If you need a van that is able to transport a disabled person in a wheelchair, that van is going to have to have a lift. Buying a van with a lift is not as hard as you might think. While you might not see dealerships lined up along the street that specialize in such a thing, the ones that do know exactly what disabled individuals need to travel from place to place effectively.
Instructions
1. Find dealers in your area that specialize in handicap-accessible vehicles through the NMEDA (The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) website, listed as a Resource below.
2. Decide whether you want to purchase a new or used van. The used van is going to save you money, but a lift is just one more thing that can go wrong in a vehicle if it is already in poor condition.
3. Find out if your insurance covers any of the cost in buying the van. Some insurance companies may be willing to pay a portion of the cost if you show them that it is for medical reasons.
4. Try the van out. This doesn't mean to just test drive the van. This means that you should actually test out the lift. Ask an employee to show you work the lift if you have never done so before. If possible, have the disabled individual who will be riding in the van there to test the lift.
5. Look into options to customize the van for the particular needs of the that will be riding in it. Companies that sell handicap-accessible vans are used to a wide variety of needs that have to be met, and many will be able to accommodate you.
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