One of the most common questions asked by mobility vehicle buyers is: “Why are wheelchair vehicles so expensive?” The answer depends on a few factors:

First, there is the cost of the vehicle itself before modifications; the chassis. The cost of a vehicle chassis can vary greatly depending if it is new or used, the make and model, vehicle type, and its age.

Next, is the conversion equipment that will be installed. Ramp conversion options include in-floor or fold-out and powered or manual and can range between $10,000 – $20,000.

Finally, there are labor costs to have the equipment both installed and tested to make sure the van passes all Government required safety tests. This type of vehicle conversion work requires specialized training and certification, the number of professionals trained do this work is few.

The total cost of a wheelchair conversion vehicle can be upwards of $40,000 – $70,000. Yes, this is an expensive purchase, but there are resources for financial assistance that you may have not yet considered.

For veterans looking for financial assistance towards the purchase of a wheelchair vehicle, there are grants available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes veterans with both service and non-service-related injuries. To find out more information about these grants and other Veteran specific assistance, contact one of our experienced Veteran Advocates, also fellow Veterans.

For non-veterans, options include grants, loans, and rebates. Whether you are buying the van for yourself or a loved one, there are many options to assist with financing and funding. For the latest information on mobility financial assistance, visit our Financing and Funding page.

We can appreciate the frustration in dealing with limited transportation options and want to make owning a mobility vehicle easy and affordable. With an extensive network of VMI Authorized Dealers and knowledgeable Customer Advocates, we can help wheelchair users gain better mobility with quality products and unmatched service.