Main Mobility Blog

Is often said that purchasing a vehicle is the one of the largest investments anyone can make, second only to purchasing a home.  This is especially true for the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, which can approach the cost of a modest home. So, if you need a wheelchair van you may be asking yourself:

• "How can I pay for my new wheelchair van?" or
• "Is there any help with the purchase of a handicap van?"

The good news is that there are a variety of traditional and not-so-traditional sources that offer help to get a wheelchair van, or for securing funding or financing for your new handicap accessible vehicle.

Oftentimes television commercials, newspaper ads, and radio spots promote low monthly payments, attractive lease rates and even interest-free financing for all vehicles, and you may have asked yourself, "Could I finance my new wheelchair van using one of these methods?" 

The answer is "yes" ... sort of. 

While the finance companies and banks that work with new car dealers offer great deals on vehicles, they don't usually offer options on any aftermarket equipment or vehicle conversions for wheelchair accessibility, such as wheelchair lift conversions, scooter lifts for cars, or handicap van parts.  This usually means that the buyer is responsible for anything above and beyond the stock vehicle that arrives from the factory. 

So now what? The most obvious financing option is to contact your local bank, and ask what options they can offer you.

For instance if you own a home, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit may be an ideal way of securing funds to pay for your wheelchair van.   These credit sources typically have very low interest rates and the interest may be tax-deductible.

Another  option  for hHomeowners 62 years of age and older is may qualify for a reverse mortgage.   Reverse mortgages are an increasingly popular way for people to plan for and finance their retirement, which converts the equity of your home into tax-free cash. To learn more about reverse mortgages, review the information at  "http://www.reversemortgage.org/ contact your bank, or ask your certified financial planner. Now, there are some risks associated with a reverse mortgage, so be sure to consult a certified financial planner to see if a reverse mortgage is the appropriate funding option for you. 

We also offer options through our company. Since Main Mobility is a BraunAbility dealer, we're able to offer competitive financing through Braun Credit to help you secure financing for your next wheelchair accessible van purchase.

In addition to all of these credit sources, you may be eligible for   funding in the form of low interest loans   or grants from various government agencies and not-for-profit organizations that help the disabled.  Our website's Veterans page contains financial aid information for those who have served in our nation's armed forces.  These organizations may be able to help you pay for some or all of your next wheelchair van conversion purchase.  Click here   for a list of some of the organizations that may be able to help, or contact one of our Mobility Consultants fore more information.

Finally, if you're considering the purchase of a new vehicle, nearly every major vehicle manufacturer offers some sort of mobility assistance for wheelchair accessible vans or any other sort of mobility equipment.  Rebates and reimbursement of up to $1,200 is available, depending on the mobility equipment you need, the vehicle manufacturer, and the vehicle model.  Take a look at our Mobility Resources page for links to many of the manufacturers, contact one of our Mobility Consultants, or ask your new car dealer for more information.