The ins, outs, ups, and downs of choosing an MS-accessible minivan

I would say that no one grows up telling themselves that they can’t wait to get their first minivan, but that’s probably just my opinion. I will allow for the possibility that some people have thought that exact thing, but I never did.

As I imagine is the case for most people, I didn’t learn to appreciate the practicality of minivans until I began having children.

Even then, my family went through several increasingly larger SUVs instead. It had nothing to do with image or some misplaced idea of masculinity, but because they better accommodated our need for space and towing ability.

About four years ago, minivans’ practicality occurred to me again, but this time it wasn’t because I needed to find the right vehicle for a family of five. Instead, it was due to multiple sclerosis (MS) and my finally accepting that it was time to get an accessible vehicle to accommodate my disability.

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My disability makes the decision

Actually, it was past time. I began using a wheelchair part time in 2019 and full time a little over a year later, and managed to make do with awkward transfers and bumper-mounted chair carriers until I absolutely couldn’t anymore. At first, we got a minivan with a ramp and lowered floor that let me ride up front, but the children have continued to grow, as they are wont to do, and now we need a full-size van.

Wheelchair-accessible minivans do have their drawbacks. Trying to squeeze three growing boys into one small bench seat is one issue, while the lowered, rubberized floor amplifies the road noise and is prone to rubbing on speed bumps and steep parking lot entrances. A larger vehicle would solve all of this, but at the cost of switching from a ramp to a lift.

A large, accessible SUV is a possibility, but the extra expense of modifying one and the maintenance required make it not very practical for us. Of course, a full-size van would also need to be modified, and, without the lower floor, riding up front will no longer be an option for me.

The cost

Vehicles adapted for disabled users are not inexpensive. Modifying one is a significant addition to the vehicle’s retail cost, and the maintenance required for the specialized equipment adds routine expenses as well. Fortunately for my family, there are programs in our state that can assist with the extra costs of an accessible vehicle. It has taken some research and effort, but it’s been more than worth it as we search for a full-size van that will accommodate both my wheelchair and our family.

In yet another example of “do as I say, not as I did,” this is one of those things you shouldn’t wait to consider until you desperately need it. I cannot recommend highly enough to anyone with disabling MS symptoms that they should begin looking into vehicle adaptations as early as possible.

The options may not be very glamorous, but this disease is very unglamorous at times, granting comfort and practicality a certain style and sophistication all their own.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.