Road trips are all about unexpected pit stops, last-minute playlists, and snack-fueled detours. But planning one can be quite overwhelming. You have to map the route, create an accessible itinerary, and most importantly, figure out transportation that actually works for wheelchair users.
Luckily, Wheelchair Getaways rents out accessible vehicles that come with all the essentials, including easy-entry ramps, spacious interiors, secure tie-downs, and climate control that reaches past the front seats. These vans are perfect for family vacations, spontaneous weekend escapes, or multi-state adventures. Not sure if renting one really makes a difference? Let’s discuss why an accessible rental van might be a better option for your road trip.
Unlocking Unbeatable Benefits: Why Your Next Adventure Needs a Wheelchair Accessible Van Rental
Choosing an accessible vehicle offers benefits over purchasing one. This includes:
1. You’re in Control: No More Waiting on Public Transit or Rideshares
There are different ways to get around, such as trains, buses, and ridesharing apps. But when it comes to wheelchair access, most options fall short.
Trains and buses might be “accessible” in theory, but try planning a day around a route that only shows up every 45 minutes. If you miss one, you’re stuck waiting and adjusting your whole itinerary. Rideshare apps do offer accessible vehicles in some cities, but they’re often limited, delayed, or simply unavailable when you need them most.
With an accessible rental van, you have maximum control over your schedule, route, and pace. Want to visit the beach at sunrise? Do it. Want to stay an extra hour at that roadside diner? No one’s rushing you along because their shift is ending.
And it’s not just about being a passenger. Many vans come with adaptive driving options like hand controls, spinner knobs, and even the ability to drive straight from your wheelchair. This means you’re in full control from start to finish.
It’s important to note that not all vehicles come equipped with adaptive driving features, so if you need something like hand controls, be sure to request it in advance.
2. Door-to-Door Convenience: Seamless Travel from Start to Finish
For wheelchair users, it can be stressful and physically demanding to make it from your front door to the airport, then onto a plane, into a taxi (that may or may not be accessible), and finally to your hotel.
However, many modified car dealers, such as Wheelchair Getaways, offer delivery and pickup services for an additional fee, depending on local availability. These conversion vans also come with ramps or lifts that deploy smoothly at the touch of a key fob, making boarding and unboarding a breeze.
3. Comfort That Lasts the Whole Drive
Accessible rental vans offer the ultimate comfort when traveling long distances. These vans feature:
- User-friendly tie-down systems that keep mobility devices secure without jostling every time you hit a bump.
- Climate controls that reach the entire cabin, so no one’s freezing in front while the backseat melts in silence.
- Power ramps and automatic doors to reduce physical strain during every stop.
- Transfer seats (available in some models), so drivers with disabilities can stay comfortable behind the wheel, too.
4. Impressive Inventory of Vehicles
Personal vehicles are great for everyday errands, quick grocery runs, and weekend meetups, but they may not be the best choice for long-haul road trips. Luckily, Wheelchair Getaways offers a wide inventory of spacious models ranging from Dodge Grand Caravans and Toyota Siennas to Chrysler Voyagers and Pacificas, so you can choose one that best suits your adventure plans.
Even better, these vans are professionally maintained, serviced, and inspected regularly, so you don’t have to stress about your tires, brakes, or whether the lift system will act up halfway through a national park.
Since you may only need that extra space and accessibility for special trips, a rental gives you the perfect solution without forcing you to trade in your current car for something bigger and bulkier you don’t actually need full-time.
5. Carry Everything You Need—Comfortably: Space for All Your Essentials
Road trips typically involve a lot of gear. There’s the usual pile-up of suitcases, coolers, phone chargers, books, travel pillows, and an all-important emergency snack stash. Now add mobility gear, personal medical supplies, backup supplies for the backup supplies, and a therapy dog who refuses to sit on anyone’s lap, your ride feels more like a mobile storage unit than a getaway vehicle.
The good news is, accessible rental vans offer spacious interiors that can accommodate your family members, pets, and all the luggage without making anyone sit cross-legged for five hours. Some models even come with removable or fold-away seats, so you can customize the space according to your requirements.
Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get new updates directly to your inbox.
6. Accessible Parking Made Easy: Stress-Free City Stops
Parallel parking can be a challenge for most people. Even if you have a modified vehicle of your own, you still have to worry whether there’s enough space to deploy the ramp without bumping into a curb, a street sign, or someone else’s bumper. This can turn a simple stop into a full-on logistical headache, especially when you’re navigating busy urban areas or crowded tourist destinations.
That’s where accessible rental vans give you a serious edge. Many accessible vans from Wheelchair Getaways come equipped with an ADA placard or qualify for one, so you’ll get access to clearly marked, extra-wide accessible parking spaces. While booking, make sure to pay attention to whether you are reserving a side-entry or rear-entry conversion van.
If you’re visiting a busy area like New York City or downtown San Francisco, avoid rear-entry vans as they require space behind the vehicle to deploy the ramp, which might not be the safest option.
7. Less Stress, More Spontaneity: The Joy of Flexible Travel
With a traditional travel plan, you’re constantly on a deadline, watching the clock instead of the scenery, and just trying to make it to the next stop without a breakdown. However, when you’ve a rental van, you can travel on your own schedule.
See a giant roadside chicken statue? Pull over and take a photo. Spot a scenic overlook that isn’t on your itinerary? Enjoy the view. Craving ice cream in the middle of nowhere? Find the nearest mom-and-pop stand. Plus, you have the option to rent the vehicle for one day, a weekend, or even an extended one-month trip.
8. It’s Often More Affordable: Savvy Savings with an Accessible Rental Van
People often assume flying is cheaper than driving. But when you purchase multiple plane tickets, arrange accessible ground transportation to and from airports on both ends, pay extra fees for medical equipment and baggage, and possibly rent or ship mobility equipment, it can quickly add up.
In contrast, an accessible rental van can actually save you a lot more money. You only pay for the duration of use. While there is a mileage limit, there are no hidden fees or sneaky overcharges. Plus, Wheelchair Getaways often offers deals and discounts, depending on your location and the time of year. If you book online or plan a longer trip, you might unlock even bigger savings.
9. Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
With an accessible rental van, you can travel to places that aren’t reachable by plane or train. These include natural wonders, quiet rural towns, off-grid campgrounds, scenic backroads, and quirky roadside attractions that may become the highlight of your trip.
While spontaneity is part of any great adventure, it’s smart to do some location research before hitting the road. You’ll want to check for curb cuts, sidewalk conditions, and elevator access. When in doubt, call local restaurants, hotels, or visitor centers to ask about their accessible features. This way, you won’t run into surprises once reaching your destination.
Enjoy an Accessible Vacation with Wheelchair Getaways
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls for the weekend, attending a summer festival, or finally visiting that cousin who always says “drop by anytime,” Wheelchair Getaways takes the logistical stress off your journey. With availability in more than 200 locations nationwide, we make it easy to explore from coast to coast.
We offer convenient delivery to your home, office, or even local airport, depending on availability. Every accessible rental van is thoroughly inspected and maintained for maximum safety on the road. You’ll also have access to 24-hour roadside assistance.
Need help picking the right van or figuring out how all the features work? Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to walk you through it all.
For personalized support or more information, contact us at (866) 224-1750 or fill out our quick online form to get a quote.