Your Guide to Side-Entry Wheelchair Accessible Vans

BraunAbility offers a full lineup of side-entry wheelchair accessible vehicles engineered for safety, comfort, and freedom. Explore the features and benefits of side-entry wheelchair vans to find the right vehicle for you.

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Toyota Sienna LE Side-Entry - 1

What is a Side-Entry Wheelchair Van?​

A side-entry wheelchair van is a specially converted vehicle that allows a wheelchair user to enter and exit through the passenger-side sliding door. These vehicles are designed with lowered floors, accessible ramps, and flexible seating to support both independence and caregiver assistance.​

Side-entry vehicles are ideal for:

  • Independent drivers or wheelchair users who wish to drive or ride in the front passenger position
  • Individuals who value flexible seating arrangements, allowing for multiple wheelchair positions and easy transfer to the driver’s seat
  • Buyers seeking advanced features such as powered sliding doors, powered ramps, kneeling systems, and more
  • Families or caregivers who want to maintain rear seating for additional passengers or cargo
  • Active individuals who frequently travel and need quick, convenient access to their vehicle
  • Professionals with mobility challenges who require dependable transportation for commuting and business travel
  • Parents of children with disabilities who need safe and adaptable transportation for school, therapy, and family outings
  • Individuals transitioning to driving independence with support from BraunAbility’s mobility consultants and seating solutions
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BraunAbility Side-Entry Wheelchair Vans

BraunAbility offers manual and power side-entry conversions on several vehicle platforms including:

Toyota Sienna

Chevrolet Traverse

Honda Odyssey



Key Features of Side-Entry Wheelchair Vans ​Ramp Types

Each side-entry model is engineered for safety, comfort, and reliability, with a variety of features. Choose between foldout and infloor ramp options to best fit your space and convenience needs.​

  • Power vs. Manual Ramp Mechanisms: ​Select from easy-to-use power ramps for independent access or manual ramps for simplicity and value.
  • Interior Layout & Seating Flexibility: ​Spacious, lowered floor designs allow for multiple seating configurations and easy maneuverability.
  • ​Safety & User Experience Enhancements: ​Advanced securement systems, anti-slip surfaces, and user-friendly controls ensure safe and comfortable travel.

Side-entry wheelchair accessible vehicles offer supreme flexibility, independence, and comfort, making them a great choice for those seeking accessible mobility solutions that adapt to a wide range of individual, family, and caregiving needs.​​​

family using braunability chrysler wav side-entry ramp

BraunAbility Side-Entry Conversion Options

infloor power ramp side-entry conversion

Infloor Power Ramp

  • Clear doorway, ramp stows under floor
  • ​Easy, hands-free power operation​
  • Maximizes interior space​
  • Wayfinder Lighted Ramp
power foldout conversion

​Foldout Power Ramp

  • Fast, push-button deployment​
  • Works over curbs and obstacles​
  • Easy to clean and maintain​
  • Wayfinder Lighted Ramp
xt conversion on side-entry wav

​Foldout XT Power Ramp

  • Extra tall doorway clearance
  • ​Effortless power operation
  • ​More headroom for those who sit taller in their wheelchairs
  • ​Wayfinder Lighted Ramp
companionvan manual foldout side-entry ramp conversion

Companion Van Manual Foldout Ramp

  • Affordable manual option​
  • Lightweight and easy to use​
  • Low maintenance




Benefits and Challenges of Side-Entry Wheelchair Vans

Side-Entry Conversion Benefits

  • Front-Seat Access and Driving Independence: ​Enables wheelchair users to easily access the driver or front passenger position, supporting independent driving or riding up front.​
  • Flexible Interior and Seating Options:​ Offers a variety of seating configurations, including removable front seats and multiple wheelchair securement positions, accommodating families, caregivers, and different mobility needs.​
  • Advanced Accessibility Features: ​Equipped with features like power ramps, kneeling systems, and user-friendly controls, enhancing comfort, safety, andease of use for both drivers and passenger.

Side-Entry Conversion Challenges

  • Requires Accessible Parking Space: ​Ramp deployment needs extra space beside the vehicle, making it challenging to use in standard parking spots or crowded areas without designated accessible parking.​
  • Higher Purchase and Maintenance Costs: ​Side-entry conversions, especially with power features, are generally more expensive upfront and may incur higher maintenance costs over time compared to rear-entry or manual options.
  • Potential for Increased Maintenance:​ Power ramps, kneeling systems, and other advanced features involve more complex mechanisms, which may requiremore frequent servicing or repairs.
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Interested in Rear-Entry Conversions?

Explore Rear-Entry Vans




Side-Entry Customer Reviews

family entering chrysler pacifica van side-entry ramp
Erin Hinson, from Kentucky

Viral Costume Brings Taylor Swift Fan to Eras Tour in a BraunAbility Van

[The vehicle] really is life changing. It gives you the freedom and the ability to move about in your daily lives that a typical car maybe doesn't afford the opportunity to do.

Erin Hinson, from Kentucky Read Review
Scarduzio entering chevrolet traverse suv
Bernadette Scarduzio, from Pennsylvania

The Life-Changing Impact of a BraunAbility SUV

It was one of the best feelings [getting the SUV]. I felt like I was 16 again, and I was free.

Bernadette Scarduzio, from Pennsylvania Read Review
Arthur Lazo Jr. wheelchair accessible Toyota Sienna customer review
Arthur Lazo, from Texas

A Wheelchair Accessible Toyota Sienna Hybrid with a Personal Touch from BraunAbility

The van has provided me with a sense of freedom. A sense of independence and empowerment.

Arthur Lazo, from Texas Read Review
Gabi Johnson honda odyssey wheelchair accessible vehicle and her service dogs
Gabi Johnson, from Minnesota

Four Paws and Four Wheels: How a Wheelchair User and Her Service Dogs Get Around in a BraunAbility Honda Odyssey Wheelchair Van

I wish I knew how much [my van] was going to save me. It's such a relief knowing I don't have to worry about my health [when] getting from point A to point B.

Gabi Johnson, from Minnesota Read Review


rear-entry

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Frequently Asked Questions about Side-Entry Wheelchair Vans

Side-entry vans come with a variety of ramp options, including infloor ramps (which stow under the floor) and foldout ramps (which fold out from the doorway). Both power and manual ramp mechanisms are available to suit different needs.​

Side-entry vans allow wheelchair users to drive or ride in the front passenger seat, offer more flexible seating, and provide curbside access—making them ideal for independent drivers and those who frequently use accessible parking spaces.

Consider your mobility goals, seating preferences, parking situations, and budget. Consulting with a mobility specialist can help you compare features and choose the best fit for your lifestyle.

Infloor ramps stow underneath the vehicle floor, keeping the doorway clear, while foldout ramps deploy from the side door. Infloor ramps offer a clean look and more interior space, while foldout ramps can handle curbs and uneven surfaces.

“XT” stands for “Extra Tall,” indicating a higher door opening and interior height—ideal for taller wheelchair users or those with larger power chairs.

Power ramps offer push-button convenience and are great for independent users. Manual ramps are more affordable and have fewer electronic components, making them easy to maintain.

Yes, BraunAbility offers a full lineup of side-entry wheelchair vans with various ramp types, features, and customization options.

It’s not recommended to convert a minivan on your own. Professional conversions by certified manufacturers like BraunAbility ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

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