{"id":142852,"date":"2023-07-14T07:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T12:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/?p=142852"},"modified":"2024-10-31T10:52:13","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T15:52:13","slug":"can-you-reuse-equipment-in-wheelchair-vans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movemobility.ca\/fr\/resources\/can-you-reuse-equipment-in-wheelchair-vans\/","title":{"rendered":"Peut-on r\u00e9utiliser l'\u00e9quipement des fourgons pour fauteuils roulants ?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are several challenges that make it difficult to reuse equipment in wheelchair vans, which is why many organizations don’t do it. One challenge is incompatibility, meaning that the equipment from one van may not work properly with another van. Another challenge is the risk of the equipment breaking down, which can be dangerous. When equipment is reused, there\u2019s also a chance that it won’t work as well as it should, losing some of its functionality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Moreover, using reused equipment may not come with a warranty, so if something goes wrong, it may be costly to fix or replace. On top of all that, there are legal risks involved with reused equipment. The biggest concern, though, is safety. If the equipment fails while the van is in use, it can lead to injuries for the operator and passengers inside.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Au MoveMobility<\/a>, we know a lot about fourgons pour fauteuils roulants<\/a> because we make them. Some companies like to reuse electrical systems to power wheelchair lifts and ramps, while others like to reuse equipment like fasteners. <\/span>We believe it’s better to avoid reusing equipment in these vans.<\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this blog post, we’ll talk about reusing equipment in wheelchair vans. We’ll look at the safety concerns and cost issues that come with it. Then, we’ll leave you with some recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Why Avoid Reuse of Equipment in Wheelchair Vans?<\/h2>\r\n

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There are several reasons why reusing equipment in wheelchair vans should be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Compatibility issues<\/h3>\r\n

Not every wheelchair van has the same specifications and dimensions. This makes it difficult to fit and install reused equipment properly. In addition, there are compatibility issues with existing equipment and a new vehicle\u2019s design. This can result in a poor fit and will compromise its use. For example, if an old vehicle chassis is not perfectly matched with a new vehicle, a lift or ramp won\u2019t fit properly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Risk of equipment failure<\/h3>\r\n

Reusing lifts, ramps, wheelchair securement systems, and electrical components is risky. The more wear and tear there is on these parts, the higher the chances of the equipment breaking down while it’s being used.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Two common issues that contribute to this are compromised wiring and corroded fasteners. Compromised wiring means the wires might have been damaged or have their protective covering worn off. You can tell if the wiring is compromised if you see exposed or damaged insulation around the wires.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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On another note, corroded fasteners are like screws or bolts, and you can tell they’re corroded if you see rust or a powdery substance around them. These issues make it more likely for the equipment to stop working properly, and that’s dangerous because it can put everyone in the wheelchair van at risk.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Functionality<\/h3>\r\n

Using old equipment in a new vehicle can cause issues due to technical limitations. It’s kind of like trying to fit something into a place where it doesn’t belong, like a square peg into a round hole. The reason is that new vans have different technology compared to older ones. So, if you salvage switches and connectors from the old equipment to use in the new vehicle, it can cause problems. It’s better to use equipment that is specifically made for the new vehicles to avoid these issues altogether.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Garantie<\/h3>\r\n

Reusing equipment voids the manufacturer\u2019s warranty<\/a><\/span> and leaves the owner responsible for any repairs or replacement costs to the wheelchair van. Liability risks are also a major concern that can arise from using equipment that doesn\u2019t meet current safety standards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Pr\u00e9occupations en mati\u00e8re de s\u00e9curit\u00e9<\/h3>\r\n

The safety of your clients in wheelchair vans is super important. Remember when we talked about wiring problems and corroded fasteners? Those can actually make some of the equipment not work properly. And when the equipment doesn’t work right, it can put the people in the van at risk.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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For example, if the equipment is defective, airbags might not work during a crash, or seat belts might not keep people secure, which can be really dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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So, it’s all about making sure everything is in good condition and works like it should to keep everyone safe in the wheelchair van.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Financial Implications of Reusing Equipment in Wheelchair Vans<\/h2>\r\n

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\"Entr\u00e9e<\/figure>\r\n

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It’s important to consider the financial side of things when deciding whether to reuse equipment in wheelchair vans. Let\u2019s take a closer look at what they are.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Extensive Removal, Refurbishment, and Reinstallation Costs<\/h3>\r\n

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Reusing equipment in wheelchair vans is a labour-intensive process. First, you have to remove the used equipment from one vehicle. Then, you need to refurbish it before finally reinstalling it into a new vehicle. This process is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort and expertise. As a result, it can be very expensive because of the costs involved with proper installation and making sure everything works as it should.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Balancing Risks and Cost Savings<\/h3>\r\n

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While reusing equipment may save money upfront, we have to think about the risks involved. If the equipment is worn out or has problems, it could fail and cause injuries. This could lead to even bigger costs due to liability.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Reduced Resale Value of the Existing Vehicle<\/h3>\r\n

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If you put reused equipment in a new van, it might make the old van less valuable when you want to sell it. Buyers prefer vans with newer equipment that works well.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Outsourcing Costs<\/h3>\r\n

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Most organizations don\u2019t have the ability to modify wheelchair vans on their own. Because of that, it means paying a mobility equipment company for the service. If you can’t do the removal and reinstallation work yourself, you’ll need to send both the existing van and the new van to a specialized vendor. This adds extra costs to the process.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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For more information on the financial side of wheelchair vans, check out our article<\/a><\/span> on the costs of owning a wheelchair van for 1 year and the costs involved in purchasing a wheelchair van<\/a><\/span>. Alternatively, check out the video below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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