How To - Remove Wheelchair Van Front Seats

Posted On: 02/14/2024

How to remove driver and passenger seat in wheelchair van

Removing the front driver or passenger seat in a wheelchair van allows wheelchair users to ride up front.  Many of the popular manufacturers such as BraunAbility, VMI, Rollx Vans and many others have this feature.  Looking to purchase a New or Used wheelchair vans with this feature?  Check out BLVD.com New and Used wheelchair vans for sale with this feature.

How To Begin Removing The Wheelchair Van Seat

To make this easier at accessing the levers to release the seat and to remove the main plug to the seat you should begin by bringing the seat to the most forward position.   Slide the seat forward and bring the backrest forward.  Remove any cup holders or other accessories attached to the seat.

Identify which Lever Will Release The Seat

Wheelchair van manufacturers have changed over the years the levers or pedals design to release the driver/passenger seat from the vehicle floor.  Below we will review three popular brands from BraunAbility, Rollx Vans & VMI.

BraunAbility Wheelchair Van Seat Removal

Before you begin to remove either the driver or passenger seat from your wheelchair van you should make sure the vehicle is turned off. BraunAbility has had the same design since 2012 and newer wheelchair vans.  See the picture below as reference to identify your pedals and which is the release.
  • Begin by removing the seat harness from the side wall.  Press down on snap ring to remove. 
  • Place the plug into the holder to prevent damage.
  • Locate the release pedals located at the back of the seat near the floor
  • The release pedal is a solid piece of metal black in color.
  • Press down on this pedal with your foot.
  • While pressing down you can push up on the back rest of the seat to help raise the seat up with less downward foot pressure.
  • When fully released you will hear the lower wheels latch into position locking the wheels down.
  • Pull back on the seat and wheel it out.
  • Make sure the wheels are locked in the down position.  Failure to do so will result in a difficult seat to move and scratches on the wheelchair ramp.

VMI Wheelchair Van Seat Removal

Before you begin to remove either the driver or passenger seat from your VMI wheelchair van you should make sure the vehicle is turned off.  See the picture below as reference to identify your pedals and which is the release. 

  • Bring the seat to the most forward position and tilt the backrest forward.
  • Remove the seat power harness plug from the side wall.  Turn the coupler counter clockwise to remove it from the outlet.
  • Put the plug in the back of the seat pouch to prevent damage.
  • Locate the teather and on top of the seat base.  Pull the tether directly towards you and press up on the back of the seat rest to allow the wheels to drop down.
  • Once the wheels drop you will hear a spring click.
  • Tilt the seat back to remove the front hooks and pull the seat back.
  • Wheel the seat back and out of the vehicle.

Rollx Wheelchair Van Seat Removal

Before you begin to remove either the driver or passenger seat from your Rollx wheelchair van you should make sure the vehicle is turned off.  See the picture below as reference to identify the lever location and the seat harness location to remove your wheelchair van front seats.

  • Open the door to access the front floor board.
  • Located next to the door sill is a portion that flips open toward the center of the van accessing the power seat harness below.
  • Turn the coupler counter clockwise to remove the plug.
  • Once removed you will plug the shunt, attached to the vehicle side of the connection into the outlet to prevent the airbag light from coming on.
  • Go behind the seat needing to be removed.
  • Near the floor under the seat is a red handle lever.
  • Pull this lever backwards towards yourself, completely releasing the latch.
  • Push the entire seat forward releasing the front hooks.
  • Tilt the seat back 45 degrees making contact with the rear wheels.  
  • Pull the seat backwards out of the Rollx wheelchair van.  

Which Is The Easiest Wheelchair Van Front Seat Removal?

All three brands reviewed above have a removable front seat in common but clearly some are easier than others.   Blvd.com provides you the best network of New and Used Wheelchair vans for sale and dealer supporting body in the country. Watch this YouTube video to watch how to remove your wheelchair van front seat.

Author Information

Katie Cummings
Mobility Blogger

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!"

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