How to Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Rental Vehicle

Whether you’re planning an accessible vacation or considering purchasing your own wheelchair accessible vehicle, renting a wheelchair van or SUV is a practical solution to keep up with your daily mobility and transportation needs. Renting an accessible vehicle can look slightly different from renting a traditional car. If you’ve never rented a wheelchair accessible vehicle, there are a few key details to consider to ensure you choose the right vehicle for you.

Why Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Rental?

Reasons you may choose to rent a wheelchair accessible vehicle include:

• Try Before You Buy: Rent an accessible vehicle to test different models and ensure it fits your needs before purchasing.
• Accessible Transportation for Travel: If you’re in need of transportation for travel, you can rent an accessible vehicle from your local BraunAbility dealer.
• Outings with Family or Friends with Mobility Challenges: Rent a wheelchair accessible vehicle to ensure safe and comfortable travel for outings with friends and family who have mobility challenges.
• Your Wheelchair Van is Being Serviced: If your current wheelchair van is being serviced, rent a wheelchair accessible van or SUV to maintain your mobility freedom. 

Considerations for Choosing a Wheelchair Accessible Rental Vehicle 

Before renting a wheelchair accessible vehicle, you’ll want to consider the following:

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Dimensions

Consider how much space you need. If you frequently travel with other people or medical equipment, a van may be ideal. If you travel with fewer passengers and mobility aids, an accessible SUV might have all the space you need. Be sure to download our Dimensions Guide for more detailed information on accessible vehicle dimensions.

Position of the Wheelchair User

If the wheelchair user will drive or sit in the front seat, consider a side-entry vehicle. These vehicles have removable front seats, allowing the wheelchair user to sit in the front or back positions. Rear-entry vehicles do not have removable front seats, so a wheelchair user would sit in the back.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Ramp Options

Where a wheelchair user will sit will determine your ramp type: rear-entry or side-entry. You can also choose between a manual or power ramp. If you can deploy a ramp on your own, or you’re traveling with someone who can, a manual ramp might be sufficient. Powered ramps are ideal for those who need assistance or prefer the convenience of automatic deployment. Additionally, you'll want to consider whether an infloor or foldout ramp suits your needs. Infloor ramps are stored within the vehicle’s floor, saving interior space, while foldout ramps stow inside the vehicle and offer a lower ramp angle, which may be ideal for those using manual wheelchairs. 

Wheelchair Securement and Seating in Accessible Vehicles

Once you’ve decided where the wheelchair user will sit, ensure proper wheelchair securement. Wheelchairs with securement points allow users to stay seated in their wheelchair during travel. Without these points, users will need to secure the unoccupied wheelchair and sit in a vehicle seat. Accessible seating solutions are available in rental vehicles for those who require a transfer seat.

Exploring Different Types of Wheelchair Accessible Rental Vehicles

BraunAbility vehicles come in two vehicle types: van and SUV.

Chrysler Pacifica Wheelchair Accessible Van

The wheelchair accessible Chrysler Pacifica has the most ramp configurations to meet a variety of needs. Additional features of the wheelchair van include:

• Powered and manual ramp options
• Rear-entry and side-entry options 
• Interior cabin lighting
• Key fob ramp operation
• XT option, offering extended doorway height for those who sit tall in their wheelchair

Toyota Sienna Hybrid Wheelchair Accessible Van

The accessible Toyota Sienna hybrid is a popular vehicle among those looking for a fuel-efficient wheelchair van. Additional features of this van include:

• Side-entry power ramp
• Key fob ramp operation
• USB ports
• Touchscreen display

Honda Odyssey Wheelchair Accessible Van

The wheelchair accessible Honda Odyssey has a spacious interior. Additional features of this van include:

• Infloor power ramp
• Remote engine start
• Interior cabin lighting

Chevrolet Traverse Wheelchair Accessible SUV

The BraunAbility Traverse is popular among those who are looking for an alternative to a traditional wheelchair van. Additional features of this SUV include: 

• Infloor power ramp
• Trailer tow package
• Backup and 360 camera
• Climate control seats and steering wheel (leather interior only)

Ensuring a Positive Rental Experience

Finding a vehicle that suits your needs is just one part of the accessible vehicle rental process. Before you hit the road, make sure to consider additional factors like insurance coverage for wheelchair accessible vehicle rentals, mileage limits, and the availability of adaptive driving controls and accessible seating. For a deeper dive into these considerations, check out our article on five tips for renting a wheelchair van. When you’re ready to rent an accessible vehicle, contact your local BraunAbility dealer.