How to Choose the Right Wheelchair Accessible Van?

If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair, hiring a wheelchair accessible van can be very helpful and affordable. Here are a few tips that will make it easy to book the right vehicle:

Type:

You can opt for a wheelchair accessible van based on your requirements. Providers offer vans with rear entry or side entry. While the former may work better for some, latter may be better for others in certain situations. Entry from the sides means the ramp of the van deploys from the side-door. The user can sit behind the front seats in the middle or in the front-passenger seat, as some vans have removable front passenger seats.

In case you use extra-tall or extra-large power chairs, entry from the back is the best option. Vehicles with back opening offer greater height and width, with a wider ramp. The back entry vans normally feature a ramp which is manually operated, but there are certain providers who also have power ramps. It is best to ask before booking a wheelchair accessible cab!

A rear entry with a long-channel can handle about two wheelchair passengers at a time.

Space:

Wheelchair accessible vans make it very easy for people bound by wheelchairs to enjoy freedom of movement. Whether it is going to a doctor’s appointment or just traveling for a change of scenery, these vehicles can make a huge difference. Such cabs also have enough space if your family members also wish to come along.

How to choose a provider?

Look around:

Check out taxi cab providers who offer this service to compare their charges. The best place to look is online.

Determine your budget:

One of the most important factors to consider is the budget. Different providers have different charges. It is best to figure out your own budget and then look for companies offering the same price levels.

It is important to note that wheelchair accessible vans may cost more than basic yellow cabs. Also, do not make money the only criteria to choosing a provider. Make sure they are reputable and dependable as well.

Ask as many questions as you want:

Do not hesitate in calling the customer care department and asking them as many questions as you like about their services and vehicles. Ask them about the qualification and expertise of the drivers, quality of the vehicles, their rates, what type of vehicles they offer, and the like. It is best to be satisfied with the company before booking a cab from them.

It is also advisable to avoid providers who have a poor customer service.

Read testimonials and reviews:

Visit reputed review websites on the web to find out what people are saying about the specific company. This is one of the best ways to shortlist cab providers.

When planning to hire a wheelchair access van, keep the above mentioned tips in mind and make sure you get a van that does not just fulfill your requirements but also at a competitive rate.

Comments