What to Know When Renting a Wheelchair Van

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TRAVEL MORE WITH

AERO MOBILITY

A few preparations and you’re ready to go

A wheelchair accessible minivan rental is a great way to travel without the price tag of ownership. But buyer beware of prices that are too good to be true or any place that doesn’t ensure proper vehicle inspection.

Safety is a top priority so be sure to research for authorized mobility rental facilities in your area who are required to adhere to the most up-to-date in safety measures and ramp car. Always precheck your vehicle before driving away and test the ramp operation and wheelchair securements. Your rental facility should be able to assist you with any instructions.

Once you find a reputable rental company then start to compare rates. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees, necessary deposits, delivery charges, or any additional equipment you may require. Rentals are ideal for short periods of travel but can be rented for longer lengths of time, but cost can add up quickly so be sure to compare if renting if is the best bank for your buck and for your travel needs.

Be sure to share any important travel details with your booking agent such as an extra wide, tall, or heavy wheelchair, scooter, or power chair, necessary adaptive driving equipment, and/or additional passengers or luggage.

We offer daily, weekly, and long-term rental rates on 2014 or newer wheelchair vans in and around Orange County and LA County. Click here to learn more about Aero Mobility’s wheelchair van rental program.

Aero Mobility Reviews | Phil C.

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“Attention to detail, friendly environment, outstanding customer service”

Phil Caplan

We are so grateful for customers like Phil, who has been with us for 12-years, making him more like family. Together we have found him reliable transportation, annual vehicle service, two manual wheelchairs, and a full-time powerchair. We look forward to many more years of working together.

Thanks for the kind words, Phil. We are happy to serve you.

If you’d like to experience personalized care like Phil, let’s connect. Give us some details here and we’ll be in touch soon.

The Wheelchair Accessible Chevy Traverse from BraunAbility – Coming Summer 2020

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Posted in BraunAbility, Chevy Traverse, News, Products
The Wheelchair Accessible Chevy Traverse by BraunAbility

Boy, were we sad to learn that the 2020 Ford Explorer MXV was unable to be converted to handicap accessible by BraunAbility. But alas, there is good news on the horizon – BraunAbility has announced a new wheelchair accessible SUV will be entering the game with its 2020 Chevy Traverse with a passenger-side ramp.

We’re taking features like removable front seats, a sliding shifter for added room, an in-floor ramp, light-guided ramp, and optional transfer seat capabilities.

Plus its 46% BIGGER than the Ford Explorer MXV which means you have room for the whole family with third-row seating and room for two wheelchair passengers.

Click here to read more from Braun about the Chevy Traverse conversion and features.

Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle – Getting Started

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Step One: Needs Analysis 

How will you use your vehicle most?

The first question is what will be the primary use of the accessible vehicle and for whom. Will this be the primary family vehicle or used infrequently? Will you be operating the vehicle in a garage, in a driveway, parking structure, etc. If the chair user will always travel with a caregiver then both a manual or automatic ramp can be an option. The size and weight of the chair will also impact your vehicle options. 

 

Step Two: Fitting & Demonstration

Next, we measure your chair.

Next, we measure the chair and start testing some vehicle options to find the best fit. If the chair is heavier than 500 lbs. then we recommend a side-entry heavy-duty ramp or a superwide rear-entry. If the chair user will be accompanied by someone who can operate the ramp, then the options are endless. Chair users who would like to drive from their chair or transfer into the driver’s seat can customize their vehicle to meed their demands.

Step Three: Customization

How can we make this the vehicle of your dreams?

We can do customization, adaptive equipment, and add-on options to make your vehicle uniquely yours. We install hand and feet controls, third-row benches, wheelchair securement, and chair docking stations, plus family options like entertainment packages or seating arrangements. We strive to tailor it to your perfect experience. 

Step Four: Training

Learn to use your vehicle properly.

A positive experience is all in the operation. If you struggle to find the ease of use in your ramp or properly securing the chair passenger, we are here to help with easy to learn training. 

Step Five: Maintenance

Keep your vehicle going stronger, longer.

Like any major purchase, you are going to want to take great care of your investment. Handicap accessible vehicles come with routine maintenance, plus the additional checklist from an accessible ramp conversion. Most manufacturers offer a standard 3-Year / 36,000-mile warranty which requires regular ramp service. Over time, things can begin to rattle, hum, or shift. Our service center can help from oil changes to ramp repairs keeping your vehicle in top shape and safe on the road

Click here to read our full Get Started Guide for Buying a Handicap Conversion Vehicle.

BOOTH #929 AT THE LA ABILITIES EXPO

2020 Abilities Expo – Los Angeles

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Posted in Abilities Expo, Events, News

Visit Us at Booth #929 February 21st-23rd, 2020

Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall A

It’s that special time of year again – the 2020 Abilities Expo – Los Angeles held at the LA Convention Center. Visit us in person for our best annual prices on the accessible vehicles we bring to show during the show on February 21st-23rd, 2020.

You can find us at Booth #929 where our mobility experts are ready to answer your questions while finding you the best fit and pricing. We will bring a range of manual or automatic ramps available in either side or rear entry. From the sporty Kia Soul to the roomy Chevy Suburban, we have something for everyone. Check out our full inventory before the show and bring us your best questions.

Things move fast at the show so for the best selection we recommend coming in early on the first day to browse. We can’t wait to see you!

For more expo information, click here.

Keep Your Wheelchair Secure

How to secure your wheelchair or powerchair in an accessible vehicle

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The first time I attempted to drive my grandmother in her chair I did not secure it properly and she nearly tipped over just driving out of the parking lot. That is how important securing a wheelchair can be and it takes practice to master.

Types of Securement

Most likely when you purchased your wheelchair accessible vehicle it came equipped with a set of chair securement systems with an anchor and straps. Common anchor systems are L-tracks, Floor Anchors with Tie-Downs or a Docking Station. The L-track is frequently used due because its versatility to attach to either floor or walls and various chair positions. Next are floor anchors which are single or double holed systems that are secured by straps. Other options include docking systems that require the installation of a dock and a securement pin in the vehicle and on the wheelchair respectively.

Whether choosing a docking or tie-down system, all forms have been thoroughly tested and are equally safe to use. When purchasing an accessible vehicle be sure to try out each system and find what suits you best.

How to Secure the Chair

Docking stations are pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Line your chair up to the dock and drive the chair. A safety light will change green confirming that the chair is secure.

Tie-down systems take a bit of practice and have four points of securement. They come in two forms, manual or retractable straps. Manual straps have a pin that secures into the anchor and a j-hook that attaches to the chair. Put the pin in the anchor, place the chair user sitting forward in the vehicle, then use the J-hooks to attached to the chair (the location attachment will vary based on chair type), and finally tighten the straps until there is no slack and the chair feels firmly in place. Take your first few trips slowly until you feel confident in the system.

Need More Help?

We’ve been securing wheelchairs for nearly 30 years and receive annual training on new equipment and safety standards. If you ever need some guidance on properly securing your wheelchair in an accessible vehicle we are more than happy to help show you tips and tricks as well as adjusting your straps for a proper fit. We have also partnered with Q’Straint for many years and highly recommend their training and resource guides. Click here to review their online training.

Rear vs. Side-Entry Ramps | Choosing What’s Right for You

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The question “How do I choose between rear or side entry ramps,” is almost always at the top of the list. There is plenty of debate on the topic so we’re happy you landed here to learn more. The truth is, while the ramp position is important, often the decision is made based on your transportation needs. Let’s throw out some factors that can help guide your decision.

Does the rider operate their chair independently or does the user require a caregiver? Regardless of side, ramps require some practice getting in or out. Some users report feeling more comfortable with a side-entry as it allows the chair ride to enter & exit facing forward, where a rear-entry requires the user to back out of the vehicle. But with the aid of a caregiver, in and out in a rear entry can be just as easy.

Do you want to drive or ride in the front row? Then a side-entry with removable front seats is best suited for you. If the rider prefers to sit between family and friends, then a rear entry where the chair is fixed in the center position is ideal.

It’s not a guarantee but rear-entry conversions tend to be more cost-effective than a side-entry as they keep more of the original vehicle chassis intact.

Parking can be a big factor depending on where you live. Will the vehicle be used for city driving? A rear-entry ramp can be helpful to use in parking garages or for packed shopping centers where handicap designated parking can be limited.  A side-entry ramp requires a large amount of ramp clearance on the side of the vehicle to deploy. Will it be parked in a garage or driveway? How the vehicle will be entered when parked can really be a deciding factor.

Most important of all, how wide, heavy, or tall is the chair or rider? There are endless combinations of these factors that can affect which ramp best works. Taller riders tend to fair better in side-entry conversions whereas wider chairs have more width options with a rear ramp.

In the end, try all of the options available to you. Bring the family, maybe a suitcase or two, and see what works for the whole family. If given the option, park it in your garage, driveway, or test it in your favorite parking lot. Remove the front seats, fold down the rear seats, ride the chair in & out over and over until you feel happy and comfortable. That is how to find the best rear or side option for you.

Hello there! We’re blogging now.

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Welcome to the Aero Mobility blog. Periodically we will be posting stories, new products, special announcements, and general information to help support the mobility community. For the last 30 years, we have been serving the accessibility needs across southern California with custom wheelchair and handicap accessible minivans, trucks, SUVs, and compact cars available at our authorized direct dealership located in Anaheim, CA.

We work closely with the top handicap conversion companies like BraunAbility, Vantage Mobility (VMI), the REV Group, and Freedom Motors (FMI) to bring you the latest technology and design in accessible vehicle transportation. We are fully stocked with pre-built mobility vehicles ready to take home or can help you customized the perfect fit. Is buying a but too much of a financial commitment at this time? We also offer short and long-term rentals for most of our inventory.

Our certified service station can help with major and minor repairs, ramp maintenance, and warranty repairs, as well as general service including oil changes.

Come inside where our showroom is filled with manual and motorized chairs and scooters, medical equipment and beds, orthotics and prosthetics, and many other mobility features designed to make life more accessible. Open six day a week, 8am-6pm or call (877) 325-4000 to speak with a representative.