowered floor, power door opener, power ramp, and electronic kneeling system. The full-size van conversion is available for a Ford E150 and includes many lift options and a four-, six-, or eight- inch lowered floor.

Vantage Mobility International provides minivan and full-size van conversions as well as scooter lifts. They have a full line of conversions for Chrysler, Dodge, and Ford minivans. Some minivan features available include remote control operation, 10-inch lowered floor, patented in-floor ramp system, and PowerKneel system. The full-size van conversion is based on the Ford Econoline van. Interior and exterior mounted wheelchair and scooter lifts are also available for vans, SUVs, and cars.

These companies provide modifications to vehicles other than vans including SUVs and pickup trucks. These companies may also provide other adaptive equipment such as transfer or swivel seats.

KVB Manufacturing has mobility products plus performs custom modifications to vehicles and wheelchairs. Their products include the Elaine Anne Lift which is a driver's side modification for the Chevy Avalanche, Tahoe, and Suburban, GM Yukon, Yukon Denali, and Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and EXT, and any GM 1/2, 3/4 ton and 1 ton Extended and Crew Cab Pickups. They also produce a rotating seat base which uses the original seat from the vehicle.

Access Unlimited makes adaptive transportation and mobility equipment. The Multi-Lift is a personal transfer system for home and car. The Easy Base is a portable base for the Multi-Lift. Glide 'n Go is a transfer assist seat for vans and trucks. The Easy Reach is an extending chair lift for vans. EZ-Transfer is a foldaway seat for cars and trucks. Mini-Touch is a compact, steering-wheel mounted control pad/steering knob. The Stand-Ease is a power lifting bar for cars.

Braun offers conversion vehicles and several wheelchair lifts. The Sport Lift Pickup is a wheelchair accessible pickup conversion. The Companion Seat allows a person to board and exit the front passenger seat of Chrysler, Ford, and GM minivans. The Mobility Seat allows a person to enter and exit the driver or passenger seat of an automobile. The Entervan is a remanufactured Chrysler minivan with lowered floor, automatic door, lightweight ramp and removable front seats. A kneeling system is optional.

Freedom Motors makes the Honda Element X-WAV, PT Driver/PT Rider and the Kneelvan. The Kneelvan conversions are available for Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Pontiac, and Chevrolet. The Kneelvan options include manual, auto entry, and selfdriver. The PT Driver/PT Rider is a conversion of either the driver side or passenger side of a Chrysler PT Cruiser. The PT Rider conversion is available in a fully automatic version or a manual version. The Honda X-WAV provides numerous conversion options.

Bruno Independent Living Aids has the Turning Automotive Seating™ product which can be installed in an existing minivan or full-size van that is up to 10 years old. It can also be installed in full-size extended cab three/four door pickup trucks.

Many auto manufacturers offer some type of mobility program. They may also have a reimbursement or financial assistance program for adaptive vehicles. Here are a few of the manufacturers programs. To find if a manufacturer offers a program, search the site using the word mobility. Not all manufacturers mention their program on their site nor do some of them have a search capability.