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Wheelchair Accessible Vans in the Chicago Area

Accessible vehicles are a small, specialized part of what we do. We keep a handful of converted wheelchair accessible vans in stock at a time across our four Illinois locations — usually well under ten. Because conversions differ so much from van to van, we'd much rather you called and spoke to someone than tried to work it out from a listing.

Tell us the chair, the user's seated height and transfer ability, and who else needs to ride, and we can tell you quickly whether a specific van will work. That conversation takes a few minutes and can save you a wasted trip.

Side-Entry or Rear-Entry?

This is the first real decision, and it comes down mostly to where you park.

Side-entry conversions deploy a ramp out the passenger side and often allow the wheelchair user to ride up front or drive. Better for independence — but they need clear space alongside the van, which is a genuine problem for street parking and tight lots where an accessible space isn't guaranteed.

Rear-entry conversions deploy out the back and need no side clearance at all, so you can park in an ordinary space and still get in and out. They usually position the chair in the center-rear, which works for a passenger but not a driver. For families in dense neighborhoods, rear-entry is often the practical answer.

Ask about the ramp itself, too. Manual ramps are lighter and simpler, but someone has to deploy and stow them. Power ramps operate from a switch or fob, which matters a great deal if the user travels alone or a caregiver can't manage a ramp. And check the lowered-floor depth and door opening height against the user's actual seated height — that's the mismatch people most often discover too late.

Come See It Properly

Please call ahead. We'll have the van out front with the ramp deployed and ready for a real transfer test rather than a walk-around.

1. Joliet — 1506 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435 · (815) 725-0850. For Will County families in Plainfield, Lockport, Crest Hill, Romeoville, New Lenox and Shorewood.
2. Crestwood — 14112 Pulaski Rd, Crestwood, IL 60445 · (708) 691-9142. For the south suburbs and city south side — Oak Lawn, Alsip, Evergreen Park, Oak Forest, Palos Heights, Orland Park.
3. Elgin — 881 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60120 · (847) 429-2681. For Kane County and the northwest suburbs — South Elgin, Bartlett, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles.
4. Waukegan — 2741 Belvidere Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085 · (847) 749-5175. For Lake County — Gurnee, North Chicago, Libertyville, Zion, Grayslake, Mundelein.

We're open 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and an accessible van can be transferred between locations on request so you don't have to make a long trip with a passenger who finds travel difficult.

Accessible Vehicle Questions

Can I test the ramp and do an actual transfer before buying?

Yes, and you should. Bring the wheelchair that will actually be used rather than a loaner, and bring the person who'll be doing the transfers. A van that works on paper can fail on a real transfer.

What conversion is on the van I'm looking at?

It varies by vehicle, and we won't guess. Call with the stock number or VIN and we'll tell you the entry style, the ramp type and the floor and door dimensions on that specific van.

Can the wheelchair user drive, or only ride?

That depends entirely on how the van was converted. Ask before you visit so we don't waste your trip.

Are there programs that help pay for an accessible vehicle?

Illinois residents sometimes get assistance through the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services, and eligible veterans through VA adaptive-equipment benefits. Some manufacturers also run mobility rebate programs. Eligibility rules are specific and change, so verify directly with the agency — but tell us if you're working through one and we'll provide whatever documentation they need from us.

What if you don't have the right van right now?

Quite likely at any given moment, given how few of these exist. Tell us your requirements and we'll let you know when something suitable comes in. This is the category where a phone call genuinely beats refreshing a webpage. Contact us here.