Whether you are wheelchair bound or your loved one is wheelchair bound, chances are, getting around is a challenge. This is why being able to afford the opportunity to purchase a custom wheelchair van is so important. Here are three realistic ways you can make this happen for yourself or your family:
Apply for Funding
Many people don't realize that there are other ways to gain funding for the cost of a wheelchair van outside of the basic loan. While a loan is helpful, chances are, you are still paying a high price for the vehicle, which means high monthly payments. To combat this, you can apply for funding, for example, if you are a veteran. Veteran's have access to mobility funding through certain programs if they are disabled.
Even if you are not a veteran, though, you can still receive a discounted price from certain mobility van companies that offer first-time buyer discounts. Be sure that you look into these types of offers before you begin the shopping process. There are also plenty of non-profit organizations that work to provide funding for those who have disabilities.
Buy Pre-Owned
Just like buying a used car, you can also purchase a used wheelchair van. The downside is that it will not be customized, but chances are, you can find a used wheelchair van that provides exactly what is needed for your specific disability. If you are looking to save a significant amount of money, definitely be sure to shop around to find these pre-owned vehicles.
Get Your Basic Needs Covered
Keep in mind that the more modifications you make to the wheelchair van, if you are getting it customized, then the higher the price is going to be. The best thing to do would be to buy the most basic van with the most basic modifications that meet your needs. From here, if you find that you can afford a bit more, then you can definitely make some more modifications, but the cheapest option would be to go as simple as possible.
Being able to afford a wheelchair van realistically is important for the mode of transportation for anyone with a disability that has left them wheelchair bound. If you purchase what you cannot realistically afford, it can have devastating consequences of having to sell or have the vehicle repossessed when you need it the most. Be sure that you consider all options in order to have a van that will last for a long period of time.
