[mogulman]

I am looking at using it for a handicap van. I have a rare motor neuron disease and I am confined to a power wheelchair. I don't drive. There are basically 3 solutions I am looking at:

1. MV-1. This is a purpose built handicap van. It has a built in ramp. They don't currently offer rear AC. You won't survive a summer in Texas. The major concern for me is offering a more fuel efficient power train. As I understand it they plan to offer a Ford 3.7L/V6 - 6 speed transmission. I don't know the pricing.

MV-1 Mobility Ventures

2. Converted Minivan. Basically you buy a minivan and spend $25,000 to lower the floor and put in a 5' ramp. This has lots of reliability/maintenance concerns.

3. Ford Transit Wagon. Buy the regular wheelbase/medium roof version and add an under vehicle lift and a way to secure chair to floor. Need to remove some rear seats and the front passenger seat.

Wheelchair Lift & Scooter Lift - UVL Series | BraunAbility

I am guessing the van is around $35K and the lift is around $5K. The only concern for me is the height. I won't be able to park it in the garage and under ground parking may be an issue. I imagine this could be a popular solution for the mobility challenged.

 

[mogulman]

Found out the UVLlift is closer to $15,000. Expensive but still a potential solution.

 

[ted]

Found out the UVLlift is closer to $15,000. Expensive but still a potential solution.

expensive indeed but a good investment, anyone who needs this actually really needs it badly.

 

[AbiliTrax]

AbiliTrax flexible seating solution

AbiliTrax offers an option for flexible seating solutions and wheelchair tiedowns. Please contact [email protected] for more information or to locate a dealer.

 

[USMC Vet]

mogulman,
Another option for you is the Ford or Chevy pickup or SUV, where the passenger side of the vehicle slides out to show a ramp. (they also have a configuaration where it does the same on the drivers side, but you advised you won't be driving) You drive up on the ramp and the side slides back in, putting you in the front passenger seat area. I'll include a link.

No seats to remove, you get the vehicle you want with whatever bells and whistles available on that model vehicle. You lose most of the 2nd row seating as the equipment to move the side of the vehicle out, is placed there. Still it is a pretty slick operation, and doesn't limit you to a van. And you can park it anywhere you now do (doesn't raise vehicle height)

With the Transit MR you can do it with a cargo van or with a wagon. On the wagon, include builders prep option, that gives you the wagon with no rear seating. On either one you don't have to have an under van lift, you can use a side lift (I will be using a Ricon) then drive forward and park your chair using a docking station, electric release.
Lift I will be using folds up and slides back to the rear of the door opening so others can use the entryway. In your case as I understand it, if you choose the Transit I would go with the wagon as you will have the option for rear a/c.

Hope you find the right option for you, I too am confined to a power wheelchair, but can drive using hand controls. Don't like driving from a wheelchair when I can have a luxury seat (heated/cooled, massage etc) so I've switched from a Suburban that had all those features (but would lose them using the mobility works option, to a HR , lwb.

MobilitySVM | Trucks with Wheelchair Lifts | Truck Hand Controls

This is just a link to one dealer, some vehicle dealerships have ship through agreements with the main manufacturer of this type of adaptation. Just check with your dealer.

Semper Fi

 

[bestvans]

You have a variety of option, you can go with MV-1 built in US, also Dodge and Chrysler from US, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey from Japan. Maybe you should reconsider full-size handicap vans. Check this link for specifications and to compare prices.

 

[bestvans]

Since you mentioned MV-1 vans - You have MV-1 2014 models on sale at Better Life Mobility Center. They are car show models, so they are practically new. Check it here.

I am looking at using it for a handicap van. I have a rare motor neuron disease and I am confined to a power wheelchair. I don't drive. There are basically 3 solutions I am looking at:

1. MV-1. This is a purpose built handicap van. It has a built in ramp. They don't currently offer rear AC. You won't survive a summer in Texas. The major concern for me is offering a more fuel efficient power train. As I understand it they plan to offer a Ford 3.7L/V6 - 6 speed transmission. I don't know the pricing.

MV-1 Mobility Ventures

2. Converted Minivan. Basically you buy a minivan and spend $25,000 to lower the floor and put in a 5' ramp. This has lots of reliability/maintenance concerns.

3. Ford Transit Wagon. Buy the regular wheelbase/medium roof version and add an under vehicle lift and a way to secure chair to floor. Need to remove some rear seats and the front passenger seat.

Wheelchair Lift & Scooter Lift - UVL Series | BraunAbility

I am guessing the van is around $35K and the lift is around $5K. The only concern for me is the height. I won't be able to park it in the garage and under ground parking may be an issue. I imagine this could be a popular solution for the mobility challenged.