The Van Wheel Chair Lift - Things To Know Before Buying

If you are buying a van because it already has a van wheel chair lift installed, before you sign on the dotted line and drive off the lot, there is one important thing you should check first.

Will you fit in it with your chair? It sounds overly simple but the fact is that not all lifts will hold all chair models. It's also important to be sure the lift has the features you want and need.

So what should you look for. Start by asking these questions. How high is the van opening and is it high enough? What about the interior of the van. Is it high enough as well? You should also know how large of a platform is needed for the wheel chair and if the pre-installed on is big enough. And finally, is the lift sturdy enough for your chair?

And if you are buying a vehicle in which you will custom install your van wheel chair lift, there are other questions you need to be asking. These include things like where the lift will be mounted, how the side doors open (open out or rolling), where are the seats in the van and how many are there, and where can the chair go once it is inside.

It's important for you to know that every van make and model will have limitations on what kind of lift it can hold.

Next you'll need to decide if you want the lift to be powered by hydraulics that will need regular fluid to keep working, or will your lift be powered by the battery of the vehicle.

Finding what you need in a van wheel chair lift is not difficult, but they can be costly. In addition, you will have plenty of options, you can even take into account gas mileage (very important now), because even minivans have become flexible enough with inside space to allow for a chair. You are no longer limited to a gas guzzling full size van.

What's most important is finding something within your budget, and working very closely with the seller of the van wheel chair lift. It's his job to find you the perfect lift for the model of van you have or plan on getting.