{"id":128085,"date":"2023-01-11T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-11T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/?p=128085"},"modified":"2025-12-24T11:32:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T17:32:01","slug":"buying-vs-converting-wheelchair-van-pros-cons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/fr\/resources\/buying-vs-converting-wheelchair-van-pros-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Converted Van vs. Sending a Van Away for Conversion"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, you\u2019re ready to invest in a fourgon pour fauteuils roulants<\/a> for your organization. You\u2019ve decided on what accessible vehicle you need and what your budget is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quelle est la prochaine \u00e9tape ? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be wondering if you should buy a converted van from a manufacturer as a complete package or buy a van from a dealership and modify it to be wheelchair accessible elsewhere. But how do you know which is right for you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get your free wheelchair van buyer’s guide<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What if you make the wrong decision and blow way past your budget? What if you need your wheelchair van soon, but you shipped it away for conversion, and now it\u2019s sitting in a facility somewhere, unfinished? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you\u2019ll learn the pros and cons of buying vs. converting a wheelchair van, which option is right for you, and your next steps to making the best decision for your organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Au MoveMobility<\/a>, we offer both options (buying a van with a conversion from us or sending a van to us for a conversion), so we have a deep understanding of the pros and cons of each option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Buying a wheelchair van vs. converting a van to be wheelchair accessible: what\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Buying a completely converted wheelchair van<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you buy a completely converted wheelchair van<\/a>, you will typically be partnering with a manufacturer (like us at MoveMobility). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The manufacturer designs, builds, and distributes the wheelchair vans. They also offer service and repairs. Mobility vehicle companies specialize in vans and mobility modifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sending a van away to be converted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you send a van away for a conversion, you first need to buy one that can be converted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, you\u2019ll likely go to a dealership and buy a van that can be converted, and then you\u2019ll send it to a manufacturer that will convert it to be wheelchair accessible. Traditional dealerships specialize in selling a wide range of vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and trucks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After buying a minivan or full size van from a dealership, you’ll then have to find a manufacturer that specializes in mobility modifications to convert your van. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pros of buying a completely converted wheelchair van<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The vehicle is already in stock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you decide to buy a completely converted wheelchair van, the van is already in stock and ready to be built with the specific conversions you asked for. This can make the process both quick and simple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A manufacturer understands accessibility needs <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A manufacturer that specifically makes vans wheelchair accessible will have a deep understanding of your accessibility needs because it\u2019s all they do. They\u2019ll be able to help you when you\u2019re deciding between a ramp vs. lift, a high floor van vs. a low floor van, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dealership likely won\u2019t have this wealth of information on accessible vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Got any questions yet?<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A manufacturer allows you to customize your van design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most attractive benefits of working directly with an accessible van manufacturer is its ability to create custom solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your program\u2019s mobility needs require a specific conversion design, a manufacturer can customize your design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At MoveMobility, an example of this is the P Flex accessible van<\/a>, which was created as a result of a specific client\u2019s requirements. It has since become a popular accessible van option for organizations needing easy ambulatory access with a rear wheelchair entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A manufacturer has industry knowledge and safety regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many regulations, standards, and qualifications required to become a trusted wheelchair van provider. When you work with an industry-leading wheelchair van manufacturer, you are guaranteed a knowledgeable, experienced mobility expert who can guide you through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transporting persons with disabilities requires an understanding of what modifications can and can\u2019t be done to a van. If this is overlooked, legal liabilities can be serious. Your wheelchair van supplier must understand the CMVSS (Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) code, which is the regulation that governs the transportation sector in Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With a manufacturer, it\u2019s an all-in-one package<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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At MoveMobility, we are often asked, \u201cDo we have to buy a van and bring it to you for the conversion?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, the answer is no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessible van manufacturers keep a stock of vans ready for conversion. This eliminates the need for you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Negotiate with a dealer to buy a van, running the risk of buying a van that isn\u2019t compatible with accessible conversions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Find a conversion company to convert the van, hoping you get what you need<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Arrange transportation to the conversion manufacturer\u2019s facility, often costly<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, there are many risks involved in buying a non-accessible van with the intention of somehow \u201cmaking it accessible.\u201d That’s why accessible van manufacturers exist \u2013 to eliminate the headaches listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A manufacturer will deliver the van to you if you live in a remote location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you live in a remote community, once the manufacturer is done building your van with the specific conversions you asked for, they will deliver the van to your remote location. Check out this article to learn how we can deliver a van<\/a> to your remote location<\/span>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A manufacturer doesn\u2019t have extra\/hidden fees that you typically pay with a dealership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While we can\u2019t speak for other wheelchair van manufacturers, all documents relating to the sale of our accessible vans are clear and transparent. This includes quotes and sales agreements, which outline the agreement between you, the buyer, and us, the supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dealers may add extra fees to increase the sale value. If you appreciate transparency when working with large capital purchases, make sure your chosen van supplier provides line-by-line pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cons of buying a completely converted wheelchair van<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Can have longer lead times<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The biggest con of buying a completely converted wheelchair van is that the lead times\u2013the time it takes to convert your van and send it back to you\u2013can vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, lead times are two months. Other times, they can take up to 8 months. It all depends on the manufacturer you choose, the time of the year, and the conversions you asked for. Learn more about lead times with MoveMobility by checking out cet article<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not supporting local dealerships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

#Shoplocal is a big movement, and your organization may feel the pull to buy a wheelchair van locally if you have the option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when you decide to buy a fully converted wheelchair van from a manufacturer, you may not be supporting local. So, you\u2019ll ultimately have to decide what\u2019s best for your organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve looked at the pros and cons of buying a fully converted accessible vehicle, let\u2019s take a look at the pros and cons of buying a van and sending it away for conversion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pros of sending a van away for conversion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Supporting local dealerships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you buy a van from a dealership and then ship it away for conversion, you may get to support local, which is very important for some organizations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially if you\u2019re a local business, you might want to support local in return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we said before, supporting local is very important for some organizations. Again, it all depends on your organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cons of sending a van away for conversion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are fewer \u201cmodel\u201d options when partnering with a dealership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you partner with a dealership, you will likely have fewer options when it comes to vans that can be made accessible en fauteuil roulant<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With fewer options, you may not be able to find the best wheelchair van for your organization’s needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dealerships may not understand accessibility needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because a dealership sells all kinds of vehicles, it won\u2019t have as deep an understanding of accessible vehicles as a manufacturer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means they won\u2019t know what van model you\u2019ll need to get the conversions you want. They also won\u2019t understand your riders\u2019 mobility needs or the type of wheelchair van conversions that are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as a result, you could end up with a van that isn\u2019t right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You have to figure out how you will get it to the manufacturer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After purchasing a van from a dealership<\/a>, you\u2019ll have to figure out how to ship the van to the manufacturer of your choice. A dealership may offer to ship the van away for you, which means more transportation costs for your van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be difficult and involves lots of time and logistical needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Buying a converted wheelchair van: who is it right for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Organizations generally choose a mobility van manufacturer because the company fully understands their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n