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Wright-Way, Inc. Consumer Education Series
Van Wheelchair Lifts
What do I need to know when I think about purchasing one?
This is a simple question with a 5-part answer. Wright-Way will never sell and install a wheelchair lift in a van without first making sure it will work for the person who will be using it. To anyone who is not familiar with wheelchair lifts it might seem like a simple decision to buy one but you must first answer the following 5 questions.
Question #1 ~ Will the Person in the Wheelchair Fit?
Just because a person is sitting in a wheelchair and just because a van may have a lift or a ramp, does not mean the individual in the wheelchair will fit inside the vehicle. The very first thing to consider is height. What is the height of the person sitting in the wheelchair from the top of their head to the ground when sitting in their normal sitting position? This needs to be compared to the van doorway opening.
Question #2 ~ How Big of a Wheelchair Lift Platform do I Need?
Just like wheelchairs that come in all shapes and sizes, so do wheelchair lifts. In order for a particular wheelchair to fit a particular lift, the overall width and length of the wheelchair with occupant must be measured and then compared to the width and length of the wheelchair lift platform.
Question #3 ~ How Heavy Duty of a Wheelchair Lift do I Need?
There is a wide variety of wheelchair lifts and the cost is somewhat in line with the lifting capacity of the lift. What is the total weight of the wheelchair and occupant?
Question #4 ~ Where do I Want The Lift Mounted in the Van?
Most wheelchair lifts can be mounted in either the side or rear doorway of most vans. Each different place will determine how many seats will need to be removed inside the van and where the wheelchair will be positioned once inside for traveling.
Question #5 ~ What Year, Make, and Model of Van is the lift to be Installed?
Not all models of wheelchair lifts are available for all years, makes, & models of vans.
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