Wheelchair Vans are vans that have been altered to fit wheelchairs with the driver's seat. Traditional modifications involve lowering the van's floor and adding a ramp. This enables passengers to be rolled into the vehicle.

Generally the modifications in a vehicle are done for converting the van into a totally different form of accessible van for the handicapped. The usual steps that are taken by the manufactures for converting a van tends to differ a lot from the brand and the manufacturer. Modifications can be classified into 2 broad categories – the first in which an individual using a wheelchair will be the driver of the vehicle, and second in which an individual seated on a wheelchair would be a passenger. These are the two different ways of perceiving handicap accessible vans and the conversions will differ accordingly.

Try before you buy. Not sure what you'll like best? Try renting first. Your dealer will reimburse rental fees if you end up purchasing the vehicle. Decide where to buy. Decide whether you'll buy directly from the dealer and get it converted at your local licensed adaptive equipment dealer, or buy a van from a mobility manufacturer, secondary modifier, a factory direct seller, or online. What's the difference? Dealer direct + conversion: Not all vans chassis can be converted, or converted safely, so ask dealer before you buy your vehicle direct. Dealer direct + "chop shop" conversion: You may save money with a fabricator, but you won't be sure that all the products work smoothly together or live up to vehicle safety standards. Not recommended. Online: You can shop online, but before you buy, be sure to try them out: all people and wheelchairs have different needs and requirements. Also make sure you have a local service arrangement for your van. Factory direct seller: They convert the vehicle after purchasing it, so it does not have the same testing or quality controls. Not recommended. Feel good about your dealer. Whichever dealer you choose, be sure you feel good about your relationship. You'll need to return many times over the life of the van for preventative maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.

Conversions of these vehicles would usually involve some changes in the flooring (usually a lower floor is maintained); seating arrangement will be modified for allowing easy wheelchair access; reconfigurable seating arrangement; some means to have access to the external part of the vehicle, in case of going out or coming inside the vehicle (use of lifts, ramp or a turning seat); stiffened suspension that allows added weight of the power chairs and ensures additional weight to be managed from conversion; powered kneeling system added for reducing the slope of ramp; facilities for side and rear entry; fuel lines and gas tanks to be modified; vehicle to be certified and all NHSTA safety requirements to be met. All these aforementioned modifications are crucial to make a vehicle properly accessible by the handicapped and physically challenged persons. It might take several days for completing the entire process of modification; however, the scheduling process to convert and ship this modified vehicle to the site of conversion can take considerable time. Commercial Wheelchair Vans are normally Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, converted to suit persons using wheelchairs.