Rear Entry vs. Side Entry Wheelchair Vans

Many families compare rear entry vs side entry wheelchair vans when searching for accessible transportation. The choice affects how you enter the vehicle, where the wheelchair position sits, and how the van works in daily use.

Both layouts solve the same problem. They allow people to enter and ride in a vehicle without transferring out of a wheelchair. But the entry location changes how the van fits parking spaces, passengers, and travel routines.

Understanding rear entry vs side entry wheelchair vans helps you choose a design that works for your daily life. Each layout has strengths and tradeoffs.

This article explains how rear entry wheelchair vans and side entry wheelchair vans work, what the differences are, and how to decide which option fits your needs.

What Is a Side Entry Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?

A side entry wheelchair accessible vehicle allows the wheelchair user to enter through the passenger side sliding door.

The van includes a ramp that extends from the side of the vehicle. After entering, the wheelchair user travels in the center area of the van.

Many families prefer side entry wheelchair vans because the layout feels similar to a standard passenger vehicle. The wheelchair position often sits closer to the front seats.

Common features of a side entry wheelchair accessible vehicle include:

• A power ramp that deploys from the sliding door
• Lowered floor space between the front and middle rows
• Adjustable wheelchair accessible seating layouts
• Securement systems to lock the wheelchair in place

Side entry wheelchair vans also allow wheelchair users to ride beside family members.

Some conversions allow the wheelchair user to travel in the front passenger area. That placement improves communication during the drive.

Because of these features, side entry wheelchair vans often feel more natural for families who travel together often.

What Is a Rear Entry Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?

A rear entry wheelchair-accessible vehicle allows entry through the back hatch of the van.

The ramp folds out from the rear cargo area. The wheelchair user enters from behind the vehicle and travels in the back section of the van.

Rear entry wheelchair vans often have a simpler design than side entry vehicles. The ramp system usually requires fewer moving parts.

Typical features of rear entry wheelchair vehicles include:

• Manual or power ramps that deploy from the rear hatch
• Lowered floor space in the rear cabin
• Wheelchair securement positions behind the second row
• Standard seating positions for other passengers

Rear entry wheelchair-accessible vehicle designs work well in tight parking areas. The ramp extends behind the van rather than into a traffic lane.

For example, rear entry wheelchair vans work well in parking lots with narrow spaces. The wheelchair user can enter from behind the vehicle without needing room beside the van.

Many families choose rear entry wheelchair vehicles because they cost less and require fewer conversion changes.

It’s important to note that there are two types of rear entry wheelchair accessible vans with distinct seating differences; Taxi Cut and Full Cut.

A taxi cut wheelchair accessible van allows passengers to sit behind the middle row of stationary seating. This gives passengers access to additional room, if needed, all while providing ample space for additional riders.

A full cut accessible van differs in that wheelchair seating is directly behind both driver and side passenger seating. While this option can limit the amount of space for additional passengers, it does offer more rear space for storage needs.

Pros and Cons of Rear Entry Wheelchair Vans

Rear entry wheelchair vans work well in many situations. But they also have limitations depending on travel needs.

Advantages of rear entry wheelchair vans

Lower conversion cost
Rear entry conversions usually cost less than side entry conversions. The structural changes are simpler.

Works in tight parking spaces
Rear entry wheelchair accessible vehicle designs allow loading from behind the van. That helps in crowded parking lots.

Simple ramp design
Rear ramps often require fewer motors and electronics. That can reduce repair needs.

Quick loading
Rear entry ramps typically deploy quickly and require fewer steps.

Limitations of rear entry wheelchair vans

Wheelchair position sits in the rear
The wheelchair user rides behind the second row. That placement may limit interaction with passengers in front.

Less flexible wheelchair accessible seating
Rear entry vans often keep the second row fixed. This reduces seating adjustments.

Limited front seating options
Rear entry wheelchair vehicles usually cannot place the wheelchair user in the front passenger position.

Despite these limitations, many families still prefer rear entry wheelchair vans because they offer reliable entry and lower purchase cost.

Pros and Cons of Side Entry Wheelchair Vans

Side entry wheelchair vans provide more seating flexibility and different travel positions.

Advantages of side entry wheelchair vans

Flexible wheelchair accessible seating
Side entry wheelchair vans allow several wheelchair travel positions.

Front passenger travel option
Some side entry wheelchair accessible vehicle designs allow the wheelchair user to ride in the front passenger location.

Better passenger interaction
The wheelchair position often sits closer to other passengers.

More interior space
Side entry conversions lower the floor across a larger section of the van.

Limitations of side entry wheelchair vans

Higher conversion cost
Side entry wheelchair vans require more structural changes. That increases conversion cost.

Requires space beside the vehicle
The ramp extends from the sliding door. Drivers must have room beside the van.

More mechanical components
Power ramps and automatic doors may require occasional servicing.

Even with these limitations, many families prefer side entry wheelchair vans because they offer flexible seating and more social seating positions.

Side Entry vs. Rear Entry Wheelchair Vans: Which Layout Works Best

Comparing side entry vs rear entry wheelchair vans helps you decide which option works best for daily transportation.

Several factors influence the decision

Parking environment
 If you often park in tight spaces, rear entry wheelchair vans may work better.

Passenger interaction
If you want the wheelchair user to ride closer to other passengers, side entry wheelchair vans provide better seating positions.

Budget
 Rear entry wheelchair vehicles usually cost less than side entry conversions.

Vehicle use
Families who travel frequently with multiple passengers may prefer the seating flexibility of a side entry wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Mobility device size
Large wheelchairs sometimes require the larger interior space found in side entry wheelchair vans.

People who use wheelchairs in Colorado often consider winter weather and parking conditions as well. Snow and tight parking areas can affect ramp access.

That is why understanding rear entry vs side entry wheelchair vans is important before choosing a vehicle.

Rear entry vs side entry wheelchair vans both provide safe transportation for wheelchair users. The best choice depends on parking situations, passenger needs, and budget.

If you want help deciding between rear entry wheelchair vans and side entry wheelchair vans, the team at Frontier Access & Mobility can help. Contact Frontier Access & Mobility to learn more about wheelchair accessible vans and find a mobility vehicle that supports your transportation needs.