Risks of Buying Cheap Wheelchair Vans Under $5,000

A common question we receive from BraunAbility customers is, “Why are wheelchair accessible vehicles so expensive?” We understand that purchasing an accessible vehicle is an investment—not only financially, but also in your mobility and independence. To understand the cost of a wheelchair van, it’s important to assess the automotive industry.

The average American spends around $50,000 on a new car and about $25,000 on a used one. These prices reflect non-accessible vehicles.

Wheelchair accessible vans and SUVs undergo specialized conversions, making them more complex and expensive than standard cars. Given the cost of a non-accessible car, it’s unrealistic to expect to get a reliable and safe wheelchair van for under $5,000. While low prices may be tempting, it’s important to approach them with caution and understand the associated risks.

The Risks of Buying a Cheap Wheelchair Van

Finding a wheelchair van for sale under $5,000 is incredibly rare. The average cost of a used wheelchair van is between $45,000 and $60,000, depending on the make, model, mileage, and overall condition. If you do find a wheelchair van under $5,000, it’s important to be aware of the following:

1. Safety and Quality

A cheap wheelchair van could have safety and quality issues. For example, if a ramp frequently gets stuck when being stowed or deployed, it’s not only a quality concern but could ultimately impact a wheelchair user’s ability to get in or out of the vehicle. Additionally, an improperly installed or loose wheelchair securement system could be dangerous in the event of an accident.

Every BraunAbility mobility product meets or exceeds strict standards set by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). This means BraunAbility vehicles, adaptive seating, and wheelchair securement products undergo rigorous crash testing. BraunAbility ramps and lifts are built to handle a 1,000-pound weight capacity. This ensures wheelchair users and caregivers can trust that a BraunAbility vehicle is not only safe but also designed for long-term use.

2. No Warranty

Many cheap wheelchair vans do not come with warranties, meaning you could be responsible for repair costs if something breaks down. BraunAbility offers warranty and protection plans for vehicles and mobility products. It’s recommended to contact your local mobility dealer when purchasing a BraunAbility product to discuss warranty and protection plans.

3. Car Buying Scams

If you find a wheelchair van for as little as $5,000, or even as much as $30,000, proceed with caution. Car buying scams are common, and many people target those in need of wheelchair vans, scamming them out of thousands of dollars. Read our article on avoiding wheelchair accessible vehicle scams to learn how to protect yourself and your investment.

It’s recommended to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle through your local mobility dealer to ensure you receive a vehicle that meets your needs. BraunAbility’s mobility dealers provide consultations to help you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Your local mobility dealer will also offer guidance on routine vehicle maintenance to keep your vehicle in optimal condition.

How Much Does a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Cost?

On average, a new handicap accessible minivan costs between $60,000 and $80,000. The average cost of a used wheelchair van is between $45,000 and $60,000.

When BraunAbility receives a vehicle from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) like Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, or Chevrolet, the non-accessible vehicle undergoes a comprehensive transformation. It is meticulously disassembled and reassembled to ensure it meets the same safety and quality standards as the OEM. In addition to utilizing the same suppliers our OEMs use for vehicle parts, where possible, we also custom-make and re-engineer parts as needed.

We’ll use the BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse—a wheelchair accessible SUV—as an example. General Motors (GM) makes the Traverse, but when BraunAbility receives a vehicle from GM, there are still parts that need to be custom made and re-engineered. For example, the vehicle ramp is custom made by BraunAbility. The vehicle door, which would typically open outward via a handle on the interior or exterior, has to be re-engineered by BraunAbility to become a sliding door. Extensive modifications like these contribute to the vehicle’s cost.

When considering a wheelchair accessible vehicle, remember that additional customizations such as adaptive car seats, wheelchair securement systems, and hand controls can increase the overall cost. The final price will depend on the extent of modifications. Investing in these customizations ensures that the vehicle meets individual needs and provides a safe and comfortable ride.

Why Are Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles So Expensive?

Beyond the manufacturing and specialized parts and technology required to build an accessible vehicle, each vehicle should meet the needs of its drivers and passengers. Certain vehicle modifications will cost more than others. The following modifications influence the cost of BraunAbility accessible vehicles:

• Power vs. manual ramps: Power ramps cost more than manual ramps because they include motorized parts for automatic deployment and stowing, adding to the complexity and cost.
• Rear-entry vs. side-entry ramps: Rear-entry ramps are often less expensive than side-entry ramps because they require fewer modifications to the vehicle’s structure.
• Foldout vs. infloor ramps: Vehicles with foldout ramps generally cost less than vehicles with infloor ramps because foldout ramps are simpler in design and easier to install.
• Driving adaptations: The type of driving adaptations a person uses will contribute to the overall vehicle cost. Electronic Mobility Controls (EMC), for example, will cost more than standard primary hand controls.
• Seating: Vehicles with side-entry ramps have removable front seats, while vehicles with rear-entry ramps do not. Because of the modification required to make seats removable, vehicles with removable front seats will cost more. If you plan to drive from your wheelchair, removable seating will be necessary. Additionally, adaptive vehicle seating like a transfer seat or a swivel car seat such as the Turny Evo will add to the overall vehicle cost.
• Wheelchair securement: All BraunAbility vehicles come standard with Q’Straint QRT Deluxe retractors. This is included in the vehicle cost, but if you decide to use a different securement system, it will add to the overall cost.

The most affordable BraunAbility vehicle would be a pre-owned model with a manual foldout rear-entry ramp. Additional costs may arise if a driver or passenger needs a specialized vehicle modifications.

Affording a Wheelchair Van

There are many ways to make the purchase of a wheelchair van more affordable. If you’re looking to purchase a wheelchair van, consider the following:

• Convert an existing vehicle: If you currently own a non-accessible Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, or Chevrolet Traverse, it may be able to be converted to be wheelchair accessible. Eligibility for conversion depends on several factors, including the year the vehicle was manufactured and its mileage. Additionally, full-size vans, like the Ram ProMaster, can be modified with a wheelchair lift.
• Trade in: Your local BraunAbility dealer will accept any vehicle, accessible or not, as a trade-in. The trade-in value can be applied toward the purchase of a new accessible vehicle. This option is particularly beneficial for those who cannot convert their existing vehicle.
• Certified pre-owned vehicles: Purchasing a used wheelchair van can be a cost-effective option. BraunAbility certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles meet the same high-quality and safety standards, with the added benefit of being more affordable due to their pre-owned status.
• Grants, funding, and financing: BraunAbility Finance offers tailored financing plans to fit your budget. Additionally, grants and funding from nonprofits, vocational rehabilitation, or crowdfunding can help with the purchase of a wheelchair van.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wheelchair Vans

Below are common questions we receive from people interested in buying a wheelchair van:

1. Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for a wheelchair van? 

No, Medicare and Medicaid will not pay for the purchase of a wheelchair van. Medicaid may cover non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for routine medical appointments.

2. Is a wheelchair van tax deductible? 

The wheelchair van itself is typically not tax deductible. Modifications to make a vehicle wheelchair accessible may be tax deductible under certain circumstances. It's recommended to consult a tax professional for the most up-to-date information.

3. Do wheelchair vans hold their value? 

Wheelchair vans generally hold more value than a standard car due to extensive vehicle modifications. However, like any vehicle, the value of a wheelchair van does depreciate over time.

4. How long do wheelchair vans last? 

Wheelchair vans can last as long as a non-accessible vehicle when maintained properly—generally about 10 years.

5. What is the alternative to a wheelchair van? 

For those who do not want to drive a wheelchair van, the BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse is a wheelchair accessible SUV. Additionally, for those who do not require a vehicle ramp, an adaptive car seat like the Turny Evo may be ideal.

If you’re interested in purchasing a BraunAbility vehicle or mobility product, contact your local mobility dealer. Your local mobility dealer is equipped to help you find a vehicle meets that meets both your needs and your budget.