Wheelchair Lifts vs. Ramps on Accessible Vehicles


Under Van Ramps
Hydraulic lifts support a metal grid that hides under the converted wheelchair van. ProsCons
- The ramp is out of view and does not take up interior space of the van
- Damage occurs easily from the underside of the vehicle
- Adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle decreasing fuel efficiency
- Expensive to buy
- Expensive to fix
- Gets dirty easily
- Parallel parking is difficult with deployment coming straight out the side, often hitting the curb
- Only available with full-size vans
- Finding parking is not always easy for full-size vans
- Winter months cause significant lift problems
- Heavier loads cause the van to bottom out often
Arm Wheelchair Lifts for Vans
The single-arm wheelchair lift raises and lowers a mobility scooter or wheelchair with a webbing strap or docking device. ProsCons
- Quiet arm lift
- Uses existing van power system
- Quick installation
- Difficult to repair
- Dangerous if not strapped in properly
- Awkward
- Unavailable on minivans
- Changing wheelchairs to a larger type can make this wheelchair lift potentially unusable
- Blocks the view
- Often gets in the way
- If interior model, it takes up cargo space
- If exterior model, exposes the wheelchair lift (and sometimes wheelchair) to the outside elements, causing corrosion to the lift and wheelchair or mobility scooter
- Depending on the location, it can keep other people from being able to get in and out easily
- Difficult for the elderly to use
- Weight limit often 300-500 pounds for the wheelchair and the person
- Takes a lot more time to enter and exit the van
- Pole tends to lean over time
Platform Wheelchair Lifts for Vans
The platform lift is attached to the outside of a vehicle on the back or can be an interior model that takes up most of the cargo space. ProsCons
- Exterior style wheelchair or scooter lift keeps interior space at a maximum
- Interior style platform lift--takes up most of the space within the cargo bay
- Exterior style platform lift--exposes lift and wheelchair or mobility scooter to the outside elements and may be difficult for drivers to see following behind the vehicle
- Expensive to fix
- Expensive to purchase
- Adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle decreasing fuel efficiency
- Unavailable on minivans
- Finding parking is not always easy for full-size vans
Kneeling Systems
A kneeling system is installed on accessible vans to lower the incline of the ramp plane. ProsCons
- Decreases the ramp angle for manual wheelchair users
- Expensive to buy
- Expensive to fix
- Many reports of broken "low riding" vans that never stop kneeling
Wheelchair Van Ramps by AMS Vans
This handicap ramp folds out above curb level allowing the wheelchair user to ride into the van without leaving the chair. ProsCons
- 10" lowered floor means extra head room and minimal "bottoming out"
- No expensive kneeling system
- Wired straight into the battery instead of the vehicle computer to save mechanical problems
- 24-hour emergency call service
- Wheelchair ramp folds out above the curb
Interested in learning more about the AMS Vans wheelchair ramp van conversion versus power chair or scooter lifts? Talk to one of our mobility consultants at 800-775-8267 for complete information.
- Not an easy ramp for manual wheelchairs
- Rear entry available for wheelchair passengers only, not drivers.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

$37,999 $38,499
- Stock #: AL1905074
- Mileage: 31,152 Miles
- Color: Red
- Ramp/Lift: Side Entry Bi-Fold Pwr
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Features: N/A
$38,999 $40,999
- Stock #: 20050096
- Mileage: 60,767 Miles
- Color: White
- Ramp/Lift: Rear Entry Lift
- Location: Call For Details
- Features: N/A
$59,999 $60,499
- Stock #: 20080142
- Mileage: 4 Miles
- Color: White
- Ramp/Lift: Side or Rear Entry Lift
- Location: Call For Details
- Features: Backup Camera, Bluetooth