Skip to content 
“Where can I rent a wheelchair accessible van?” I recently asked myself this question about accessible transportation to help a visitor with mobility issues.
My friend Bob was planning to stay with us for a while, so I had to find an accessible vehicle promptly.
However, the rental issue was new, so I researched it to learn about rental wheelchair van options and availability.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- You can rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for short-term needs.
- Various rental services across the US provide accessible vehicles.
- Rental services have eligibility criteria to rent out accessible vehicles.
Why Rent Wheelchair-Accessible Vans?
Renting a wheelchair-accessible minivan can come in handy for people with disabilities to move from one point to another.
Moreover, if you own an accessible mode of transport and it is currently under repair, a rental vehicle is your best alternative.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), 3.6 million people living alone with a disability and stay indoors. However, with assistive devices, these people can move independently like people without wheelchairs. (1)
Another reason to look up vans for rent is when a disabled friend or relative comes for a visit, and you will serve as their surrogate driver.
In my situation, I wanted to show Bob around the city. However, getting in and out of my truck was challenging, so I had to look for a lowered-floor minivan.
Families that include individuals with disabilities who are planning to go on a road trip can also rent an accessible automobile.
This option proves to be convenient since the vehicle comes fully serviced, and rental fees are affordable.
Eligibility Criteria to Rent an Accessible Van
Rental services help customers with mobility issues drive without owning accessible vehicles.
Fortunately, renting a van with accessible features is easy since these providers have an online presence.
At most, you must fill out an online form, and a dedicated rental coordinator will reach out to you.
The rental coordinator will explain what you need to know and issue a quote highlighting their rental packages.
Check out this YouTube video from Braunability on how to rent an accessible vehicle.
Qualifications you have to meet to rent a wheelchair-accessible van are:
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Meet a specific age limit, as the rental service directs.
- An auto insurance card with the agent’s information.
- A clean and current driver’s history.
- A credit card or debit card.
Factors to Consider When Renting an Accessible Vehicle
The last thing you want is to rent an accessible transportation option that does not meet your needs.
Be aware that accessible vans have side or rear-entry passageways, and depending on your wheelchair type, one may be better than the other.
Discuss this with your rental coordinator before selecting a rental vehicle.
Most rental wheelchair accessible vehicles have limited insurance coverage. It is up to you to contact your insurance company since the lack of coverage can disqualify you.
If, for some reason, you cannot drive or lack a driver’s license, bring a surrogate driver with a clean driving history who knows how to operate the adaptive features contained in the vehicle.
Always make early reservations to avoid missing available rental wheelchair van options.
Other considerations about which to consult your rental coordinator are the rental charges, allowable miles, costs for extra miles traveled, and cancellation fees.
Where Can I Rent a Wheelchair Accessible Van?
There are various providers offering conversion vans for rental purposes across the US. To answer your question, “Where can I rent a wheelchair accessible van?” here are three places to rent them.
1. Accessible Vans of America (AVA)
Launched in February 1997, Accessible Vans of America (AVA) is a member-owned company with 212 rental locations offering drop-off and pick-up services. (2)
Accessible Vans of America is handy for people looking to take vacations since they deliver vans to airport destinations from their closest rental location.
Moreover, Accessible Vans of America has a range of accessible vehicles with adaptive driving equipment, wheelchair ramps, and customizable seating options.
You can get a free rental quote from the Accessible Vans of America website. If you are unsure if there is a dealer near you, the website has a location tool to help locate one.
2. AMS Vans
AMS Vans LLC is an Atlanta, GA, based accessible van rental company.
You can pick up your rental van at one of their locations or have it delivered to your home, office, or Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
However, note that delivery fees apply, with AMS Vans LLC charging $100 for airport delivery and $2 per mile round trip.
AMS Vans allows rental vehicles to use 100 miles per day and charges $0.30 for each additional mile. (3)
The daily rental rate is $125. For a weekly rental, it is $700, and the monthly rental rate is $2500. The company charges a $75 cancellation fee if you cancel your reservation.
3. Wheelers of Hawaii
If you are looking to go on a quick visit to the island of Hawaii, then the Wheelers of Hawaii is an ideal place to rent a van.
This rental company offers statewide services and can deliver your van to the airport or cruise terminal at an additional cost. (4)
The company features late-model Dodge/Chrysler vehicles with full gasoline tanks. Note that you must refill the gas when returning your car.
The Wheelers of Hawaii offers late-model rental cars on a first-come, first-served basis and requires full payment in advance.
Bear in mind it is best to bring your accessible parking placard since the company does not offer it.
Here is a YouTube video highlighting the services offered by Wheelers of Hawaii.
Check: How To Find Wheelchair Accessible Rv for Rent?
FAQs
How high is a wheelchair-accessible van?
The standard height for most wheelchair-accessible vehicles is 56 inches and above.
How much does it cost to convert a van into a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?
DIY wheelchair van conversion costs depend on the vehicle model and adaptive equipment used. It can cost $10,000 to 20,000 for basic adaptation and more for advanced features.
Conclusion
Many people with mobility-related disabilities may ask where to rent a wheelchair-accessible van.
There are various instances in which renting an accessible vehicle instead of buying one is better.
If you have asked yourself, “Where can I rent a wheelchair accessible van?” you now know what you need and can make an informed rental decision.
Tell me, which wheelchair-accessible vehicle rental company have you used and how was your experience?
Resources
- 1. Travel Patterns of American Adults with Disabilities | Bureau of Transportation Statistics [Internet]. www.bts.gov. Available from: https://www.bts.gov/travel-patterns-with-disabilities
- 2. Express D. Wheelchair Van Rental Location Directory [Internet]. www.wheelchairgetaways.com. [cited 2022 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.wheelchairgetaways.com/local
- 3. Wheelchair Accessible Vans Rentals | Side or Rear | AMS Vans [Internet]. www.amsvans.com. [cited 2022 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.amsvans.com/wheelchair-van-rentals
- 4. Home [Internet]. Wheelers of Hawaii. [cited 2022 Nov 10]. Available from: https://wheelersofhawaii.com/
