22% of Canadians live with a disability. If you’re leading an accessible transportation organization, you probably see the direct impact of this every day. You know the challenge of finding a wheelchair accessible van that actually works for your clients, your budget, and your team. That search might bring you to comparing Universal Motion and MoveMobility, among other manufacturers.
The risk of choosing the wrong fit is getting a vehicle that doesn’t work 100% for your program. It might break down more often, not meet safety standards, or, worse, leave people without the transportation they rely on. But finding the right solution can flip that script. Instead of constant stress, you can deliver reliable service, expand your reach, and give people back their independence.
At MoveMobility, we’ve been building wheelchair vans and mobile medical vans for over 20 years. Our vehicles carry the National Safety Mark, and we’re proud to be both Ford QVM and Stellantis QPro certified. These show our vans meet the highest safety and quality standards in Canada. But what makes us different is how we work. We learn about your community and build around your goals. That’s why healthcare groups, non-profits, and governments across the country trust us.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What Universal Motion offers Canadian buyers
- How MoveMobility compares
- Which one should you choose?
Who is Universal Motion?
Universal Motion is a company based in Toronto that helps people with mobility challenges. They’ve been around for more than 15 years and work with many groups, including families, healthcare teams, wheelchair taxi drivers, and businesses that need accessible transportation. Their main goal is simple: make travel easier for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility.
The company was started by Marco Ferrara, who has used a wheelchair since 1984. Because of his own experience, Marco understands the challenges people face and designs vehicles with that in mind. He’s also been active in the community, serving on Toronto’s accessible taxi advisory board and working with the Canadian Paraplegic Association in the past.
What does Universal Motion offer?
Universal Motion offers a wide range of wheelchair vans and conversions. Its focus is on giving people and organizations different options to meet different needs.
Types of vehicles and conversions include:
- Side entry vans: Lowered floors for easier access
- Rear entry vans: Often used for taxis and meet Ontario’s D.409 rules
- Evaluator vans: Used for assessments and testing
- Used wheelchair vans: A more budget-friendly choice
- Custom conversions: Options like wheelchair accessible trucks and even ATVs
- Rental vans: Short-term solutions when a van is needed for a limited time
They also sell well-known brands like BraunAbility and VMI, along with their own custom work.
Services and support
Universal Motion doesn’t just sell vans. They also provide services that keep vehicles running for years.
- Maintenance program: Regular service for vans and conversions
- Parts and repairs: In-house work when something needs fixing
- Financing and funding: Help with leasing, grants, and tax information
- Resale support: They’ll refurbish and sell your van when you’re done with it
These services can be useful for organizations that want one company to handle both the vehicle and the aftercare.
Brand partnerships
Universal Motion works with major auto brands like Dodge, Toyota, Honda, and Chevrolet. Buyers can choose the base van they prefer, and then the company adds accessibility features.
Universal Motion at a glance
| Category | Details |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| Years in business | 15+ |
| Founder | Marco Ferrara, wheelchair user since 1984 |
| Main offerings | Side entry vans, rear entry vans, evaluator vans, used vans |
| Custom solutions | Wheelchair trucks, ATVs, van conversions |
| Services | Maintenance, rentals, financing, resale |
| Conversion partners | BraunAbility, VMI |
| Clients | Families, healthcare groups, taxi drivers, businesses |
Universal Motion has built a name in Canada’s mobility market with more than 15 years of experience. Their founder’s personal story gives them a unique point of view, and their mix of vans, custom builds, and support services makes them a familiar option for both individuals and organizations.
Who is MoveMobility?
MoveMobility is a Canadian company with offices in Winnipeg and Mississauga that designs and builds wheelchair accessible vans and mobile medical units. Our mission is to remove barriers to healthcare and transportation. Our vision is to empower communities by making sure everyone has access to the services they need.
We’re guided by five core values:
- Be Structured: Work with purpose and focus
- Be Kind: Treat others with respect
- Never Satisfied: Always look for ways to improve
- We Can: Believe in finding solutions
- Upstanding: Do what is right
MoveMobility milestones
Our company has grown steadily since building its first wheelchair van in 2007.
Some key milestones include:
- 2007: First wheelchair van conversions began
- 2018: Reached their 200th wheelchair van build
- 2019: Achieved Ford QVM certification for safety and quality standards
- 2022: Launched an in-house delivery service to bring vehicles directly to customers
- 2023: Earned Stellantis QPRO Certification, showing continued commitment to excellence
These milestones highlight our focus on safety, innovation, and long-term reliability.
What does MoveMobility offer?
MoveMobility offers a wide selection of wheelchair accessible vans, mobile medical vans, and patient transfer vehicles. Each model is designed to meet the needs of individuals, organizations, and healthcare providers.
Wheelchair accessible vans
Patent pending
The P-Series includes the P3, P4, P5, and P6, each designed for different passenger and organizational needs.
Other models include:
- P Flex Accessible Van
- Rear and side entry minivans
Mobile medical vans
MoveMobility also builds vans for healthcare providers and community groups.
These vans are designed for different types of care and outreach:
- Mobile Clinic Van: For primary and preventive care
- Mobile Outreach Van: For community engagement and crisis support
- Mobile Response Van: For stretcher transport and non-emergency response
- Mobile Mitigation Van: For overdose prevention and recovery services
- Mobile Counselling Van: For mental health and counselling support
Patient transfer vans
The patient transfer lineup includes vehicles for stretcher, ambulatory, and wheelchair transportation:
- P4 3-in-1 Van: Combines stretcher, ambulatory, and wheelchair transport in the same vehicle
- Non-Emergency Response Van: For routine, safe transport needs
- Dialysis Patient Transfer Van: Focused on comfort and accessibility for dialysis patients
Trail Edition upgrade
Many of these vans can be upgraded with the Trail Edition package, designed for added strength and durability. This upgrade is especially useful in Canadian winters or for vehicles that need extra performance.
MoveMobility at a glance
| Category | Details |
| Location | Canada |
| Year in business | 20+ |
| Mission | Design and deliver vehicles that remove barriers to healthcare and transportation |
| Vision | Empower communities by ensuring access for all |
| Core values | Be Structured, Be Kind, Never Satisfied, We Can, Upstanding |
| Milestones | First van in 2007, 200th van in 2018, Ford QVM certification in 2019, Delivery service in 2022, Stellantis QPRO certification in 2023 |
| Main offerings | Wheelchair vans, mobile medical vans, patient transfer vans |
| Specialty upgrades | Trail Edition for strength and winter performance |
| Clients | Families, healthcare providers, community groups, and transportation services |
MoveMobility has built its reputation around innovation and community focus. With a mix of wheelchair vans, mobile medical units, and patient transfer solutions, we serve a wide range of clients across Canada. Our history of certifications and steady growth shows our commitment to safety, quality, and accessibility.
Which organization should you choose?
Think of this choice like picking the right tool for the job. If you’re fixing a leaky pipe, you don’t grab a hammer. Both Universal Motion and MoveMobility build wheelchair accessible vans, but the “right fit” depends on what your organization truly needs.
When would Universal Motion be the better fit?
Universal Motion could make sense if your needs lean toward variety and one-off solutions. They don’t just stop at vans; they also create custom conversions like wheelchair accessible ATVs and trucks. That makes them a solid option if your work requires vehicles outside the typical van lineup.
They may also be a good fit if:
- You plan to resell a vehicle later, since they refurbish and help with resale.
- You’re looking for an evaluator van geared towards people with mobility issues
When would MoveMobility be the better fit?
At MoveMobility, we focus squarely on vans, both wheelchair accessible vans and mobile medical units. If your organization’s priority is delivering healthcare in the community or transporting people safely, our lineup is built for that.
We’re the right choice if:
- You need healthcare-focused vehicles, like mobile clinics, outreach vans, or patient transfer vans.
- You’re strictly looking for van-based accessible vehicles
- Certifications and compliance are important for your funding or contracts, since MoveMobility holds Ford QVM and Stellantis Q-Pro badges.
- You operate in tough conditions, with Trail Edition upgrades available for snow, gravel, and rural routes.
Making the call
At the end of the day, it comes down to this:
- If your fleet goals include healthcare delivery, full-size vans, or purpose-built medical vehicles, MoveMobility is likely the stronger match.
- If your needs require unique custom vehicle builds that go further than your regular wheelchair van conversions, Universal Motion could be the better fit.
Both organizations serve the same mission: To make transportation more inclusive. The best choice depends on which vehicle solutions align with your program’s priorities.
Need help finding the right van for your mission?
You came here because your organization needs a wheelchair accessible van, and you’re stuck between Universal Motion and MoveMobility. You want a choice that solves your challenges today and sets you up for better care tomorrow.
What you’ve learned in this article:
- Weigh your needs, like whether you serve healthcare, offer outreach, operate in rural areas, or need custom vehicle types.
- Match solutions to your needs: MoveMobility brings focused solutions for vans and medical use, while Universal Motion brings flexibility for creative conversions like trucks or ATVs.
At MoveMobility, we’ve helped hundreds of organizations across Canada deliver healthcare and mobility with dignity and efficiency. We bring factory-built vans directly to your doorstep, complete with training, support, and a smooth handoff, so your team can serve faster, with less hassle. We’re dedicated to putting people first and to making mobility more human. If you have questions or want to talk through your options, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
If you’re not ready to speak to someone yet, here are three helpful articles to guide you forward:
- Rear entry vs. side entry full size wheelchair vans (pros & cons): This will help you pick the right van layout for your program’s needs.
- How much does a mobile medical van cost in 2025? This article gives a clear picture of budget requirements and helps with planning.
- How to get more funding for your wheelchair van? This will walk you through ways to make your project more affordable.
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