How to Choose the Right Wheelchair-Accessible Van

Shopping for a wheelchair-accessible van is a different process than shopping for a typical vehicle, because the right choice depends on more than horsepower or cargo space — it depends on how the wheelchair user gets in, sits, and rides day to day. Between ramp styles, conversion brands, and financing questions, it’s easy to feel like you need to become an expert overnight. Bettenhausen Mobility works with families across Orland Park and Tinley Park through exactly this decision, and breaking it into a few clear questions makes the process much more manageable.

Think About Who Will Be Driving and Riding

Start with the basics: will the wheelchair user be driving, or riding as a passenger? This single question shapes almost every decision that follows, from ramp placement to interior layout. A van set up for a wheelchair user to drive from the driver’s seat needs a different configuration than one set up for a caregiver to drive while the wheelchair user rides in the back or front passenger position.

It also helps to think about who else regularly rides along. If you’re often transporting other passengers too — kids, a spouse, a caregiver — you’ll want to compare how each conversion type affects total seating once the wheelchair position is accounted for.

Side-Entry vs. Rear-Entry Conversions

A side-entry van lowers its ramp from the sliding door, which allows the wheelchair user to sit closer to the driver or front passenger in a more central cabin position. This layout tends to work well for wheelchair users who want to be part of the conversation up front rather than seated in the back.

A rear-entry van lowers its ramp from the back of the vehicle instead. It’s often a simpler mechanical setup and doesn’t require side clearance to deploy the ramp, which can make parking easier in tighter driveways or crowded lots. Neither layout is universally “better” — it comes down to where you typically park, how the wheelchair user prefers to ride, and how the rest of the seating needs to work around that position.

Compare BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility Conversions

Bettenhausen Mobility works with both BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility (VMI), the two leading names in wheelchair van conversions. Both companies build side-entry and rear-entry options on popular minivan platforms, and both have years of engineering behind their ramp systems and lowered-floor designs. The differences usually come down to specific ramp mechanisms, interior floor height, and available features on a given base vehicle rather than one brand being the clear winner across the board.

Because the details vary by specific vehicle and model year, it’s worth looking at a few options side by side rather than picking a conversion brand first and narrowing from there. Browse current wheelchair-accessible vehicle inventory to see what’s available across both conversion types.

Set a Realistic Budget and Explore Financing

Wheelchair-accessible vans span a wide price range, and inventory is available across a range of budgets, including options priced under $30,000. Because the conversion adds cost on top of the base vehicle, it’s worth asking specifically about financing programs built around adaptive vehicles rather than assuming a standard auto loan will account for the added equipment.

Take time to run your numbers before you commit. The payment calculator can help you see how different vehicles and loan terms affect your monthly budget, and the financing application is a straightforward way to find out what you qualify for before you shop in person.

Schedule an In-Home Assessment or Test Drive

Not everyone can easily get to a showroom, and that’s part of why Bettenhausen Mobility offers in-home assessments and transportation for customers who need it. An in-home visit lets you evaluate ramp angle, doorway clearance, and everyday accessibility in the environment where the van will actually be used — your driveway, your garage, your daily routes — rather than trying to picture it on a lot.

If you’re able to visit in person, a test drive is still the best way to get a feel for ramp deployment, cabin space, and ride comfort firsthand. Either way, a hands-on look at a couple of options tends to make the final decision much clearer than comparing spec sheets alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a side-entry and rear-entry wheelchair van?
A side-entry van lowers a ramp from the side sliding door, which allows the wheelchair user to sit in a mid-cabin position near the driver or front passenger. A rear-entry van lowers its ramp from the back, which is often simpler mechanically and can be easier to park since it doesn’t need side clearance for the ramp to deploy.

What is the difference between BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility conversions?
BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility (VMI) are the two major manufacturers of wheelchair-accessible van conversions, and both build side-entry and rear-entry options on popular minivan platforms. The right choice usually comes down to specific ramp design, interior floor height, and available features on the base vehicle you’re considering rather than one brand being universally better.

Can I finance a wheelchair-accessible van?
Yes. Wheelchair-accessible vans can be financed much like any other vehicle, and inventory is available across a range of budgets, including options priced under $30,000. It’s worth exploring financing programs designed specifically for adaptive vehicles, since some lenders account for the added cost of the conversion.

Do I need to visit the showroom to buy a wheelchair-accessible van?
No. Bettenhausen Mobility offers in-home assessments and transportation for customers who are unable to visit the showroom, so you can evaluate a van’s fit and accessibility features without needing to travel.

Where is Bettenhausen Mobility located?
Bettenhausen Mobility’s showroom is at 15941 S. 94th Ave in Orland Park, with a separate service location at 17514 Oak Park Ave in Tinley Park.

Find Your Fit at Bettenhausen Mobility
Choosing a wheelchair-accessible van gets much simpler once you know who’s riding, which conversion layout fits your daily routine, and what your budget looks like. Bettenhausen Mobility in Orland Park carries both BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility conversions across a range of budgets, plus in-home assessments for anyone who can’t easily get to the showroom. Browse current inventory, or call (708) 460-5337 to talk through what setup makes the most sense for your family.