Cost of Wheelchair Van Conversion
If you are a new wheelchair user or perhaps are thinking of converting your van for the first time, it’s important to be informed about the average wheelchair van conversion cost and factors that can influence the final figure. While it’s rarely free, a wheelchair-accessible van is an investment in your freedom and independence, which is something that’s important to keep in mind as you research the costs involved.
Wheelchair users may be pleasantly surprised at the many cost-effective adaptations that they can make to their vans to make wheelchair access possible. Simple adaptations such as entry ramps can make a huge difference, and there is often financial help available for more extensive adaptations. With a little research and some professional advice, you should be able to convert your vehicle in a way that meets your specific requirements.
The Costs Involved in Creating Wheelchair-Accessible Vans
Vehicle modifications for disabled passengers and drivers range from basic to extensive. More basic adaptations generally cost anywhere up to $10,000 and more extensive changes to the structure of your vehicle could set you back up to $30,000.
Though this may sound like a lot, financing wheelchair-accessible vehicles is often possible with the help of various non-profit organizations and government programs that benefit people with disabilities in Denver, Colorado, and around the country. Eligible veterans, for example, can receive a one-time adaptive automobile allowance of $24,115.12, which is the rate that went into effect on October 1, 2022.
Some of the most common costs involved in van conversion include:
Wheelchair Ramps
The costs involved in installing wheelchair ramps depend on the model you choose for your vehicle.
Rear-Entry Ramps
Rear-entry ramp conversions tend to be more economical than side-entry ramps because they fold in half inside the car when not in use and hence require only a minimum of structural modifications to the vehicle. Rear-entry conversions are available in both automatic and manual varieties; a manual ramp is generally more cost-effective than an automatic ramp.
Side-Entry Ramps
Side-entry ramps are only allowed to be installed on the passenger side of the vehicle. Converting a vehicle for a wheelchair-using driver requires far more extensive modifications and permission for performing these conversions varies from state to state.
Side-entry ramps come in bi-fold and in-floor options. In-floor ramps slide out from a storage container under the car, leaving more room inside the van. Bi-fold ramps take up more space inside the vehicle but cost less to install.
Manual Ramps
Manual ramps are the most cost-effective option because they have the fewest parts and no automation. The downside is that a caregiver is required to operate a manual ramp, which may limit the wheelchair user’s independence.
Other Modifications That Influence Price
Van conversions can involve up to 40 different structural modifications. Depending on your needs, budget, and the make and model of the vehicle, some modifications may be more necessary than others.
Some of the most significant adaptations include:
Lowering the floor to allow for comfortable clearance of the wheelchair
Installing safety equipment such as grab bars and wheelchair docks
If the wheelchair user will be driving the van, a power lift or a powered side-entry ramp will be required.
Removable seating can be installed in wheelchair vans, but might not be necessary for everyone.
Wheelchair Lifts as a Cost-Effective Alternative
While the kinds of modifications we’ve described are common, they’re not always necessary. In many cases, all you need to do to make your van, SUV, or pick-up truck wheelchair accessible is to install a wheelchair lift for vehicles that raises the wheelchair safely to the level of the back entrance so that the wheelchair user can drive on board.
If you have a van, a wheelchair lift for vans provides access via a scissor-style lift that’s stored on the underside of the vehicle (this is ideal for manual wheelchairs), or a dual-arm lift platform that is stored in the side door or rear door (this is ideal for power wheelchairs).
For pick-up trucks, there are specialized wheelchair lifts for trucks. A hoist lift collects the wheelchair from the front door, bumper, or curbside and stores it in the truck bed. A platform lift can be attached to the rear of the pick-up truck in a similar fashion to a bike rack.
*Please note that wheelchair lifts for trucks lift and store the wheelchair only. If you want the wheelchair user to enter the vehicle with their device, consider a van or SUV with a wheelchair ramp or wheelchair lift.
The Cost of Van Conversion Depends on the Modifications You Need
The cost of wheelchair van conversion largely depends on the extent to which you adapt your vehicle, and whether you choose manual or automatic options. Always consult experts before making these decisions, and check for potential sources of financial aid that could help you cover the cost.
Though it might be tempting to go with the simplest modifications in order to save money, it's also important to choose modifications that work for you and your lifestyle. If you don’t have a second person to help you enter and exit the vehicle, for example, it’s worth spending a bit extra to get automatic ramps and lifts. Ultimately, the cost of adapting your vehicle is an investment in your quality of life. And once you get out and about, that freedom is truly priceless.