Questions About Passenger Vans, and Handicapped Accessible Vans

TyAndCheyMommy

TyAndCheyMommy

New member
I am looking into buying a newer van. I am going to have to go with a passenger van- and have to have a handicapped lift or ramp in it.
I would love to have the lift put in the side door and the place for my DD directly behind my drivers seat (but am having an issue finding a van like that).
I need at least a 12 passenger van- so I am imagining I have to go with an 15 passenger in order to add the lift.
How safe are passenger vans? Does the safety rating go down as the seats go up?
Is it safe for my DD to be in her wheelchair in the van, or do I need to plan to transfer her to a car seat for as long as I possibly can lift her?
 
ADS
Pixels

Pixels

New member
Whenever possible, it is better to use a traditional restraint instead of restraining in the wheelchair, whether that restraint is a carseat or the regular vehicle seat for an adult-sized person.

Fifteen passenger vans are rather less safe than a 7/8 passenger or sedan, but you have to do what you have to do. If you need the space, you need the space.
 
ketchupqueen

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
Not to mention, significant safety improvements have been made in just the last couple of years in larger passenger vans. Buying as new as possible will give you the best possible safety features in a large van.

I agree that transfer as long as possible is the safest option for your daughter-- there are even special needs seats out there that will fit small adults, and provide much superior crash protection, depending on her positioning needs and your ability to lift her, there will be differing options. However you will still need a safe way to restrain the wheelchair, folded or unfolded, while she rides in the car, to protect her, you, and everyone else in the vehicle.
 
TyAndCheyMommy

TyAndCheyMommy

New member
I just looked up the access sienna... Not enough seats for us. There are only 5 seats in the back- I need at least 9 and a place for my DD's chair.
DD will never be able to sit in a regular vehicle seat.
 

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