In a rear-entry conversion a wheelchair cannot be used in the driving or passenger positions. However, a transfer
seat can be used in either case. No extra room is required for a ramp, and the side passenger doors are not blocked with a folding
style ramp. Mid-passenger seats can be mounted next to the wheelchair positions. In a rear-entry conversion you have the option
of transporting two wheelchairs and placing them in back-to-back positions.
There is also a "short channel cut" option which starts at the mid-row seating.
Ramp Access Types
Ramp based modifications are most commonly performed on minivans. In order to provide access for the wheelchair user, the floor on
side-entry vehicles is lowered 10-11".
In rear-entry conversion, the floor is not lowered but rather removed, and a steel tub is inserted measuring
approximately 32" x 98" or 32" x 45" deep.
Ramps come in two styles: fold-up or in-floor, and two operating modes - manual or motorized. Fold-up ramps fold in half and stow upright next to the side passenger door in a side-entry conversion. In a rear-entry conversion the ramp is stowed against the rear access door.
Fold-up ramps present a slightly raised ramp angle than in-floor ramps. In a side-entry conversion, only the drivers side entrance is accessible. In-floor ramps slide into a pocket underneath the vehicle's floor, and are only available for side-entry conversions.
Folding ramps are available in manual or motorized versions for both conversion types. Power applications may also have a "kneeling feature" that reduces the angle of the ramp by compressing the suspension of the van on the ramp side.
All CMI Mobility vehicles are American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, crash tested and approved as well as being California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified.
Driver and Passanger (transfer seats optional)
