Find Affordable Freedom: Used Wheelchair Vans Under $10,000

Whether you’re new to shopping for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, or just getting started in your search, one thing is likely already clear: wheelchair accessible vehicles under $10,000 are hard to find. It can feel like finding a needle in a haystack to locate an accessible vehicle that fits your mobility needs at a price point that you can afford. 

Why Are Wheelchair Vans So Expensive?

Wheelchair accessible vehicles are costly due to several factors. Customizing these vehicles to accommodate wheelchair users requires extensive modifications such as: 

• Installing ramps or lifts

• Lowering the floor

• Adding wheelchair restraints

Additionally, the market demand for wheelchair accessible vehicles is relatively small compared to regular vehicles. This leads to lower production volumes and manufacturers having to spread their research and development costs across fewer units. As a result, each vehicle becomes more expensive.

Strict safety regulations must be met to ensure the safety of both the driver and the passenger in the wheelchair. This necessitates additional safety features such as reinforced floors, secure wheelchair restraints, and crash-tested modifications.

Quality and reliability are also significant cost factors. Wheelchair accessible vehicles require high-quality and durable modifications to ensure their longevity. The materials used, such as lightweight but strong metals, can be expensive. 

Lastly, the market for wheelchair accessible vehicles is dominated by a few manufacturers, resulting in limited competition and higher prices overall.

Wheelchair Van Funding Options

Making a wheelchair accessible van more affordable may be made possible with various grants and funding options available.

• Vocation Rehabilitation (VR) programs, funded by each state's government, provide services to disabled persons for returning to or staying in the workplace, which can include payment for vehicle modifications. 

• Car makers such as Chrysler, Ford, and Toyota provide rebates when purchasing new cars that need to be adapted for those with disabilities. 

• If you or someone you know has a disability, there are organizations that offer help, like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for cases of Multiple Sclerosis or United Cerebral Palsy with Cerebral Palsy. To learn more about what aid or assistance can be obtained, contact the local chapter nearest you.

Alternative Options to Used Wheelchair Vans Under $10,000 

While it may be challenging to locate wheelchair vans under $10,000, not all hope is lost! There are several mobility products that can be added to an existing vehicle to make it more accessible for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.  

One popular option is accessible seating. A mobility seat, also called a vehicle transfer seat, assistive/handicap seat, or swivel seat, is a device that helps people with limited mobility transfer in and out of cars and vehicles. There are several types of mobility seats that can fit a range of vehicles, budgets, and needs. Our turning transfer seats swivel outside of the vehicle so the passenger can easily be seated without climbing into the cabin. Transfer boards aid with getting into and out of cars with low seats, creating a bridge between the vehicle and the occupant's seat.  

Adding driving aids to your vehicle is another alternative. A wide range of driving aids are available that allow individuals to accelerate and brake a vehicle in a modified way. Hand controls are a driving aid that allow users to operate the vehicle with their hands instead of their feet. Secondary controls allow individuals to operate windshield wipers, turning indicator, and lighting safely and easily while staying in control of your vehicle. These driving aids can be customized to fit your specific needs. For example, we can add grips, spinner knobs, or a prosthetic hook and hand securement for your steering needs.  

Wheelchair and scooter lifts are a good option if you’re a wheelchair or scooter user or could benefit from getting one. These lifts allow you to transport your scooter or wheelchair while it’s fully assembled. We have several different options available depending on your vehicle and your needs. Our exterior lifts are installed on the outside of your vehicle. One of the greatest benefits of the exterior lift is that it doesn’t take up any space inside your vehicle. An interior lift is installed inside of your vehicles. One of the greatest benefits of the interior lift option is that you can drive your scooter or wheelchair onto the platform and then let the lift do all the work to move it inside your vehicle keeping it safe from the weather and elements.   

Whether you’re ready to take the next step in your search for a wheelchair van under $10,000 or are interested in learning more about the mobility products that are available to modify your existing vehicle, our experienced and certified team can help. Contact us today to learn more.