{"id":134901,"date":"2023-05-02T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/?p=134901"},"modified":"2026-08-21T10:31:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T15:31:44","slug":"what-is-a-wheelchair-van","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/fr\/resources\/what-is-a-wheelchair-van\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Wheelchair Van? Features, Types, and How They Work"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Updated: August 21, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A missed ride can mean a missed medical appointment, a missed day program, or another day feeling cut off from the community. For transportation teams, those moments add up fast. A wheelchair accessible van can help close that gap, but the wrong wheelchair accessible vehicle can create new ones through difficult boarding, tight interiors, or layouts that don&#8217;t match your riders. You may know you need an accessible van or mobility van, but still feel unsure about what makes one truly accessible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The goal is simple: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">make every trip easier, safer, and more dignified for the people you serve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 40px 0;\">\n<div style=\"margin: 60px 0; padding: 20px;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; background-color: #8cc63e; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; padding: 14px 30px; border-radius: 5px; line-height: 0; height: 40px; transition: background-color 0.2s ease, text-decoration 0.2s ease;\" href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/wheelchair-van-buyers-guide\/?hsCtaTracking=52cf15c5-c91d-4e3e-b41a-18d7690431af%7C6a36290b-97e1-4e0b-99da-8d9854d8c663#download-guide-form\"><br \/>\nDownload the wheelchair van buyer&#8217;s guide!<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/movemobility.ca\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MoveMobility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we&#8217;ve spent more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/20-milestones\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focused on accessible transportation and manufactured over 480 wheelchair vans in the past three years. We&#8217;ve worked with organizations such as Transdev across Canada to help solve real transportation barriers. Our vehicles carry the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/national-safety-mark\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Safety Mark<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and we&#8217;re certified through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fordpro.ca\/en-ca\/upfit\/pro-upfitter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ford Pro Upfitter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Stellantis QPro. We&#8217;re also a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dareinnovationawards.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2026 DARE Innovation Award<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recipient. That experience gives us a close view of accessible transportation, but we&#8217;ll keep this guide balanced because we&#8217;re one manufacturer in a larger industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/2040856884-84cc3cc6270643a8b81ecbad0896207fd3bffe205398677482c53d1c2066dfb5-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"Caledon Customer Journey\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1104579453?h=808bfcfd5e&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, you&#8217;ll learn:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What they are:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> What makes a wheelchair accessible vehicle different from a standard van.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>How they work:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> How ramps, lifts, and interior changes create access.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What types exist:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The main<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/resources\/wheelchair-accessible-van-types\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wheelchair accessible van types<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used across Canada.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a wheelchair accessible vehicle?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_250414\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-250414\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-250414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MANPUS1.jpg\" alt=\"Man loading a wheelchair user into a MoveMobility P4 Van\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MANPUS1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/MANPUS1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-250414\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">P4 Side Entry Wheelchair Accessible Van<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible vehicle is designed or modified so someone using a wheelchair can get in, ride safely, and get out with less hassle. It usually includes a wider entrance, extra interior space, flexible seating, and a ramp or lift. The goal is simple: make transportation work for the person, not the other way around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re wondering what is a wheelchair accessible vehicle compared with a wheelchair accessible van, think of it as the bigger category. Accessible vehicles can include vans, minivans, cars, SUVs, and buses. This article focuses on the wheelchair accessible van, since that&#8217;s a common choice for Canadian transportation programs, healthcare teams, and community organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A proper accessible vehicle also involves a lot more than adding a ramp and hoping for the best. Depending on the van, the conversion can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A wider entrance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This gives the wheelchair and rider enough room to enter without squeezing through the doorway.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A ramp or lift:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A wheelchair ramp or lift bridges the height between the ground and the van floor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>More interior room:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Floors, walls, and seating can be changed to create usable wheelchair space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flexible seating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Seats can be moved or removed to support different passenger and wheelchair layouts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accessibility equipment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Grab handles, lighting, restraint systems, and other features help support safer trips.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These changes turn a regular van into a mobility van that works around the people riding in it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, we&#8217;ll look at how a wheelchair accessible van actually works from the moment a rider approaches the vehicle to the moment they&#8217;re ready to travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does a wheelchair accessible van work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible van works by changing how a passenger enters, moves through, and rides in the vehicle. Wider doors, ramps or lifts, added interior space, and flexible seating all work together to remove barriers that exist in a standard van. The setup depends on the van size, entry point, and people your program transports.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For your team, that means looking beyond the vehicle itself. A good accessible van should make each pickup feel straightforward for the rider and manageable for the staff member helping them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entering and exiting the wheelchair accessible van<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair user usually enters through the rear or side of the van using a ramp or powered wheelchair lift.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A ramp creates an angled path from the ground to the van floor. Some are manual, while powered ramps deploy using a control. A wheelchair lift raises the rider from ground level until they&#8217;re even with the vehicle floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can see a more detailed comparison in our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/resources\/ramps-vs-lifts-wheelchair-vans\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ramps vs. lifts for wheelchair vans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/1982776316-65353c13d1e07ba7ef7977cc9c4a8523d86b4e51c30ff4243f0b8bcc4f7c8c05-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"Ramps vs lifts\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1056911072?h=54322b1823&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The entry style also changes the loading process. Rear entry often allows the wheelchair to move straight into the passenger area. Side entry works well in other layouts and parking situations. Either way, nobody wants boarding to feel like solving a puzzle in a parking lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If ramp angle is a concern for your riders, our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/5-ways-to-reduce-the-angle-on-wheelchair-van-ramps\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reducing wheelchair ramp angle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains what affects that slope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating enough space inside the wheelchair accessible van<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting through the door is only half the job. Once inside, the rider needs enough room to move into position without tight turns or awkward manoeuvring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible van can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wider door openings:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These provide clearance for wheelchairs and larger mobility devices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>More interior height:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Extra headroom gives riders a more comfortable amount of space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Modified flooring:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The floor can be changed to create additional room or support flexible seating.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Open wheelchair space:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Clear floor area gives staff room to position the passenger safely.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flexible seating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Seats can move or come out to support different passenger layouts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every wheelchair vehicle needs a lowered floor. Lowered floors are common in accessible minivans because the original vehicle sits lower and has less interior height.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full-size wheelchair accessible vans often have enough height to keep the original floor level. Some use systems such as<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/misconceptions-of-autofloor\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AutoFloor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which lets seats and wheelchair positions move along tracks in the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/2173379677-9483cb3093a83606573483d5cb38a36966113ad0d8cc9b9133c6a1ea25c5f483-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"(Move) What Is AutoFloor - Web\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1204907337?h=a7517e2474&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That flexibility becomes useful when Tuesday&#8217;s passenger list looks nothing like Wednesday&#8217;s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travelling while using a wheelchair<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the passenger is in position, the wheelchair and rider have to be secured before the vehicle moves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved wheelchair and occupant restraint systems hold the chair in place and protect the person during travel. The exact setup depends on the vehicle and restraint equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We cover that process separately in our guide on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/how-to-secure-wheelchair-into-a-van\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to secure a wheelchair into a van<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so we won&#8217;t turn this section into a securement lesson.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/1920716397-6607b01336576a2016ca0634be92bf465c678d6d17256d91eb4e659b701f4574-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"9 Trusted Steps for Safe Wheelchair Securement in Your Accessible Van (Plus Bonus Tips)\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1004205639?h=302537b4d4&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With access, space, and safe travel covered, the next step is looking at the specific features that turn a standard van into a mobility van.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 40px 0;\">\n<div style=\"margin: 60px 0; padding: 20px;\"><a style=\"display: inline-flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; background-color: #8cc63e; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; padding: 14px 30px; border-radius: 5px; line-height: 0; height: 40px; transition: background-color 0.2s ease, text-decoration 0.2s ease;\" href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/quiz-which-is-the-best-wheelchair-van-for-you\/\"><br \/>\nReady to take the wheelchair van quiz?<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What features make a van wheelchair accessible?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_95630\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-95630\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-95630 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/T6-Accessible-Van-15.jpg\" alt=\"Man operating BraunAbility wheelchair lift on MoveMobility T6 Ford Transit side entry wheelchair van\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/T6-Accessible-Van-15.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/T6-Accessible-Van-15-400x267.jpg 400w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\" data-original-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-95630\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Automatic lift operated by driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible vehicle needs a few key features to work well for real people. The door, floor, seating, headroom, and safety equipment all have to work together. One feature on its own usually isn&#8217;t enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the most common features you&#8217;ll see:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What it does<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramp or wheelchair lift<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps the wheelchair user get into and out of the van.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wider entry<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gives a wheelchair enough room to pass through the doorway.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interior headroom<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gives riders more space to sit comfortably inside.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modified floor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creates more room or helps support a lower ramp angle.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible seating<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lets you change passenger and wheelchair positions as needed.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grab handles<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gives riders extra support during loading and unloading.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessible controls<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps staff operate powered doors, ramps, or lifts.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheelchair restraint equipment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps keep the wheelchair and rider secure during travel.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interior lighting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Makes it easier to load and unload in low light.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emergency equipment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps staff respond if something goes wrong during a trip.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do these features work together?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The setup can look very different from one accessible van to another. A minivan often has part of the floor lowered to create more headroom and make the ramp easier to use. A full-size mobility van usually has more height from the start, so lowering the floor isn&#8217;t always needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some full-size vans also use track flooring systems. These let seats and wheelchair positions move around more easily. That can help when your passenger list changes from one trip to the next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And let&#8217;s be honest, that happens a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main thing to remember is that accessibility comes from the whole setup working together. A ramp isn&#8217;t much help if the doorway is too tight. Extra headroom won&#8217;t solve the problem if there isn&#8217;t enough room to move inside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety also goes beyond the ramp and floor. Our overview of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/safety-features-in-wheelchair-van\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wheelchair van safety features<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> covers other systems that support safer daily operation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, we&#8217;ll look at the main types of wheelchair accessible vans you&#8217;ll see across Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What types of wheelchair accessible vans are available?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most wheelchair accessible vans fall into two main groups: minivans and full-size vans. Both give wheelchair users safe, dignified transportation, but they offer very different amounts of space, capacity, and flexibility. You&#8217;ll also see rear-entry and side-entry designs, which describe where wheelchair users enter and exit the vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/2019204893-21349303144c21f4a14de53fe9857a89a866fb641994bb93c5ed02188357220a-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"Full Size vs Minivan Web\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1087254382?h=947ae1e3ba&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For your organization, knowing these basic types helps narrow the field before you get buried in models, floorplans, and option sheets. Nobody wants to compare 30 vehicle features only to realize the van was too small from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheelchair accessible minivans<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-168365 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/P111347-MoveMobility-Black-Rear-Ramp-Accessible-Minivan-2.jpg\" alt=\"Ramp to a wheelchair accessible minivan\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/P111347-MoveMobility-Black-Rear-Ramp-Accessible-Minivan-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/P111347-MoveMobility-Black-Rear-Ramp-Accessible-Minivan-2-400x267.jpg 400w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\" data-original-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible minivan is the smaller of the two main van types. Its lower height and smaller footprint make it feel closer to driving and parking a regular passenger vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most accessible minivans use a lowered-floor conversion. Part of the original floor is lowered to create more headroom for the wheelchair user and provide a smoother path from the ramp into the vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A typical accessible minivan includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rear or side entry:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The wheelchair user enters through the back or passenger side of the van.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ramp access:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Minivans commonly use manual or powered ramps rather than large platform lifts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Smaller capacity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most minivans carry fewer wheelchair users and passengers than full-size vans.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lower vehicle height:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This makes parking garages and tighter urban spaces easier to manage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Passenger-style driving:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Drivers usually find the size and handling familiar.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MoveMobility&#8217;s current minivans are built on the Chrysler Grand Caravan platform, though other manufacturers use platforms such as the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capacity depends on the conversion. Some accessible minivans carry one wheelchair user, while other layouts support up to two. The smaller interior means there&#8217;s less room to change seating layouts compared with a full-size van.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That can work well for a smaller transportation program. For example, a community organization in downtown Toronto may value easier parking and a smaller vehicle more than carrying several wheelchairs at once.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/comparing-the-options-for-wheelchair-accessible-minivans\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wheelchair accessible minivan options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> looks more closely at the different layouts available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full-size wheelchair vans<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-134393 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p4-side-entry.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p4-side-entry.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p4-side-entry-400x267.jpg 400w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/426;\" data-original-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A full-size wheelchair van gives you much more interior room. These vehicles are commonly built on commercial van platforms such as the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That extra space opens up more options for organizations transporting several people during the same trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the model and layout, full-size wheelchair accessible vans offer:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>More wheelchair positions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some layouts support several wheelchair users at once.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>More passenger seating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Additional space allows wheelchair users and ambulatory passengers to travel together.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ramp or lift access:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Full-size vans can use manual ramps, powered ramps, or wheelchair lifts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>More interior height:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many adults can stand inside, and wheelchair users have more headroom.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flexible layouts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Track flooring systems allow seats and wheelchair positions to change between trips.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For context, some full-size MoveMobility vans support three to five wheelchair positions and up to 12 ambulatory passengers, depending on the vehicle and layout. Your needs might be smaller, but the extra room gives you options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about an adult day program in rural Manitoba. Monday&#8217;s route could include two wheelchair users and four ambulatory passengers. Tuesday might look completely different. A larger mobility van gives the program room to adapt instead of making the passenger list fit one fixed layout.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trade-off is size. Full-size vans require more parking space and usually won&#8217;t fit in low parking garages. They also cost more than most accessible minivans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, bigger isn&#8217;t automatically better. It comes down to how much room your program actually uses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our breakdown of<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/full-size-wheelchair-van-vs-minivan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">full-size wheelchair vans and minivans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> goes deeper into those differences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rear-entry and side-entry wheelchair vans<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ll also hear wheelchair accessible vans described as rear-entry or side-entry. This simply tells you where the wheelchair user gets into the vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A rear-entry wheelchair van loads from the back. The wheelchair user normally moves straight into the passenger area. This reduces the need to turn larger wheelchairs once inside. You&#8217;ll need enough clear space behind the van for the ramp or lift.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A side-entry wheelchair van loads from the passenger side. This allows riders to enter from a curb or sidewalk instead of behind the vehicle. In many layouts, the wheelchair turns after entering so the rider faces forward for travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These configurations show up differently in minivans and full-size vans. For example, side-entry minivans commonly use ramps, while full-size rear-entry vans can use either ramps or wheelchair lifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your parking environment plays a big role here. A rear-entry setup might make sense for a rural Saskatchewan program loading in large parking areas. A side-entry accessible van could work better for frequent curbside pickups in Ottawa or Mississauga.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out our article on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/rear-entry-vs-side-entry-wheelchair-vans-pros-cons\/\">\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rear-entry and side-entry full-size wheelchair vans, which<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> goes deeper into those configurations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For smaller vehicles, you can also compare<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/rear-entry-vs-side-entry-minivans-pros-cons\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rear-entry and side-entry minivans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know the main types of wheelchair accessible vans, the next step is understanding which standard vehicle platforms are commonly converted into them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What vehicles are commonly converted into wheelchair vans?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible vehicle usually starts as a standard minivan or full-size van built by an automaker. A qualified mobility manufacturer or upfitter then completes the wheelchair van conversion. That work changes the vehicle so it can support wheelchair access, extra interior space, and specialized equipment without losing sight of how the original vehicle was designed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minivan platforms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common minivan platforms include vehicles from Chrysler and Toyota. These vans are popular for accessible van conversions because their lower height and smaller size work well for ramp access.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, the Chrysler Grand Caravan has been widely used for rear-entry and side-entry conversions. Other manufacturers also convert models such as the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minivan conversions often involve larger changes to the original vehicle, including lowering part of the floor and modifying the doors. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to work with a company that understands both the conversion and the original vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re researching minivan layouts, our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/accessible-minivans-long-cut-vs-short-cut\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">long-cut and short-cut accessible minivans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains another common difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full-size van platforms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full-size wheelchair accessible vans are commonly built on commercial platforms such as the RAM ProMaster and Ford Transit. These vehicles already have more interior height and floor space, which gives the upfitter more room to create wheelchair positions, flexible seating, and ramp or lift access.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn more about the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/ram-promaster-wheelchair-vans-everything-you-need-to-know\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RAM ProMaster wheelchair van platform<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/ford-transit-wheelchair-vans-everything-to-know\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ford Transit wheelchair van platform<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in our separate guides.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some organizations buy a van first and then send it away for conversion. Others buy the chassis and conversion together as one package. Our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/buying-vs-converting-wheelchair-van-pros-cons\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a converted van versus converting one later<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains that difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One more thing to check is warranty support. A proper conversion doesn&#8217;t automatically cancel the original vehicle warranty, but the conversion parts can have separate coverage. Our article on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/conversion-wheelchair-van-warranty\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wheelchair van conversion warranties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains how that works.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, we&#8217;ll clear up some of the common terms used for a mobility van and other accessible vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a mobility van the same as a wheelchair accessible van?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A mobility van and a wheelchair accessible van often describe the same type of vehicle, but the terms aren&#8217;t always used in exactly the same way. If you&#8217;re comparing vehicles online, you&#8217;ll probably see all of these phrases used by manufacturers, dealers, and transportation programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s the simplest way to think about them:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wheelchair accessible van:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the clearest term. It describes a van designed or converted so a wheelchair user can enter, ride, and exit safely.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mobility van:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is a common industry term for a van adapted for someone with a mobility need. In many cases, it means a wheelchair accessible van.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accessible van:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is a broader, shorter term. It can describe a van with wheelchair access or other accessibility features.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accessible vehicle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the widest term of the group. An accessible vehicle can be a van, car, SUV, bus, or another vehicle modified for people with disabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, if your transportation team is searching for mobility vans and keeps seeing different names, don&#8217;t worry. You&#8217;re not looking at four completely different products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more important question is what the vehicle actually does. Look at the entry system, interior space, wheelchair positions, seating, and how the layout fits your riders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For this article, we&#8217;ll mainly use wheelchair accessible van because it&#8217;s the clearest description of the vehicles we&#8217;re discussing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that the terminology is sorted out, we can look at the kinds of people and organizations that use these vans every day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who uses wheelchair accessible vans?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheelchair accessible vans support people whose transportation needs don&#8217;t fit a standard vehicle. That includes wheelchair users, seniors, and people with mobility limitations who need more room, easier entry, or extra support during a trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They also play a big role in community transportation across Canada. Common users include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adult day programs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Helping clients get to programs, appointments, and community activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Community living organizations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Supporting daily transportation for people with disabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>First Nations and Indigenous communities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Connecting people to healthcare, services, and community events, sometimes across long rural routes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public and community transit:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Providing accessible transportation for riders who can&#8217;t use a standard bus or vehicle.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Healthcare organizations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Transporting patients between appointments, programs, and care locations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Families:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Giving a wheelchair user more freedom to travel together without relying on separate transportation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/1911582599-1cf897c8109ccfdcc87894feb30b701df02cc715bbc3095354633c7b717bee5a-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"Transforming Lives: How Wheelchair Accessible Vans Transformed Hearthstone Community Group\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/995488050?h=a660be2135&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right setup depends on the people you&#8217;re serving. A senior program in Winnipeg might need room for one wheelchair user and several seated passengers. A community transportation service in northern Ontario could need more wheelchair positions and space for longer trips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&#8217;s why wheelchair accessible vehicles and mobility vans come in so many layouts. The people, routes, and daily trips shape what works best.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For organizations running public or community transportation, our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/considerations-for-choosing-a-handi-transit-van\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">choosing a wheelchair van for handi transit and urban transit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> goes deeper into program-specific needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle requirements can also look very different depending on whether the van is being purchased for an organization or an individual. Our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/personal-use-vs-commercial-wheelchair-vans\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal-use and commercial wheelchair vans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains those differences in more detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, we&#8217;ll compare a wheelchair accessible van with a standard van so you can see what actually changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the difference between a wheelchair accessible van and a standard van?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible van is built or converted around the needs of someone using a wheelchair. A standard van is designed mainly for seated passengers. The biggest differences are the entrance, interior space, seating layout, and the equipment used to help a wheelchair user enter and travel safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Standard van<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Wheelchair accessible van<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard passenger entrance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wider accessible entrance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard floor and interior<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modified interior where needed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fixed passenger seating<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Space for wheelchair positions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No wheelchair loading system<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramp or wheelchair lift<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designed around seated passengers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designed to support wheelchair users<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest mistake is thinking an accessible van is simply a regular van with a ramp added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A proper wheelchair accessible vehicle usually needs several parts of the van to work together. The doorway has to be wide enough. There needs to be enough headroom and floor space inside. Seating may need to move or come out. The vehicle also needs safe wheelchair access and restraint equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, the ramp is important, but it&#8217;s only one piece of the puzzle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re comparing a properly converted van with a cheaper alternative, our article on the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/non-profits-dilemma-with-accessible-vehicles\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">risks of low-cost accessible vehicles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains why the conversion itself deserves close attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That difference is what turns a standard van into a vehicle that works for real daily transportation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently asked questions about wheelchair accessible vans<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is considered a wheelchair accessible vehicle?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible vehicle is designed or converted so a wheelchair user can enter, travel, and exit safely. It usually includes a wider entrance, extra interior space, a ramp or lift, and room for the wheelchair during travel. Vans are one common type, but accessible vehicles can also include cars, SUVs, and buses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can a wheelchair user stay in their wheelchair while travelling in a van?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. A wheelchair user can stay in their chair during travel when the van is designed for wheelchair transportation and the proper securement equipment is used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to understand the rules around transporting wheelchair users safely, our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/what-are-the-legal-requirements-for-transporting-wheelchairs\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">legal wheelchair transportation requirements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> covers that topic in more detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do wheelchair accessible vans use ramps or lifts?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wheelchair accessible van can use either a wheelchair ramp or a wheelchair lift.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramps create an angled path from the ground into the van. Lifts raise the wheelchair user up to the vehicle floor. The right option depends on the vehicle, rider needs, loading space, and how your team uses the van.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a closer look at one option, our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/lifts-for-wheelchair-vans-pros-cons\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wheelchair van lifts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains their main advantages and drawbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does a wheelchair accessible van need a lowered floor?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. A lowered floor is common in wheelchair accessible minivans, but it isn&#8217;t required for every van.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minivans often need extra floor modifications to create more headroom and improve ramp access. Full-size vans such as the RAM ProMaster or Ford Transit already have more interior height, so they can often be converted without lowering the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If floor height is a concern, our comparison of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/high-vs-low-floor-wheelchair-vans-pros-cons\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high-floor and low-floor wheelchair vans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains how those designs differ.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can any van be made wheelchair accessible?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Some vans are much better suited for wheelchair conversions than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vehicle needs enough interior height, door space, floor strength, and room for accessibility equipment. The conversion also has to work safely with the original vehicle design.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our guide to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/which-vehicles-can-be-made-wheelchair-accessible\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">which vehicles can be made wheelchair accessible<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explains what to look for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is another name for a wheelchair accessible van?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may see a wheelchair accessible van called a mobility van, accessible van, or wheelchair vehicle. These terms are often used to describe similar vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessible vehicle is a broader term because it can include vans, cars, SUVs, and buses. When you&#8217;re comparing options, focus less on the label and more on the actual layout, entry system, space, and accessibility features.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to find the right wheelchair accessible van?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_88849\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-88849\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-88849 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/P4-Side-Entry-Accessible-Van-35.jpg\" alt=\"Non-lowered floor means wheelchair users have good visibility\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/P4-Side-Entry-Accessible-Van-35.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/P4-Side-Entry-Accessible-Van-35-400x267.jpg 400w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\" data-original-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-88849\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Non-lowered floor means wheelchair users have good visibility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be trying to solve a transportation gap that affects real people every day. Riders could be missing appointments, community programs, or time with family because a standard vehicle doesn&#8217;t work for them. Understanding how a wheelchair accessible van works gives you a much clearer path forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You now know:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What makes a van accessible:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Wider entrances, ramps or lifts, added interior space, flexible seating, and safety equipment all work together.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What options are available:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Accessible minivans and full-size vans offer different amounts of space, capacity, and entry options.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What the terminology means:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mobility vans, accessible vans, and wheelchair accessible vehicles often describe similar vehicles, but the details of the design matter more than the label.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/movemobility.ca\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MoveMobility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, our team works with transportation organizations across Canada to turn real service gaps into vehicle designs that work on real routes. That means listening to who you transport, where you travel, and what your staff deal with each day before recommending a layout. We build around the people your program serves because accessible transportation should create more freedom, dignity, and connection. If you have questions about your next vehicle, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re not ready to talk with a mobility expert yet, these resources can help you take the next step.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What should you read next?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/how-to-choose-a-wheelchair-van\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Choose a Wheelchair Van (11 Steps)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Use this guide to turn what you&#8217;ve learned into a clear list of vehicle requirements for your program.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/1882446381-46fb8d35e15a5ce584aa6b6f53331a9e41b84be2d8575f5d5f8d86374fa776a5-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"Find Your Ideal Wheelchair Accessible Van in 11 Easy Steps\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/967980838?h=13f86b1137&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/how-much-does-a-wheelchair-van-cost\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does a Wheelchair Van Cost?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Learn what affects wheelchair van pricing so you can start building a realistic budget.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"lazyload smush-lazyload-video smush-lazyload-vimeo\" style=\"--smush-video-aspect-ratio: 800\/450\" data-bg-image=\"url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/2103310594-891c8117c84bfd1adc3f66e6181c2155603add056a9cc486aedfc47d1433d608-d_960?region=us)\" ><iframe title=\"Breaking Down Wheelchair Accessible Van Cost: Types, Price, and Warranties\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/963258742?h=ddacad7a20&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"about:blank\"><\/iframe><span class=\"smush-play-btn\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Play video\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<span tabindex=\"0\" class=\"smush-play-btn-inner\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>Play<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/how-to-buy-wheelchair-van\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Buy a Wheelchair Van<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: See what the buying process looks like once you&#8217;re ready to move from research into planning and purchasing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is considered a wheelchair accessible vehicle?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A wheelchair accessible vehicle is designed or converted so a wheelchair user can enter, travel, and exit safely. It usually includes a wider entrance, extra interior space, a ramp or lift, and room for the wheelchair during travel. Vans are one common type, but accessible vehicles can also include cars, SUVs, and buses.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can a wheelchair user stay in their wheelchair while travelling in a van?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. A wheelchair user can stay in their chair during travel when the van is designed for wheelchair transportation and the proper securement equipment is used. If you want to understand the rules around transporting wheelchair users safely, our guide to <a href=\\\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/what-are-the-legal-requirements-for-transporting-wheelchairs\/\\\">legal wheelchair transportation requirements<\/a> covers that topic in more detail.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Do wheelchair accessible vans use ramps or lifts?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A wheelchair accessible van can use either a wheelchair ramp or a wheelchair lift. Ramps create an angled path from the ground into the van. Lifts raise the wheelchair user up to the vehicle floor. The right option depends on the vehicle, rider needs, loading space, and how your team uses the van. 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If floor height is a concern, our comparison of <a href=\\\"https:\/\/movemobility.ca\/resources\/high-vs-low-floor-wheelchair-vans-pros-cons\/\\\">high-floor and low-floor wheelchair vans<\/a> explains how those designs differ.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can any van be made wheelchair accessible?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No. Some vans are much better suited for wheelchair conversions than others. The vehicle needs enough interior height, door space, floor strength, and room for accessibility equipment. The conversion also has to work safely with the original vehicle design. 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Features, Types, and How They Work - MoveMobility<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is a wheelchair accessible van? Learn how they work, key features, van types, conversions, and who uses them across Canada.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/fr\/ressources\/what-is-a-wheelchair-van\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_CA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is a Wheelchair Van? Features, Types, and How They Work - MoveMobility\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is a wheelchair accessible van? 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