If you’re permanently confined to a wheelchair, you’ll probably want to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to ensure proper mobility and freedom. Converted minivans tend to work best thanks to their accommodating interiors and wide doors – you can even choose between side-entry conversion and rear-entry conversion.
Of course, making that decision can be a struggle. While both options have their own pros and cons, here are just four reasons why you might want to go with rear-entry.
- More Convenient Parking
Parking can be a real pain when you’re in a side-entry wheelchair-accessible van. Since you need plenty of space to the side to get in and out, you can’t simply slip into a standard parking space. Rear-entry models are more convenient. Because you exit from the rear, you can park in any spot without having to search for the disabled parking area.
- Better Ground Clearance
A rear-entry van will be raised at the back to make space for the ramp, which provides plenty of ground clearance. In contrast, side-entry models ride lower, which can make going over any bumps or up any inclines next to impossible.
- Easy Entering and Exiting
Even if you’re parking in an empty lot with no obstructions, rear-entry models are still more convenient since you only need to ride or push a wheelchair up the ramp. You’re then right in the passenger compartment, facing forwards and ready to go. With a side-entry, you need to make several turns to get into position.
- Low Cost
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are always going to cost more than unconverted models, but you can cut down on those costs by choosing a rear-entry model. Because less of the original vehicle needs to be converted, the process is a lot more cost-effective. Better yet, the entry ramp itself will cost less.