Is your organization currently relying on an old wheelchair van that’s more often in the shop than on the road? Unfortunately, this is the daily reality for many businesses and healthcare providers. Frequent breakdowns disrupt services and put client safety at risk. The cost of constant repairs can quickly add up, making it less of an “if” and more of a “when” to consider the benefits of investing in a new wheelchair van.
At MoveMobility, we’ve dedicated over a decade to refining transportation solutions that empower businesses like yours. We’ve helped hundreds of customers over our 20+ years of expertise in understanding and innovating how you connect with and care for your clients through wheelchair-accessible solutions.
We’re leaders in this industry because we listen to your needs and respond with products that make a real difference. Our commitment is to safety, reliability, and comfort, ensuring that every vehicle we deliver meets the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
In this article, you’ll discover the top five benefits of purchasing a new wheelchair van. This article is especially important if you’re looking to:
- Enhance operational efficiency
- Ensure safety
- Provide superior comfort for your clients
If you prefer to learn by watching, check out the video below!
Top 5 benefits of purchasing a new wheelchair van
When you’re running an organization that relies on a wheelchair van, having one that frequently breaks down can cause headaches and disruptions. Imagine this: It’s a busy Monday morning, and you have clients who depend on your transportation service for their appointments.
Suddenly, you’re scrambling to rearrange schedules because your old wheelchair van has decided to act up again. Sound familiar?
With a new wheelchair van, you won’t have to worry about this.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 benefits of purchasing a new wheelchair van.
1. Reduced maintenance
You don’t want to waste time and money fixing old wheelchair vans that break down a lot. Getting a new wheelchair van can help you avoid these problems.
New wheelchair vans have brand-new parts and the latest technology. This means they are more reliable, and you won’t have to fix them as often:
Reliability: Since everything is new, something is less likely to break. Your vans will be ready to go when you and your clients need them without unexpected stops along the way.
Warranties: New vans come with warranties. This means if something goes wrong, the warranty may cover the cost of fixing it, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
Modern features: New vans have the newest features that make them easier to use and maintain. These features also tend to work better and last longer. One example is the backup camera in our wheelchair vans at MoveMobility. You’ll no longer have to twist your neck around to see what’s behind you.
Buying a new van might cost more at first, but it saves you money in the long run.
2. Easier access with ramps or lifts
When you choose a new wheelchair van, you’ll have options for a ramp or lift. Ramps and lifts are all about making things easier and more comfortable for your clients who use wheelchairs.
Easy entry and exit: Ramps and lifts allow your clients to board and leave the van without struggles. It’s smooth and fast, which is great for everyone, including your organization.
Safety first: Ramps and lifts are built to be very safe. They’re specifically designed to handle wheelchairs securely, so there’s less worry about accidents.
Fits everyone’s needs: Whether your clients prefer a ramp for its simplicity or a lift for ease, you can work with a mobility expert to determine what works best for them. New vans give you the flexibility to meet your clients’ specific needs.
Having a van with a ramp or lift shows you care about your clients’ comfort and independence. It’s about providing a service that respects and supports their needs. This can make a big difference in how your clients feel about your service.
With a new van equipped with these accessible features, you’ll enhance the quality of service you provide and make your operations more efficient.
3. New wheelchair vans have customization options
When you buy a new wheelchair van, you can customize it to fit exactly what your organization and clients need. Here’s how you can tailor your van:
Safety cameras: Install cameras to keep everyone safe and to have a record of what happens during trips. This can also help protect your organization if there are any disputes.
Fareboxes: Add fareboxes if you collect payments. This makes collecting money easy and quick, helping your operations run smoother.
Branding with exterior wraps: Put your logo on the van with a colorful wrap. This will advertise your brand all around the cities and communities you visit and make your van stand out.
Flexible seating options: With AutoFloor, you can choose different seating layouts to provide more room or seats, depending on your clients’ needs.
Storage solutions: Include storage areas to hold walkers and other electronics. This keeps the van organized and tidy.
Better exterior lighting: Improve your van’s visibility with better lighting. This makes it safer to drive at night and in bad weather and boosts its aesthetic appeal.
Customizing your van shows you care about providing the best service to your clients. It makes your operations more efficient and your clients’ experiences better.
4. Wheelchair van safety features
Choosing a new wheelchair van means getting the latest tried and tested safety features that protect and assist all passengers, whether they’re ambulatory or using wheelchairs.
Here are a few safety features you’ll find in new wheelchair vans at MoveMobility:
Grab poles: These poles are installed inside the van so everyone can hold onto them when getting in and out. They make moving around safer and easier.
Anti-slip running boards: These provide an extra step that makes entering and exiting the wheelchair van much safer. They also help prevent slips and falls by keeping ice and snow from building up during winter.
4-point wheelchair restraint kit: This kit secures each wheelchair in place and steady during the ride.
Self-tensioning system: This system automatically tightens the wheelchair restraints, making sure they’re always just right without needing adjustments.
CMVSS tested: When you get a new wheelchair van, you can rest assured that it meets the strict Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, ensuring they are safe and reliable.
Getting a new wheelchair van with these features shows your commitment to everyone’s safety, which helps to build trust with your clients and their families.
5. Increased resale value
While investing in a new wheelchair van is about meeting your organization’s and its clients’ current needs, it’s also about considering the future. Newer vans provide immediate benefits and tend to have a higher resale value when it’s time to upgrade.
Here are some reasons why a new wheelchair van can be a good financial investment:
Less wear and tear: New vans start out in perfect condition, which, as we mentioned earlier, means they experience less wear and tear over time with proper maintenance. This keeps them in better shape for a longer period.
Latest technology: Equipped with the latest technology and features, new vans are more appealing to future buyers looking for modern and efficient transportation solutions.
Better maintenance records: New vehicles usually come with detailed maintenance records and fewer unexpected repairs. This history is attractive to buyers because it reduces the risk of future issues.
When you decide to sell your van, having a newer model with up-to-date features can significantly increase its marketability. This means you can potentially sell it for a higher price, making back more of your original investment.
Investing in a new wheelchair van is a smart choice that will serve your current needs and provide economic advantages down the line. It’s an investment that pays back in the quality of service you provide now and in future financial returns.
Learn more about getting a new wheelchair van
You likely landed on this article while looking for more information on purchasing a new wheelchair van.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re now aware that buying new comes with several benefits you can take advantage of.
If you don’t think you’re ready to purchase a new wheelchair van yet, we encourage you to take a look at our buyer’s guide. This resource will give you all the information you need to make a more informed decision.
You should also take a look at our articles on the cost of a wheelchair van and the average costs you can expect to be roughly paying annually.
If you do think you’re at the stage where you’d like to purchase a new wheelchair van, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
