Regular and independent users of the same vehicle often use a docking lock device where an installed pin on the wheelchair docks into a crash-tested locking receiver. Tie-down points are added or referred to as L-track, which is the receiver that the tie-downs or commonly used Q-Straint 4 point tie down system click(s) into to secure the wheelchair occupant.However any credible manufacturer will crash test and certify with NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to meet all vehicle safety crash test standards. Crash testing and or certification is not mandated by any governing authority.The vehicle is certified to meet the safety requirements of the country in which it is to be used.Modifications are far more extensive in a side-entry conversion versus a rear entry. Gas tanks and fuel lines may be modified, brake lines and mufflers rerouted, door panels extended, electrical systems modified, etc.NEMT, commercial or accessible Taxis are usually manual ramp, non-kneeling configurations. Kneel systems are often recommended when the primary passenger is an unattended manual wheelchair user, usually is the driver of the vehicle or the typical usage evaluation indicates multiple entries / exits daily. A modern system by FR Conversions retracts the suspension into the chassis body rather than compressing it, providing an exceptionally low effort entry for manual wheelchair users. Most kneel systems are very simplistic in design as a stainless steel cable pinches the frame to the rear axle creating a lower angle for entry and exit. While power chair users are able to ingress and egress effortlessly because of the powered wheelchair, wheel slipping is a severe safety issue and so ramp angle is critical. The geometry of newer models allows the vehicle to maintain OEM ground clearance and ADA standards without a kneeling system. A power kneeling system is often added to side entry conversions to reduce the slope of the ramp, however, is not necessary in all cases.Higher quality vehicles typically raise all four corners of the vehicle to preserve OEM driving characteristics. Suspension in the rear of the vehicle is typically raised via taller springs to allow extra weight and increased ground clearance partially compensating the lowered floor.Turney Seats are not typically found on a lowered floor accessible van as they are utilized by people with reduced mobility not seated in a wheelchair 100% of the time Means of external access added (This is most often a ramp, lift, or rotating seat) A rotating seat or (Turney Seat) will lower outside the vehicle allowing the individual to ambulate from the vehicle seat to the wheelchair or vice versa.Second row seats are removed altogether providing the lowered floor footprint allowing room for the wheelchair user to turn and sit in a forward-facing direction In certain cases the front seats are removable allowing a wheelchair to be positioned in either the front driver or passenger position or ride amidships. Seating is modified to allow wheelchair access.Rear entry converted vans are typically manufactured with a manual ramp, are ADA compliant and will accommodate 99% of all wheelchairs, scooters and people. Despite the fact that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not extend its jurisdiction to private Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) vehicles, individual states frequently establish separate regulations that mandate NEMT vans to adhere to ADA stipulations.
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