Since getting my first powered wheelchair at the age of four, my family and I have purchased multiple accessible vans. We even had an old minivan in the early years with just a couple of 2x4 wooden boards used as a makeshift ramp. My mom would have to lift me out of my wheelchair and place me in a car seat, and then drive my wheelchair up those two boards. All of this still had to be done in the rain, snow, and whatever else life threw at her. It wasn’t easy, but it was all we had. So trust me when I say that I have had my fair share of accessible vans. As the years passed, I tried full-size vans, minivans, and even considered trying an adapted SUV. But never before have I been so pleased as I have been with my most recent purchase. I now have a BraunAbility Toyota Sienna hybrid, and it is awesome.
The Toyota Sienna hybrid is spacious. I can roll inside the vehicle thanks to the automatic foldout ramp and still have plenty of space inside for my Hoyer lift, luggage, shower chair, or all-terrain wheelchair for all of my travels. The best part is that even with my all-terrain wheelchair behind the driver’s seat, I can still roll in, turn my wheelchair to park in the front passenger’s spot, and lock into my restraint. This is helpful when we are going on a road trip and want to stop, eat, use the restroom, and load back up. I can get in and out without having to move any luggage. The interior height also provides plenty of space for headroom and for my caregiver to maneuver around inside the vehicle.
One of my favorite things about my van is that it hasn’t scraped, dragged, or bottomed out on anything. In my old VMI vans, I would cringe any time I saw a speed bump or hill in the road. I knew that we were about to experience the worst screeching sound in the world as we tried to roll over it. Trust me, it was worse than fingernails on a chalkboard. The clearance was never enough, and often I felt like we might get stuck in some places. With the BraunAbility conversion, there's plenty of ground clearance, and it has been life-changing for me. I never have to think twice about the hills and humps in the road because I am confident that my van can clear them with ease.
Another feature that is super impressive with this BraunAbility conversion is the quietness of both the road noise and the hybrid battery. When you use the push-button start, it is silent. The vehicle and battery are so quiet that you don’t even realize it’s running; you just know that it’s ready for the next adventure. With this van, I don't have to yell over the road noise. My foldout ramp doesn’t rattle, and the sound from the road is sealed out. My family and I can have normal conversations without yelling to each other and saying “What?” a million times. It is so relaxing, and the suspension and handling are smooth. I love nothing more than riding in my van and listening to the tunes on the radio as I travel from place to place.
I also can’t let you go without telling you about my foldout ramp. It is made of heavy-duty aluminum for rust-free durability. This allows me to easily roll inside. The doorway and ramp width are plenty wide enough for my wheelchair, and I never feel like I am going to run off the edge with my tires. My wider all-terrain wheelchair even makes it up with ease, so there are no worries. That extra space really makes a difference. I also love the fact that the back seat has an easy-to-use, full-length footrest. Not that I will need it, but my friends say that it is comfortable for them to rest their feet on. And when I come up the ramp, it can easily fold up and stow away when not in use, which allows for extra space.
As much as I travel, I like to be able to load my van with everything I need for my journey. The BraunAbility Toyota Sienna hybrid conversion can safely carry all of the luggage and medical equipment I need for a trip. This gives me peace of mind in knowing that I can always add that “one more thing” for my trip. And no matter where my travels take me, there’s a certified BraunAbility service technician at one of BraunAbility's many dealer locations across the country.
So, what are you waiting for? With the purchase of the BraunAbility Toyota Sienna hybrid, a safe and relaxing journey is possible without any worries. Join me, and let’s hit the road in style, comfort, and durability. I can assure you that it will be the best decision you’ve ever made.
Travel Blog Author and Accessibility Advocate
Cory Lee has visited over 40 countries and all seven continents as a wheelchair user. He also runs the award-winning travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to break out of their comfort zone and experience all of the beauty our world has to offer.
Cory's is supprted by BraunAbility and his local mobillity dealer, Mobility Works in Chattanooga, TN. When you purchase a mobility product from BraunAbility, you join a powerful community.
Vehicle $28.979
Standard Equipment:
17" Wheel Cover
