Get Your Free BraunAbility Dealer Information Guide

What Is BraunAbility and Why They Offer This Guide

BraunAbility is a company that manufactures and sells mobility vehicles—specifically, vehicles modified to accommodate people with disabilities. Since 1966, they have produced wheelchair-accessible vans and other adaptive vehicles. The company operates across the United States and works with a network of authorized dealers who sell and service these vehicles.

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Because BraunAbility vehicles represent a significant purchase decision, the company provides free informational materials to help people understand their options. The BraunAbility Dealer Information Guide is one such resource. This guide is designed to be educational material that introduces potential customers to the types of vehicles available, how the dealer network operates, and what to expect when working with a BraunAbility dealer.

The guide does not determine whether someone should purchase a vehicle, nor does it make decisions about financing or insurance coverage. Instead, it serves as background information for people exploring adaptive vehicle options. The guide is particularly useful for people who are new to the concept of mobility vehicles or who want to understand how BraunAbility's dealer system works before contacting a representative.

BraunAbility offers this guide at no charge because an informed customer is more likely to make a good purchasing decision. When people understand the basics before reaching out to a dealer, conversations tend to be more productive and focused. This guide represents the company's effort to provide educational resources to the public.

Practical Takeaway: Use this guide as a starting point to learn about adaptive vehicles and BraunAbility's dealer network. It provides foundational information without requiring you to commit to anything or speak with a salesperson first.

Types of Vehicles Available Through BraunAbility Dealers

BraunAbility dealers offer several categories of adaptive vehicles, each designed for different needs and preferences. Understanding these categories helps you determine which type might match your situation.

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Wheelchair-Accessible Vans are the most common BraunAbility product. These are standard minivans or full-size vans that have been modified to accommodate wheelchairs. The modifications typically include a wheelchair lift or ramp system, lowered or removed seats to create space, and sometimes specialized controls. These vans allow a wheelchair user to remain in their chair while the vehicle is in motion, or to transfer to a regular seat, depending on the configuration. Full-size vans offer more space and may accommodate multiple wheelchair users or attendants.

Side-Entry Vehicles feature a lift or ramp positioned on the side of the vehicle. The wheelchair user enters from the side rather than the rear. This setup works well when parking space is limited, since you don't need as much room behind the vehicle. Side-entry configurations are popular in urban areas and for people who prefer easier transfers in and out.

Rear-Entry Vehicles have the lift or ramp at the back of the van. These are common in many regions and offer straightforward loading and unloading. Rear-entry systems often provide more interior flexibility for seating arrangements.

Transfer Vehicles are designed for people who can transfer from a wheelchair to a regular car seat but need structural modifications to accommodate their wheelchair in the vehicle. These might include shortened door frames, lowered entry steps, or hand controls for acceleration and braking. Transfer vehicles offer more traditional car or SUV styling while still providing accessibility features.

Scooter-Accessible Vehicles accommodate mobility scooters rather than manual wheelchairs. These vehicles have different lift systems and interior configurations than wheelchair vans because scooters are heavier and bulkier. Some scooter lifts are designed as external platforms rather than internal cargo space.

Practical Takeaway: Review each vehicle category to identify which matches your mobility situation. If you use a wheelchair, consider whether side-entry or rear-entry better fits your lifestyle. If you use a scooter, note that different lift technology applies. This information helps you ask informed questions when speaking with a dealer.

How the BraunAbility Dealer Network Functions

BraunAbility operates through a network of independent authorized dealers rather than through company-owned showrooms everywhere. Understanding how this network works explains why your experience may vary depending on which dealer you work with.

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Each authorized BraunAbility dealer is an independent business that has been trained and certified by BraunAbility to sell and service their vehicles. Dealers typically operate within specific geographic regions. A dealer might serve a state, a multi-state area, or a major metropolitan region, depending on the population density and market demand in their territory.

Dealers purchase inventory from BraunAbility's manufacturing facilities or distribution centers. They maintain showrooms where customers can see vehicles in person, discuss options, and sometimes take vehicles for demonstration drives. Because dealers are independent businesses, their showroom amenities, hours of operation, and customer service approaches may differ from one location to another.

Most dealers offer customization services. If you need specific modifications beyond the standard options—such as particular hand control configurations, specialized seating, or additional storage—your dealer works with you to plan those features. Some modifications are completed at the dealership, while others may be handled at BraunAbility's manufacturing facilities.

Dealers are also responsible for service and maintenance after purchase. If you have mechanical issues, need repairs, or require adjustments to your adaptive equipment, you typically return to the dealer where you purchased the vehicle. Large dealerships may have multiple service bays and service technicians trained on BraunAbility equipment. Smaller dealers may have more limited service capacity or may arrange service through partner shops.

The dealer's role extends to helping with financing and insurance. Many dealers have relationships with lenders who specialize in vehicle financing and can discuss payment options. Some dealers also work with insurance companies and may provide guidance on coverage for adaptive equipment.

Practical Takeaway: When seeking a BraunAbility vehicle, locate the authorized dealer in your region and understand what services they offer beyond sales. Confirm their service capacity and hours, especially if you will need ongoing maintenance or adjustments. Different dealers may have different strengths, so asking questions about their specific capabilities is worthwhile.

Understanding the Customization and Modification Process

One of the significant advantages of purchasing through a BraunAbility dealer is the ability to customize your vehicle to match your specific needs. The modification process is more involved than buying a standard vehicle off a lot, and understanding the steps helps set realistic expectations.

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Initial Assessment: When you first meet with a dealer, they assess your needs. This includes understanding your mobility device (wheelchair or scooter), your physical capabilities, whether you will transfer to a car seat or remain in your mobility device while driving, the number of passengers you typically transport, and your budget. Some dealers may have you demonstrate how you transfer or position yourself to better understand the necessary modifications.

Vehicle Selection: Based on your needs, the dealer recommends vehicle options. You might choose between a minivan and a full-size van, or between different seating configurations. This decision affects cost, fuel efficiency, ease of handling, and interior space.

Lift and Ramp Selection: If your vehicle will have a wheelchair lift or ramp, the dealer helps you choose the specific system. Different lifts have different weight capacities, operating speeds, and safety features. Some are fully automatic, while others require manual operation. Your dealer explains the pros and cons of each option.

Seat and Interior Configuration: Dealers help you plan which seats to remove or modify, where your mobility device will be positioned while the vehicle is in motion, where additional passengers will sit, and what storage or safety equipment you need. Some people want the ability to dock their wheelchair in a secure location; others prefer flexibility in positioning.

Control Systems: If you are the driver and need hand controls or other specialized controls, the dealer arranges these. Hand controls allow you to operate acceleration and braking without using your feet. Some vehicles also feature modified steering wheels or other custom driving controls.

Timeline and Production: Many BraunAbility vehicles are built to order rather than sold from existing inventory. If extensive customization is needed, the vehicle may be manufactured at a BraunAbility facility according to your specifications. This process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of modifications and current production schedules. The dealer provides an estimated timeline.

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