The Leader in Accessible Van Rentals
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Quarterly Newsletter April, 2001 ACCESSIBLE MINI-VAN OPTIONS |
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| The following article is part one of a two-part informative series dealing with the different accessible van types (full size and mini) and their various options. Concentration will be on four mini van manufacturers: Ricon, Braun, Vantage Mobility International (VMI), and Independent Mobility Systems (IMS). First, take a look at the Ricon Corporation. In addition to manufacturing mini vans, Ricon specializes in the design and manufacture of wheelchair lifts, adaptive mobility products, and public and residential vertical accessibility lifts. The company also manufactures related accessories for all of your disability transportation needs. Ricon manufactures both Chrysler and GM minivans. Activan is the name of Ricon’s lowered-floor mini van. Standard features include durable vinyl non-slip flooring, Q’Straint quality tie-down belts, a lowered stainless steel floor, an entry door with lighting, unique self-leveling air suspension, a manual fold-out ramp with gas/shock assistance, and a 3 passenger rear seat modification. Options available include a power ramp and door with remote control, rear air conditioning/heating, additional Q’Straint belts, and 2 passenger fold-away seating. The Activan offers a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty (with an extended warranty available for purchase not from Ricon). To find out more about the Activan and other Ricon products go online to www.riconcorp.com or call 1-800-322-2884. Ricon’s website includes everything from product descriptions to dealer locations. Their website also offers a wonderful article entitled “Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities,” which contains helpful information on selecting the right vehicle and dealer, how to investigate licensing requirements, and vehicle maintenance. The Braun Corporation offers their mini van, the Entervan, in three models: the Entervan I, II, and III. This article will only focus on the Entervan II. The Entervan II is Braun’s automatic ramp model (with a manual option feature). Its features include a lowered floor and low angle ramp, kneeling rear suspension, a power side door with a 53” clear vertical passageway, one wheelchair and occupant belt system, quick-release front passenger seat, floor track at mid-point for second wheelchair securement position, a mini transmitter for automatic operation of kneeling, door, and ramp functions, and a passenger door outside key entry system (among other features). Options available include an extra wheelchair and occupant securement system, tail light magnetic switch entry system, and interchangeable seatbelts that allow the passenger seat to be placed in either the front passenger or driver position. Every Braun Entervan is backed by a three-year Worry-Free Warranty. To contact a local Braun dealer near you, call 1-800-THE-LIFT or go online to www.braunlift.com. Braun’s website features descriptions of their products and a great “frequently asked questions” section. This website also has a guidelines brochure on choosing the right type of van, choosing a van to convert, financing a vehicle, and different lift options available to the customer. The third mini van manufacturer is Vantage Mobility International (VMI). VMI will convert Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and Ford mini vans in two conversion styles: the Northstar and the Summit. |
The Northstar features a totally invisible side door, in-floor ramp. When activated, the power sliding door opens and the ramp deploys from its sealed compartment under the floor. The Summit conversion has a patented power fold-out ramp that may be operated manually. All VMI mini van conversions offer the following standard features: 10’’ lowered floor, power door with easy manual operation, removable front seat, manual wheelchair tie-downs,
3 passenger seat bench, rear A/C modification, complete rustproofing and
undercoating, and a 3 year/36,000 mile conversion warranty. Optional features include a PowerKneelTM System that lowers the rear of the van and brings the ramp angle to nine degrees, an extra removable front seat, removable middle quad seats or bench, remote control, magnetic or key switch entry, a sliding rear bench that allows for more storage space, and lowered driver’s side sliding door sill. For detailed information on options and ordering information visit VMI’s website at www.vantagemobility.com or call 1-800-348-VANS. Independent Mobility Systems (IMS) is the final mini van manufacturer this article features. IMS specializes in both Ford and Chrysler conversions. Its mini van is called the RampvanTM and it features a lowered floor, multiple wheelchair tie-down points, power door and power ramp with three control switch locations, electro-mechanical kneeling suspension, detachable driver's seat, non-skid ramp, and an emergency door/ramp release. Optional features available for the Rampvan include: power wheelchair lock-downs, keychain remote start and entry, detachable front passenger seat/center bench seat, and transfer seats. IMS has special four-way transfer seats available for both drivers and passengers. These new transfer seats can rotate up to 140 degrees, offering the driver and the passenger more room to maneuver. The transfer seats meet applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and come with a one-year parts warranty. Another great service IMS offers is their 10-year custom financing. In cooperation with Bank of America, IMS can give loans financed over 120 months, lower monthly payments due to the extended terms, quick credit approval, and a low down payment. For more information about financing or purchasing your IMS van go online to www.imsvans.com or call 1-800-IMS-VANS. In general, the costs of mini vans range in prices from anywhere between $40,000-$60,000. Remember, prices vary depending on make, model, special equipment needs, and any optional features you decide to include. Contact specific dealers for van pricing. Information for this article was provided by MC Mobility Systems and Dennis Charvat of the Wheelchair Getaways’ northern Ohio franchise. MC Mobility Systems is a certified dealer for Braun, VMI, IMS, and Ricon. Call 1-800-398-5156 to obtain more information on renting an accessible van in Ohio or purchasing your own mini van. The above van descriptions and information are based on current information available at the time of publishing. |
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Accessible Travel in Las Vegas Photo courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau |
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| Treasure Hunting in LAS VEGAS by Audrey Ribero, California/Hawaii Franchisee
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ACCESSIBLE LAS VEGAS 24/7 by Holly Romine, Marketing Coordinator
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LAS VEGAS ACCESSIBILITY |
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