Whether you’re planning a big vacation, heading to a family gathering, or simply need reliable transportation for medical appointments, wheelchair van rentals make travel more comfortable and accessible.
But if you’ve never rented a wheelchair van before, you might be wondering where to start. What kind of mobility van will work best? What documents are required? And how much will it cost? In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect every step of the way, so you’re fully prepared when it’s time to get behind the wheel.
Before You Book: A Quick Guide to Wheelchair Van Rental Process
Renting for the first time? This section covers why you should rent wheelchair vans, how to find the right vehicle, and the documents you’ll need when booking one.
Why Rent a Wheelchair Van?
A wheelchair van rental can unlock various opportunities that might otherwise seem complicated or impossible. For instance:
Smooth rides for different occasions
You might need a reliable ride for life’s big moments, whether that’s a routine hospital visit, a critical therapy session, a family wedding, or a graduation. However, standard vehicles often mean breaking down a wheelchair, lifting heavy parts into a trunk, or cramming passengers into awkward seating arrangements.
A wheelchair-accessible van solves all of these problems. With its built-in ramp or lift, secure tie-down systems, and spacious interior, a wheelchair-accessible van allows the rider to simply roll in and stay comfortably in their chair. You can even request adaptive driving equipment such as hand controls, steering wheel grips, or a left-foot accelerator that allows the rider to drive the vehicle themselves.
Stress-free vacations and road trips
A standard car has limited trunk space, which makes it nearly impossible to fit a wheelchair, luggage, and any necessary medical supplies. Additionally, public transportation, ride-sharing services, and taxis are often unpredictable.
Renting a wheelchair accessible van gives you full control. You can pick up the vehicle at your convenience and go wherever you want, whenever you want.
A risk-free test drive
A wheelchair van is a major financial investment, with models costing anywhere between $40,000 to 99,000. If you rent one before buying, you can test out its various features, including the ramp system, securement options, climate controls, seat configurations, and even fuel efficiency on your typical routes.
A perfect temporary solution
When your own wheelchair-accessible car is in the shop for repairs or you have a family member visiting who uses a wheelchair, renting is a perfect short-term solution. It’s also ideal for those with a temporary injury who need a mobility vehicle for a few weeks or months.
Finding the Right Van for Your Needs
Once you’ve decided to rent, share all your requirements with a rental expert. First, explain your passenger’s mobility equipment. A manual wheelchair, a heavy-duty power chair, or a scooter all take up different amounts of space and may require different loading systems.
Think about passenger and luggage space too. Will you have extra riders, medical supplies, or vacation bags? If you’re unsure, ask the rental team to show you different models.
Finally, share your travel plans. Long-distance travel might mean you need a more fuel-efficient minivan, while a larger full-size van might be more comfortable for city trips with multiple stops.
The Paperwork: What You’ll Need to Rent a Wheelchair Van
While different rental companies have different policies, most require the same core paperwork before handing over the keys. This includes:
- Driver’s License and Age Requirements: The primary driver must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license. Many companies also set a minimum age of 25 years, while others allow drivers as young as 21.
- Proof of Insurance: You’ll usually need to show that you carry full coverage auto insurance — liability, comprehensive, and collision. If your policy doesn’t cover rentals like these, most companies offer supplemental insurance options, including protection for the ramp or lift.
- Credit Card: Most rental companies require a major credit card to secure the reservation and cover the rental cost.
Additional Drivers: If more than one person will be driving, each additional driver must present a valid license, meet the age requirement, and be listed on the rental agreement.
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Vehicle Overview: Choosing the Right Wheelchair Van
Rental fleets vary from place to place, but you’ll usually see well-known models like the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, or even accessible SUVs like the Chevy Traverse.
Side-Entry vs. Rear-Entry
Depending on your needs, you’ll have the following options to choose from:
- Side-entry vans: These vans are best-suited for busy environments like shopping centers or airports. The ramp deploys from the passenger side, providing direct access to sidewalks and handicapped parking spots. This layout also allows wheelchair users to ride in the front passenger seat or even drive in some configurations. Thanks to their impressive floor-to-ceiling clearance, they also offer a comfortable seating experience.
- Rear-entry vans: Rear-entry setups are ideal for home driveways, doctor’s offices, or areas where wide, accessible parking isn’t guaranteed. Because the ramp extends out the back, you can often park in a regular space without worrying about someone blocking your exit. The only downside is that wheelchair users usually sit farther back in the cabin and don’t have the option to ride up front.
Ramp or Lift: How You’ll Get Onboard
Mobility vans typically come equipped with either ramps or lifts to assist wheelchair users in getting inside and out of the vehicle.
Ramps can be positioned in a few different ways. For instance, the in-floor ramp slides out from under the van’s floor and is almost completely hidden when not in use. While suitable for uneven terrain, they can’t handle tall curbs or steep gradients. On the other hand, a fold-out ramp unfolds from the side of the door and tucks away into the vehicle’s doorway. These ramps offer lower-angle deployment but must be maintained regularly.
If you use power chairs or scooters, platform lifts are your best bet. The lift raises and lowers you on a sturdy platform, handling weight that ramps can’t. They don’t require any incline, making entry and exit super smooth.
Seating and Storage Options
Seating capacity ranges from four to seven passengers, depending on the model. Vans like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna feature removable middle-row seats, so you can make room for luggage, medical supplies, or extra riders as needed.
What About the Securement System?
Wheelchair vans use different tie-down and securement systems to protect the wheelchair and its occupant from sudden bumps and unintended movements during transit.
Manual tie downs feature four separate straps that are manually attached to the wheelchair and then tightened to the van’s floor. While they are reliable, they can be time-consuming to set up. Some vans come with retractable tie-downs. Simply hook the straps to the wheelchair and press the button to tighten them.
Some vans come with an advanced docking system. To secure the chair, you simply drive it into a docking station on the van’s floor until it clicks into place. No matter the system, always use lap and shoulder restraints for added safety.
The Rental Process: Walkthrough and Pickup
Rental companies like Wheelchair Getaways usually have a straightforward rental process. When you visit the location, a staff member will walk you through different vans, demonstrate the ramp or lift operation, and explain how to properly secure the wheelchair. Finally, you’ll be encouraged to take a short test drive around the lot or neighborhood, helping you get comfortable with the van’s handling.
Getting Your Van: Pick-Up or Delivery
Most companies let you either pick up the van at their rental office or arrange for delivery straight to your home, hotel, or airport. Pick-up is usually suitable for locals, while delivery is a lifesaver for travelers flying in or for families who want a stress-free start to their trip.
How Much Does a Wheelchair Van Rental Cost?
The wheelchair van rental charges depend on rental duration, van type, and location. On average, expect to pay $100–$200 per day for a minivan, while full-size vans or SUV conversions can cost more. Weekly rates typically cost several hundred dollars or more, with monthly rentals offering the best value.
The base rate gives you a ballpark, but many companies also add on mileage caps, fuel refill charges, cleaning fees, tolls, delivery fees, and last-minute cancellation penalties.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Wheelchair Van Rental
Wheelchair van rentals aren’t cheap, but there are ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing comfort:
- Book early: Just like flights, prices may spike around holidays, weekends, or big events. Reserving weeks (or months) in advance locks in a better rate.
- Ask about discounts: Some companies offer deals for seniors, veterans, or medical travel. Others may have seasonal promotions worth checking.
- Go long-term: Daily rates drop significantly when you book for a week or a month instead of just a couple of days.
- Skip delivery: While delivery service is convenient, picking up the van yourself can often save you a significant amount of money.
Hit the Road with Wheelchair Getaways
Renting a wheelchair van might sound stressful, but Wheelchair Getaways makes it simple. We’re available at over 200 locations across the U.S., including vacation hotspots like sunny Orlando, breezy Honolulu, and lively Las Vegas. We’ll even deliver the van directly to your home, hotel, airport, or cruise terminal, so you can skip the hassle of extra transportation.
Thanks to our flexible rental plans, you can book for a single day, a weeklong vacation, or a month-long trial run before buying your own van. Plus, we regularly offer special deals and discounts, making accessible travel even more affordable. Book in September to win a $250 Visa gift card. If you run into issues, our support team is available 24/7 to assist you. For reservations, call (866) 224-1750 or fill out this online form to get a personalized quote.