What is a Mobility Van?

If you’re adapting to aging and trying to maintain your mobility, or if you’ve recently suffered a spinal cord injury or are buying your first car and have a disability from birth, you’re probably in the market for a mobility van, lift van, conversion van, or wheelchair accessible van. All of these are different terms for the same thing: a vehicle, usually a van, that has been retrofitted to be accessible for wheelchairs and other assistive mobility devices to enter and exit.

With the mobility van definition in mind, you can find your fit when you lean on our team. At The Garage at Bettenhausen, we’ve been selling, maintaining, and repairing mobility vans in Tinley Park for years, so you can trust our inventory and know-how to help you maintain your mobility!

Types of Mobility Vans

Most mobility vans are modified models of mass-market automobiles. They generally fall into one of two categories: vans where the disabled person will drive the van and those where the person in a wheelchair is always the passenger. These categories can differ in how they’re modified, the mobility equipment they’re compatible with, and other ways. This mobility van definition is encouraging as it allows for autonomy in selection and transportation!

Mobility-adapted vehicles are generally converted in one or more of the following ways:

• The floor is lowered, and the entryway is widened
• The seating is modified to allow wheelchair access
• A ramp, lift, rotating seat or other accessible means of accessing the vehicle is added
• The rear suspension is raised to compensate for the lower floor
• A power kneeling system is sometimes added to lower the ramp for easier entry and exit
• Gas tanks, fuel lines, brake lines, and other automotive systems may be modified or rerouted to accommodate the other changes
• Tie-down points are added to secure the wheelchair occupant when the vehicle is in motion
• And others

Where to Buy a Mobility Van

As with any vehicle, it’s important to do your research before buying an accessible van for yourself or a loved one. However, with mobility vans, it’s even more important to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer since the vehicle must be modified and serviced properly to ensure your safety and mobility.

When buying a conversion van, the first thing you should ask of any dealer is whether they’re accredited. The Garage at Bettenhausen is an authorized dealer of BraunAbility mobility-equipped vehicles, and all of the used mobility vans on our lot are rigorously inspected and carry a verified vehicle history report so you can be sure of where they’re from and in what condition they’re in.

Because mobility vans are an investment, it’s important to ask what type of financing options your dealer carries. At The Garage at Bettenhausen, we offer convenient financing options for every Orland Park-area driver. Plus, you can get pre-approved online in minutes!

Test Drive a Mobility Van Near Frankfort Today

As the premier used mobility van dealer in Tinley Park, we’re proud to offer a large inventory of pre-owned accessible vehicles to drivers in the Frankfort area. Explore our online showroom to see our collection, then contact us today to schedule a test drive or to ask more questions about the mobility van definition!