Wheelchair Van Conversions Made Simple

Simple Wheelchair Van Construction

AMS Vans have been in the wheelchair van industry for well over a decade, and we have seen many accessible minivans from other handicap van manufactures. This experience has taught us what can be good and what might not be necessary to have in a conversion van.

Through research and testing, AMS has eliminated 20% of the items that cause 80% of the problems on other handicap van conversions. By eliminating these elements from the AMS handicap accessible vehicles, we save you frustration, hassle, and repair cost to ensure your van stays on the road!


How is the AMS Wheelchair Van Conversion So Simple?

The AMS conversion is so simple that it’s frequently possible for some DIY (Do It Yourself) enthusiasts to perform repairs on the AMS wheelchair van themselves! In fact, if you are mechanically inclined and prefer to maintenance or repair approved warranty items, we welcome you to do so in most cases. (larger repairs may require a professional mechanic, call us before making any repairs) However, if you choose to have your repairs done professionally, we will personally find you a local mechanic in your area (almost always just minutes from your home) to work on the handicap van should it need repairs.


Learn about all the ways the AMS brand wheelchair van is built with simplicity:

1. The AMS wheelchair van conversion does not include a kneeling system

Kneeling systems are expensive (typically over $4,000) and they have been known to break down often. This component usually plays a big part of the 20% of the items that can cause 80% of the problems on other handicap van conversions. We extend our ramp 4" to help compensate for the lack of a kneeling system and to simplify the design of our accessible van conversion.

2. We run our wheelchair ramp off the car battery.

This aspect of our handicap vans makes the design simple and easier to repair, making it unnecessary to go to a mobility van service center. The AMS design is simpler because it bypasses the original van's computer and runs directly from the battery. This removes the need to interface with the original manufacturer's electronics. By separating the van's computer from the conversion, we eliminate the need for an expensive dealer authorized mobility service center.

3. The remote system used by AMS does not modify the electronics of the vehicle

Avoiding the original van's electronics keeps the design simple and in turn causes fewer issues to surface. Our conversion minivans come with a manual back-up option for the wheelchair ramp. With the manual backup, you and your loved ones should never be stranded in case of power failure, a van computer module failure or other problems.

AMS doesn't modify the interface between the van and its computer, like other mobility companies do. As common sense would show, modifying that part of the vehicle could cause problems with the van's electronics over time.

4. Cable-driven wheelchair ramp system

This system includes the minimal moving parts. The ramp is built upon a simple cable system that enables it to be easily fixed as well as requires minimal upkeep.

5. AMS Conversions for Wheelchair Passengers and Mobile Drivers

At AMS Vans, we keep in mind the most important part of our business, our customers. The AMS conversion is accessible to wheelchair users without adding all the extra bells and whistles. By keeping our design simple, we do everything in our power to provide a vehicle that is safe, strong and easy to use to satisfy the needs of you and your loved ones. Why should you pay for more than you need?

6. Our wheelchair van conversion keeps as much of the vehicle's structure as possible

The B pillar, a vertical post on the driver’s side that aids to the support of the roof of the van, is not cut or altered in any way during the van modification as it is in other van conversion designs. By removing the need to alter the B Pillar, the van maintains much of its original structure. This should help increase the stability of your accessible van should there ever be an accident.

Also, AMS leaves the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Rocker Panel on the driver’s side in place during the van conversion. The Rocker Panel is a piece of metal that runs along the bottom of the vehicle directly underneath the doors. It can provide protection for the door panel from tar, dirt, and other debris from the road, as well as aid the structure of the vehicle in case of an accident.