There are approximately 3 million wheelchair users in the US and mobility plays a crucial part in their routine. A wheelchair van or a handicapped vehicle provides them with accessible mobility without depending on anyone. A wheelchair van rental NJ also helps them in driving around other passengers safely and comfortably.
There are a lot of options for wheelchair van rental NJ but you must shortlist those that are suited to your specific requirement. This is why you need to check your preferred van rental before renting the vehicle to clarify a few things.
- Entry into the vehicle
You should test out the van for a few things such as driving controls, wheelchair securing system, and entry into the vehicle. Most wheelchair vans have a rear entry and a side entry. The side entry is used for the ramp to come out of the passenger side door of the van. This allows the wheelchair to easily enter the middle or front of the van. If the removable seats are out then the side entry allows direct access to the driver’s seat. The wheelchair can be secured at the place where the mid-row has been removed. Rear entry deploys a ramp from the rear hatch of the vehicle and only allows access to the back seating of the vehicle. The drivers’ seat is inaccessible in a wheelchair from this entry.
- Check the fuel efficiency
You should know about the fuel efficiency of the vehicle before renting it out. Knowing the number of miles you would get per gallon is an important question that you must ask the dealer. The fuel costs will be an expense for you over and above the rental and if the vehicle is going to be used a lot, the cost can be fairly high. You must have an idea of the vehicle usage: the distance and the time for which you will be renting and driving it. Large vehicles like handicapped vans generally run on more gas than a regular sedan. You may consider using a different grade of gas but enquire about it from your wheelchair van rental NJ.
- Check the vehicle condition
The condition of the vehicle is very important. Ask for the details of any past accidents that the vehicle may have had and enquire if repair work post-accident has been completed. Do a thorough examination of the van to check for any damages. Once you have rented the vehicle, the onus of getting any damages repaired is on you. Check to see if the vehicle has been well-maintained and all the necessary documentation related to it is in order.
- Check for wheelchair restraints
Restraint systems are important in handicapped vehicles and different kinds of restraints are needed for equipment and the passengers. Before renting the vehicle, try strapping a wheelchair into place. Ensure that any other equipment that you would need like canes, walkers, or oxygen tanks, can be secured easily. You can also test drive the vehicle to see if the wheelchair or the equipment moves during transit.