How Much Will It Cost To Make A Van Wheelchair Accessible

Lifting a disabled person into a van could be daunting, hence needing a wheelchair-accessible van. Wheelchair-accessible vans are vehicles that have been modified to be more accessible to those in wheelchairs.

It would cost anything between $3,000 and $15,000 to modify a van and make it wheelchair accessible. The modifications can include widening the doors, adding a wheelchair ramp or lift to ensure easy access from a wheelchair, raising the roof, removing some seats, lowering the floors, or adding other custom specialized modifications like hand controls.

When converting a van to a wheelchair-accessible van, one needs to consider certain things. The conversion of a van to a wheelchair-accessible van can involve a lot of customization, modification, and restoration.

In this article, we’re going to give you an in-depth walkthrough of what it costs to make a van wheelchair-accessible.

Cost of Making A Van/SUV Wheelchair Accessible

Depending on the changes you intend to make, you can make your car wheelchair accessible for as low as $4,000. However, more features and specialization may inflate the price.

The table below shows different costs associated with making a car wheelchair accessible.

Part	Estimated Cost
Paint	$800 – $3000
Bodywork	$600-$5000+ depending
Performance modifications	$2000-$5000
Ramp/Lift Installation	$1,200
Custom suspensions	$2000-$5000+
Rims, wheels, and tires	$1,800+ for all 4
Custom stereo setups with a video monitor	$800
Engine modification	$5000+

The cost of converting a vehicle is to make it wheelchair-accessible is usually between $5,000 – $20,000, and in some cases, higher than the cost of the vehicle itself. However, various features in a wheelchair van conversion affect the total price, both up and down.

Modifying A Van To Make It Wheelchair Accessible

Modifying a van to make it wheelchair accessible can be a daunting task. It requires a lot of time and money, but the payoff is worth it.

As family members and friends attest, wheelchair accessibility can be a significant issue for those who use them. While it’s easy to buy a van or SUV that’s been modified for this purpose, the cost of making your own van wheelchair-accessible can be high. If you have a van or SUV that you’d like to modify to a wheelchair accessible, there are some factors to consider and steps to follow.

1. Determine The Parts You Need

If you plan to use the car every day, you need to determine the modification you need not waste all your money on unnecessary features and parts. Essential features include a ramp, lowered floors, wheelchair restraints, and wider doors.

2. How Reliable Is The Mechanic

When it comes to vehicle conversion for accessibility, two companies stand out: Braunability and Vantage Mobility. Both companies are certified by car manufacturing companies like Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota for converting their vehicles.

BraunAbility and VMI both have the best vehicle conversions, are best rated, and offer the highest return on investment. As a result, both conversion providers offer “branded” pricing.

3. Which Ramp and Entry Is Perfect For The Vehicle

One of the most critical factors you need to put in place when making your van wheelchair accessible is the ramp and entry for your vehicle. Side entry ramps are more versatile in terms of functions and prices.

Manual ramps are cheaper and suitable for wheelchair users who are not the driver, as a second person [caregiver] must be available to remove the ramp and close the door.

Choosing a conversion entry on the side or rear of the van can also impact costs and may not be a negotiable option if you are trying to save money. However, this decision should be based on your needs.

What Is The Best Van/SUV For Wheelchair

Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Ford Explorer, and Chrysler Town are excellent vehicles for wheelchair users and have low price conversion. The newer models of these vehicles provide large width and height entry clearance and extra safety and driving features for wheelchair users.

How Does A Wheelchair Accessible Van Work?

Wheelchair-accessible vans or wheelchair-accessible vehicles [WAV] are specialized vehicles built specifically for disabled people and equipped with unique features to help them make getting around easier.

WAVs are the same as a standard vehicle but have features that allow people in a wheelchair to get in and out of the vehicle without the hassle.

How Much Is A Wheelchair-Accessible Van?

The cost of a wheelchair-accessible van depends on the specific type, your geographical location, and any additional features. A basic model starts at around $37,000, while more specialized vans cost as high as $65,000.

Where Can I Rent A Wheelchair Accessible Van?

Just in case you don’t have a wheelchair-accessible van, you can rent one from Allied Mobility, Mobility Works, and Braunability. There are different wheelchair-accessible vans that you could rent, such as a hospital van, a service van, or a mini-van. You can also rent a wheelchair-accessible van for their special events.

In the end, you could pay an average of $3,756 to make your van wheelchair accessible. It’s not cheap by any means, but it’s also not prohibitively expensive. And in the grand scheme of things, these price tags are a small price to pay to enjoy more independence as a wheelchair user.