Wheelchair Van Buying Guide

Side-Entry vs Rear-Entry Wheelchair Vans: Which Is Right for You?

It's the first big decision when you shop for a wheelchair accessible van, and it shapes where you sit, where you park, and what you pay. Here's the honest comparison from Central Florida's BraunAbility & VMI dealer.

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The short answer

A side-entry wheelchair van loads through the passenger-side sliding door, so the wheelchair user can ride up front or even drive. A rear-entry van loads through the back hatch, so the wheelchair user rides in the middle or rear. Side-entry gives more independence and seating flexibility; rear-entry usually costs less and parks in ordinary spaces.

Choose side-entry if… the wheelchair user wants to drive, ride in the front seat, or travel independently.
Choose rear-entry if… a caregiver always drives, budget matters most, or you need to park in standard spaces.
Side by side

How each conversion works

Both styles start with a regular minivan or full-size van. A converter lowers the floor, adds a ramp and usually a kneeling system, and installs wheelchair securement. Where the ramp goes changes everything else.

Most popular

Side-entry wheelchair vans

The ramp folds out or slides from under the floor at the passenger-side sliding door. The wheelchair user rolls into the middle of the van and can move to the front passenger spot, or to the driver's position with the right adaptive equipment.

Advantages
  • Wheelchair user can ride up front or drive from the chair
  • Most flexible floor plans, with removable front seats
  • Exit onto the curb or sidewalk, away from traffic
  • Usually power ramp and doors, operated from a key fob
  • Most common style, so typically stronger resale value
Trade-offs
  • Higher conversion cost
  • Needs about 8 ft of clear space beside the van
  • Lowered floor reduces ground clearance
Budget-friendly

Rear-entry wheelchair vans

The ramp deploys from the rear hatch and the wheelchair user rolls straight in, riding in the middle or back of the van. It's a simpler conversion, and families who always have a caregiver driving often prefer it.

Advantages
  • Lower conversion cost
  • Parks in ordinary spaces; no side clearance needed
  • More ground clearance for steep driveways and curbs
  • Side doors stay free for other passengers
  • Often more room for long chairs and leg rests
Trade-offs
  • Wheelchair user can't drive or ride up front
  • Loading happens in the traffic lane behind the van
  • Fewer floor plans and less cargo space
Comparison chart

Side-entry vs rear-entry at a glance

Comparison of side-entry and rear-entry wheelchair accessible vans
Factor Side-entry Rear-entry
Where the user rides Front passenger, middle, or driver's position Edge Middle or rear of the van
Can the user drive? Yes, with adaptive driving equipment Edge Generally no
Upfront cost Higher Lower Edge
Parking Needs ~8 ft beside the van (van-accessible spaces, curbside) Standard spaces; needs room behind Edge
Where you load Curb or sidewalk side Edge Behind the van, often in a parking-lot lane
Ground clearance Lower (floor dropped roughly 10–14 in.) Higher Edge
Seating flexibility Most floor plans; removable front seats Edge Fewer layouts
Ramp types In-floor or fold-out, usually powered Manual or powered fold-out
Resale value Typically stronger; larger buyer pool Edge Smaller buyer pool
Best for Independent users, drivers, front-seat riders Caregiver-driven families, tighter budgets
60-second fit check

Which style fits your life?

Answer four quick questions for a starting recommendation. It's not a substitute for a test drive, but it narrows the field.

1. Will the wheelchair user ever drive the van?
2. Where would the wheelchair user like to ride?
3. Where do you park most often?
4. What matters more right now?
The detail most people miss

Parking: measure before you buy

A side-entry ramp needs roughly 8 feet of clear space beside the van so the chair can come down the ramp and turn. A rear-entry ramp needs that room behind the van instead. Before you choose, picture the places you go every week.

Try the tape-measure test

Measure your garage or driveway width, then check your usual stops: the doctor's office, church, the grocery store, your parking garage at work. If wide accessible spaces are hard to come by, rear-entry may fit your routine better. If you often park curbside downtown, side-entry lets you unload onto the sidewalk.

Florida driveways and ground clearance

Side-entry conversions lower the floor through the middle of the van for headroom. That's great inside, but take steep driveway aprons, speed bumps and parking blocks slowly. If your driveway has a sharp angle, ask us to test it during your visit.

How to decide

Three steps to the right van

1

Bring the actual wheelchair

Seated height, chair length and turning radius decide which ramps and door openings work. We'll measure the user seated in their chair, not just the chair.

2

Think five years ahead

Could the user want to drive later? Might a larger power chair be coming? Is a second wheelchair rider possible? Buying for the future avoids a costly second conversion.

3

Ride in both, or rent first

Test both styles in our Lakeland showroom. Still unsure? Rent a wheelchair van for a weekend and try it on your real routes before you commit.

FAQ

Side-entry vs rear-entry: common questions

What is the difference between a side-entry and rear-entry wheelchair van?

A side-entry van deploys its ramp from the passenger-side sliding door, so the wheelchair user can roll to the front passenger position or even drive. A rear-entry van deploys its ramp from the rear hatch, and the wheelchair user rides in the middle or back. Side-entry offers more seating flexibility and independence; rear-entry usually costs less and parks more easily in standard spaces.

Can I drive a rear-entry wheelchair van from my wheelchair?

Generally no. In a rear-entry van the wheelchair position is in the middle or rear of the vehicle. If the wheelchair user wants to drive or ride up front, choose a side-entry conversion and pair it with the right hand controls or driving aids.

Is a side-entry or rear-entry wheelchair van cheaper?

Rear-entry conversions are usually less expensive because the modification is less extensive. Side-entry conversions cost more but are more common, offer more floor plans, and tend to hold their resale value better. Ask about wheelchair van financing and pre-owned options to stretch your budget.

How much space do I need to park a side-entry wheelchair van?

Plan on roughly 8 feet of clear space beside the van so the ramp can deploy and the wheelchair can turn off it. That's why side-entry owners rely on van-accessible spaces with a wide striped aisle. A rear-entry van needs that room behind it instead, so it fits ordinary spaces as long as the area behind is clear.

Which wheelchair van has more ground clearance?

Rear-entry vans typically do. Side-entry conversions lower the floor through the middle of the vehicle, often by 10 to 14 inches, which improves headroom but reduces clearance on steep driveways, speed bumps and curbs.

Can more than one wheelchair user ride in the same van?

Some side-entry floor plans can carry two wheelchair users, and a few rear-entry layouts can as well. If your household needs room for two wheelchairs, tell us up front and we'll show you the floor plans built for it.

Where can I test-drive side-entry and rear-entry wheelchair vans near Lakeland, FL?

Visit The Mobility Van Store at 915 N Florida Ave in Lakeland to compare new and used BraunAbility and VMI wheelchair vans in person. We're a short drive from Winter Haven, Plant City, Tampa, Kissimmee and Orlando. Call (863) 688-3900 to schedule, or rent a van to try a layout first.

Try both styles in our Lakeland showroom

Bring the wheelchair, bring the family, and ride in side-entry and rear-entry vans back to back. Our team will measure, answer questions, and show you what's in stock today.

Call (863) 688-3900 Browse inventory
Showroom: 915 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Hours: Mon–Fri 9–5 · Sat 9–2 · Sun closed
Toll-free:(877) 633-7875
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