BraunAbility is a manufacturer and modifier of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, not a wheelchair brand itself

BraunAbility makes vans and vehicles that are modified to work with wheelchairs — either through lifts that raise a wheelchair into the vehicle, ramps that fold down from the door, or hand controls that let you operate the pedals from your hands. The company does not make wheelchairs. It modifies existing vans (usually Chrysler Pacificas, Honda Odysseys, or Toyota Siennas) so that you can get inside them while seated in your own wheelchair, or transfer to a driver's seat if you can do that.

BraunAbility is one of several companies that do this work. Others include VMI (Vehicle Modifications Inc.), Mobility Ventures, and regional shops. The choice between them usually comes down to which vehicles they modify, what lift or ramp systems they use, what your insurance will cover, and whether a dealer is near you.

Key Takeaways

  • BraunAbility modifies vans with wheelchair lifts or ramps so you can enter while seated in your wheelchair, but does not manufacture the wheelchair itself.
  • The company works with specific van models — mainly Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna — and adds either a lift system or a ramp system depending on your needs.
  • A BraunAbility van costs between $50,000 and $80,000 depending on the base vehicle and the modification type, and may be covered in part by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance in some states.
  • You can buy a new van modified by BraunAbility, or buy a used van and have BraunAbility or another modifier retrofit it, which is usually cheaper.
  • BraunAbility has dealers across the United States, but availability and pricing vary by location and by what your insurance will cover.

How BraunAbility lifts and ramps work

A wheelchair lift is a platform attached to the side or rear of the van that lowers to the ground, you roll your wheelchair onto it, and then it raises you into the vehicle. You stay in your wheelchair the whole time. BraunAbility's most common lift is the Turbo, which is hydraulic and can handle wheelchairs up to about 600 pounds. The lift takes about 30 seconds to raise or lower.

A wheelchair ramp is a folding or sliding ramp that extends from the van's door to the ground, letting you roll up into the vehicle. Ramps are lighter and simpler than lifts, so they use less power and are cheaper to install. They work best if you have a manual wheelchair or a lightweight power wheelchair, because heavier chairs are harder to push up a ramp. BraunAbility's ramps fold into the van when not in use.

Some BraunAbility vans come with a lowered floor, which reduces the height you have to climb or roll up. This is often paired with a shorter ramp or a small lift. Lowered-floor vans are more expensive to modify but easier to enter.

What a BraunAbility van costs and how to pay for it

A new van modified by BraunAbility costs between $50,000 and $80,000, depending on the base vehicle (a Pacifica costs more than an Odyssey) and whether you choose a lift or ramp. This is on top of the cost of the van itself, which BraunAbility typically includes in the final price.

Medicaid covers wheelchair-accessible vehicle modifications in some states, but the rules vary widely. Some states cover the full cost, others cover a portion, and some do not cover vehicles at all. You will need a prescription from a doctor or occupational therapist saying the modification is medically necessary. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask whether your state covers this and what the process is.

Medicare does not cover vehicle modifications directly, but some Medicare Advantage plans may. Check your plan documents or call the plan to ask.

Private insurance rarely covers vehicle modifications, but some policies do. Call your insurer and ask whether durable medical equipment (DME) benefits cover wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Veterans may be covered through the VA's Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program if they have a service-connected disability. The VA can pay up to a set amount toward the modification. Contact your VA regional office to learn whether you may have access to.

If insurance does not cover the cost, you can buy a used BraunAbility van (which costs $25,000 to $50,000 depending on age and mileage) or buy a used van and have BraunAbility or another modifier retrofit it, which is usually cheaper than buying new.

BraunAbility versus other wheelchair van modifiers

BraunAbility is the largest wheelchair van modifier in the United States, with dealers in most states. VMI is another major national company. Both offer similar products — lifts, ramps, lowered floors — on similar vehicles. The main differences are which dealers are near you, which vehicles each company modifies, and what their lift or ramp systems cost.

Some regional shops also do wheelchair van modifications and may be cheaper or more flexible about which vehicles they will modify. If you have a van you already own and want to modify it, a regional shop may be your only option, because BraunAbility typically sells new or used vans that it has already modified.

Before choosing a modifier, get quotes from at least two companies, ask whether your insurance will cover their work, and ask how long the modification takes and whether they offer a loaner vehicle while yours is being worked on.

How to find a BraunAbility dealer near you

BraunAbility's website has a dealer locator tool where you can enter your zip code and see which dealers are nearby. You can also call BraunAbility directly at 1-800-488-0359 to ask about dealers in your area.

When you contact a dealer, have ready: your insurance information, a description of your wheelchair (weight, width, whether it is manual or power), and whether you need to drive the van or be a passenger. The dealer can then tell you which vehicles and modification options will work for you and what your insurance might cover.

Buying new versus used, and retrofitting your own van

A new BraunAbility van comes with a warranty on both the vehicle and the modification, and you know the full history. The downside is the cost — $50,000 to $80,000.

A used BraunAbility van is cheaper ($25,000 to $50,000) but the warranty may be shorter or expired, and you inherit any wear on the lift or ramp system. Ask the dealer for maintenance records and whether the lift or ramp has been serviced recently.

If you already own a van, you can have BraunAbility or another modifier retrofit it — add a lift or ramp to your existing vehicle. This is usually cheaper than buying a new modified van, but it takes longer (typically 4 to 8 weeks) and the dealer will need to inspect your van first to make sure it can handle the modification. Not all vans are suitable; the vehicle needs to be in good mechanical condition and the right size and weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own wheelchair in a BraunAbility van, or do I have to transfer to a seat?

You can stay in your own wheelchair if the van has a lift or ramp. You roll onto the lift or up the ramp and find your wheelchair to the floor with tie-downs. If you are the driver, you will need to transfer to the driver's seat, which requires you to be able to move from your wheelchair to a car seat.

How long does it take to get a BraunAbility van?

A new van typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from order to delivery, because BraunAbility modifies the vehicle after it arrives from the manufacturer. A used van is available when ready if the dealer has one in stock. A retrofit of your own van takes 4 to 8 weeks.

What happens if the lift or ramp breaks?

BraunAbility lifts and ramps come with a warranty (usually 3 to 5 years on new vehicles). After the warranty expires, repairs cost $500 to $2,000 depending on what is broken. Many dealers offer service plans that cover repairs for a monthly fee. Ask about this when you buy.

Does BraunAbility modify trucks or SUVs, or only vans?

BraunAbility primarily modifies vans because vans have more interior space and a lower floor, making it easier to fit a lift or ramp. Some regional modifiers do work on SUVs or trucks, but it is less common and more expensive.

Can I get a BraunAbility van if I use a power wheelchair?

Yes. BraunAbility lifts are rated for wheelchairs up to 600 pounds, which covers most power wheelchairs. Ramps work with power wheelchairs too, but heavier chairs are harder to push up a ramp, so a lift is usually better for power users. Ask the dealer what your specific wheelchair weighs and whether a ramp or lift is the better fit.