Handicap Vans and Keeping Gas Costs Down

Gas costs are all over the news right now. With the prices of gasoline so high, a wheelchair van may seem like an expensive investment. These vans, however, get good mileage; comparable with the vehicles that they're converted from. You can make sure you get the most mileage out of your wheelchair accessible van by adhering to some basic driving tips.

Stop and Go

Handicap vans can take off and slow down as well as any of the other vehicles on the road. If you want to save gas, however, make sure that you do both smoothly. When you floor the vehicle to take off, you'd be surprised to see how much gas you actually burn. When you slow down to smooth stops, it tends to help reduce wear on the breaks, which means that you'll be able to lessen the cost of changing and servicing them.

Servicing

Make sure you bring your vehicle to a full service provider when you have it looked at. This means the dealership must be able to take care of the vehicle's regular components as well as the parts of the vehicle that are specifically related to accessibility.

Where regular service is concerned, simple things like keeping the vehicle lubricated and getting the oil changed go a long way toward giving you the best gas mileage. Make sure that you keep good tires on the vehicle, as well, and that they're properly inflated. These little things add up and, if you have a full-sized van or pickup, they can make your mileage much better than you might expect for such a vehicle.

A handicap accessible van can be a very efficient vehicle, provided that you maintain it correctly and drive sensibly when you take it out on the roads.

Getting a Wheelchair Van Ready for Outdoor Activities

If you're planning to take your wheelchair accessible van on outdoor adventures this year, you'll want to make sure that you're ready for them. Before you head out, it's a good idea to take handicap vans to the dealer to make sure that everything is in good condition.

The Lift System

A wheelchair van has to be checked to make sure that the lift system is operating safely. This should be done at regular intervals; your dealer can recommend a schedule. This is to ensure that the lift doesn't need adjustment and that all the components are clean and lubricated properly. If you're going to head off somewhere where the terrain might be a bit challenging, you'll want to make sure that this equipment is working properly before you head off so that you avoid any problems.

Tires

If the summer travel bug has hit you, it's a good excuse to get your tires checked. A handicap van with rotated, balanced tires that are in good shape is safer and drives very well. When the tires start to get worn or out of balance, they'll start taking bigger chunks out of your wallet for gas and they present some real hazards. Have your dealer take a look to make sure that everything's okay.

If you have other equipment in your vehicle, such as extra power hookups for equipment and so forth, make sure that this is all functioning so you have all your comforts when you're out adventuring.

Just to be safe, make sure you carry spare water, radiator fluid, a spare tire and other emergency supplies in your van when you head out on the road. Vans are tough and reliable, but it's always best to be prepared for situations where you end up having mechanical issues or where a road proves too challenging.

Finding a Wheelchair Accessible Van

If you or a loved one use a wheelchair, you know how difficult it can be to get around. A wheelchair accessible van is essential for improving the mobility of a physically challenged passenger. Buying a wheelchair van will make it easier for a wheelchair patient to get out of the home and do things that he or she likes to do. There are several important features that are essential in these types of vans.

A wheelchair accessible van starts as a standard van and is transformed using several options. One of the options that is included is a wheelchair lift. The lift provides an easy way to lift up the wheelchair and put it into the van. The lift will either lift up the wheelchair alone, or the wheelchair and passenger together. The lift is located outside under the van or inside and can be installed on either the back or side door.

The inside of the wheelchair accessible van will also be adapted to accommodate a wheelchair. Some of the seats will be removed to make room for a wheel chair or scooter. The wheelchair is locked into place so that it won’t move while the vehicle is in motion. If preferred, specially designed seats can be installed to accommodate a disabled passenger. These seats may swivel to allow easier entry and exit of the van.

A disabled driver may need some additional options installed in the van. Advanced driver controls adapt the gas and brake pedals for hand use. This allows the driver to use his or her hands to drive. Other control options can be adapted as well. The driver may choose to stay in the wheelchair or sit in a specially designed seat. There are many options to choose from when deciding on a van. All your needs can be met when you shop for a handicap van.

What to Look for When Choosing a Wheelchair Van

Mobility is a big issue for those who are bound to wheelchairs. Getting out of the home can be difficult without the right vehicle. A wheelchair van is helpful for transporting those who have physical challenges or are wheelchair-bound. Wheelchair vans are handicap accessible for those who are otherwise unable to get around.

A wheelchair van may be either a full size vehicle or a mini-van. The van will have been adapted to include various features that enable it to be used for wheelchair access. These may include a wheelchair lift, special seating and driver controls. A van can be adapted with features based on your particular needs.

The main consideration when looking for a wheelchair van is the ability to get the wheelchair or scooter into the vehicle. A wheelchair lift is the best option. It provides a safe and easy way to lift the chair or scooter into the vehicle. They can be installed on either the rear or side door. Choose between a lift that lifts only the chair or one that lifts both the chair and passenger at once.

Drivers who are disabled may require the use of specially designed hand controls. These controls allow you to operate the gas and brake functions using the hands instead of the feet. You can choose permanent or temporary installation of these controls, based on your needs. The driver may require special seating. Standard van seats may be replaced with seats that are designed for easily getting in and out of the van. In some cases, the driver may require seating in his or her own wheelchair. In that case, the seat is removed to accommodate this need.

A wheelchair van can be customized with all the features you will require. You can purchase a new or used van that is already outfitted with all the special options that you will need to improve your mobility.

Performance Mobility recognized for exceptional customer satisfaction

Portland, Oregon: The Braun Corporation, the leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles and wheelchair lift systems, recently honored Performance Mobility with the Customer 1st Award. The award recipients were selected based on customer survey results over the course of 2010.

Performance Mobility has been serving the transportation needs of individuals with limited mobility in the Portland, OR market for almost 20 years. The people at Performance Mobility are dedicated to improving lives by helping individuals achieve their greatest level of independence and quality of life with accessible transportation solutions. In addition to wheelchair accessible vans from BraunAbility, Performance Mobility offers sales and service of new and pre-owned accessible vans, wheelchair and scooter lifts, turning automotive seating, hand controls and high tech driving aids.

BraunAbility has over 200 dealer locations nationwide, and each is staffed with mobility experts who are trained to evaluate the individual needs of customers. In addition, most locations offer 24-hour roadside emergency assistance, so customers have the assurance of support and service for their BraunAbility wheelchair accessible vehicle, even in the middle-of-the-night or on a holiday weekend.

"Our customers rely on their dealers to provide a sales and service experience that addresses their unique needs," says Braun President Nick Gutwein. "These dealers have gone above and beyond in meeting their customers' needs and building life-long relationships with them."

For more information about Performance Mobility visit www.PerformanceMobility.com Visit www.braunability.com for more information about BraunAbility wheelchair vans and lift systems.

About The Braun Corporation

The Braun Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans, ramps, and wheelchair lift systems. These products enable persons with physical disabilities to regain mobility and lead active and independent lives. The Indiana-based company was founded by Ralph Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at a young age and unable to walk by age 15. Ralph was motivated by his disability to invent the world’s first electric scooter (the Tri-Wheeler) and wheelchair lift (the Lift-A-Way) in his parents' garage. Word spread and demand for the product increased, resulting in the birth of Save-A-Step Manufacturing, which ultimately became The Braun Corporation. The company, via the BraunAbility brand, offers the most diverse model lineup in the industry, including the most popular minivan models from Dodge, Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota. For more information about the Braun Corporation or our outstanding line of wheelchair accessible vehicles, please visit www.braunability.com.

Welcome Dan Leinen as Adaptive AutoMobility's New Service Advisor

Adaptive AutoMobility is proud to announce Dan Leinen as our new Service Advisor. Coming from a mobility dealer in Iowa in the management and production end of the mobility industry, Dan brings a wealth of industry specific knowledge and expertise to our Service Department. Dan has over 10 year's experience and holds training certifications from BraunAbility, Vantage Mobility International and EMC high tech driving applications. And being a fan and tinkerer of 4x4 off-road vehicles, Dan truly knows his way around a vehicle and will be an incredible asset to all our great customers. Dan has been with us for a month now and he seems like a veteran already. Welcome Dan and his fiancee Sarah, who are very excited by all the great people they have met so far. They look forward to making Colorado home for many years to come!