2023 Top Wheelchair Accessible SUV Conversions
BraunAbility and ATC Conversions have become the industry leaders in wheelchair accessible SUVs and they both offer unique features from one another. Inside they are very different companies. BraunAbility is celebrating its 50th year of building wheelchair accessible products, in comparison ATC is younger in the industry, but they stand at the forefront of innovation, being the first manufacturer to build a 4-wheel drive Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL.
BraunAbility Chevy Traverse Wheelchair SUV
Capability, versatility, and ride quality make the BraunAbility Chevy Traverse tough to beat. In nearly all measurable areas BraunAbility checks the box. This versatile wheelchair accessible SUV has the capability for wheelchair users to ride from the wheelchair in the driver/passenger position or they can transfer to the OEM driver/passenger seat using a B&D 6-way transfer seat. Additionally, you can secure a wheelchair in the second row as it features spacious room to support mid, rear, and front wheel drive wheelchairs. Electric driven ramp and gliding doors have been a proven design for decades and feature simple to use emergency overrides steps if the conversion comes offline. Removable seats, independent suspension, 3,500lbs towing capability and the ability to support both passengers and drivers will keep the BraunAbility Chevy Traverse the leader of the wheelchair accessible SUV. Still with all these capable features it is built on a front wheel drive platform.
ATC Conversions - Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL
All Terrain Conversions maintain the factory 4-wheel drive systems switched from Auto, 2-wheel drive or 4 wheel drive with the turn of a button. Previously the only way to get a 4-wheel drive accessible vehicle was via the Ford E series vans that required you to get out and lock the hub which is not very convenient for wheelchair users. The ATC Conversions are also capable of driving through deep snow, on frozen lakes, sand dunes or any other off-road adventures. At the time of the conversion build process, you will need to decide between driver or passenger wheelchair access. With concerns of carrying capacities being exceeded it is not possible to convert both sides of the vehicle. Hydraulic driven doors activate at a push of the button and a platform that will rotate out and down to pick your wheelchair up.
Both these wheelchair accessible SUVs can support driver and passenger applications. Each will achieve this very differently but with the same end result, we recommend working closely with your local dealer to determine which will best fit your needs. Depending on your lifestyle or family needs you can take the pros and cons of each and determine which select the most boxes for you. Resale should be a consideration to most purchases and having a vehicle that can support any riding position needed will have a larger market when it hits the lot for resale.
My professional background stems from non-profit marketing and fundraising for a large children’s cancer hospital. Every day I was able to make connections and relationships for kids and their families going through devastating times. From securing small donations to large corporate support, it was all about providing hope that one day doctors and researchers would find a cure. It was truly an honor to be a part of something so important.
Just this past year, I came to work alongside my family for BLVD.com, a website dedicated to offering the latest information and resources for people needing mobility products. This was a dream come true for me as I have always wanted to combine more time with my family while still helping others. Our family has been in the mobility industry for over 35 years with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for people with mobility issues. This is the spirit behind BLVD and what I am most excited about sharing in my blog.
I love meeting new people and have found that volunteering is the best way to learn more about others and myself. Coffee keeps me going as do walks my pup "Kirby" and most of all being with family and friends. I invite you to check out my blog to learn more about how "together we can move through life better!"
