We often think of vehicle accessibility in terms of providing the disabled driver with the equipment he or she will need to successfully navigate the roads from behind the wheel.   Obviously, that is an essential component to accessibility.   However, it is really only half of the story.

The other half involves core issues of access.   All of the low-effort steering, hand controls and other driving modifications in the world are not worth much if the driver of the vehicle has difficulties getting in and out from behind the wheel.   Those issues must be addressed before we even begin to worry about other aspects of accessibility.

Remote entry is one way to overcome some of the “in and out” hurdles.

Van and minivan doors can be quite heavy.   They also tend to have handles in places that are anything but convenient for those in wheelchairs to use.   That can lead to a difficult situation for the wheelchair-bound driver.   Getting in and out can become an annoying wrestling matches with van doors to simple enter the vehicle.   Once inside, closing the doors can be a struggle, as well.

Remote entry solves this problem by motorizing the chosen doors of the vehicle and allowing the driver to control them via remote control.   Pushing a button on a keychain can result in a door automatically opening without any other human intervention.

When the driver is inside, another press of the button will close the door.   There is no need to struggle with handles or bulky door.   Everything is done automatically thanks to the remotely controlled electrical motors.   It is a much less labor-intensive and far safer way to go.

Many new vans come with stock remote entry options.   These are usually reserved for the side doors, which may be exactly what an owner who uses a wheelchair would like.   Those who need motorized remote entry solutions for other doors do not need to worry, though.   A qualified conversion expert should be able to install units wherever they are necessary.

In order for a wheelchair van to have any real value, its driver needs to be able to get in and out without trouble.   One of the best ways to work toward that goal is via the installation of remote entry options.   It decreases the effort required to get in and out of the van, providing users with new levels of accessibility and much greater ease of use.