What Are Wheelchair Lift for Vans & Cars?

An Overview of Wheelchair Lifts for Cars

BraunAbility (formerly known as The Braun Corporation) started in business with the first electric scooter, which Ralph Braun named the Tri-Wheeler.

Shortly after the scooter’s creation, Ralph realized he needed to travel greater distances and manufactured a van wheelchair lift on an old postal Jeep. Quickly, it was clear that these power wheelchair lifts for vans was the way of the future for the company and became our best-selling product with lifts mounted both in the back and side of the vehicle. 

What Does a Wheelchair Lift for Van Look Like? 

Wheelchair lifts for full-size vans are very different from a vehicle ramp for wheelchairs.

A van wheelchair lift remains level during operation and raises the occupant to the side or rear of the vehicle by way of remote control so the user can enter the vehicle. Additionally, a BraunAbility power wheelchair lift is installed onto a full-size van and no additional vehicle modifications are made. Conversely, a wheelchair van ramp is integrated into a lowered-floor vehicle and remains stationary and angled while a manual or power wheelchair user rolls up or out of the vehicle. 

Wheelchair lifts can be installed on a variety of full-size vehicles. Compatibility is often determined by the amount of space allowed on the side or rear door opening. Contact your local BraunAbility dealer to see if your vehicle is an ideal fit for a wheelchair lift.

UVL Lifestyle

Choosing the Right Wheelchair Lift for Vans

BraunAbility’s power wheelchair lifts for vans can be separated into two distinct categories: dual-arm lifts and scissor lifts.

A dual-arm lift has two mechanical lifting arms, giving more stability and lifting power and is ideal for people with heavy power wheelchairs. However, dual-arm lifts like the Millennium and Century lift store upright in the mid-row of the vehicle which will limit the adjustment functionality of the front passenger seat. For this reason, some people decide to install the lift in the rear of the vehicle.

BraunAbility’s Under Vehicle Lift (UVL) is an example of a scissor lift. In this design, the lift is mounted to the underside of the van, keeping the doorway clear for other passengers.

BraunAbility Wheelchair Lift for Van Compatibility

Wondering if your vehicle can have a BraunAbility wheelchair lift installed? With adequate door space, a BraunAbility wheelchair lift can be installed in the side power door area or alternatively installed as a rear wheelchair lift for vans. Your BraunAbility dealer can tell you if your vehicle is a good candidate for wheelchair lift installation. Find your local BraunAbility dealer here.

BraunAbility Electric Wheelchair Lifts for Vans

BraunAbility offers three hydraulic wheelchair lifts for vans in North America, the Millennium, Century, and Under Vehicle Lift.

BraunAbility also offers additional lifts for commercial bus and paratransit application, including the new, award-winning E-Series lift.

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