Also known as a Wheelchair Van Conversion, leasing upfitted vans or shuttle buses to accommodate wheelchair users is our specialty. As the leading independent provider of wheelchair-accessible van leasing and financing in New England, Capital Lease Group has spent over five decades perfecting this process. While we primarily serve customers in our New England region, we also work with clients across the country, providing tailored solutions to meet the unique mobility needs of their businesses.

 

Our customers appreciate our exceptional service, attention to detail, and our ongoing commitment to maintenance management. Over the years, we have provided thousands of upfitted vehicles, each designed with safety, comfort, and functionality in mind.

 

 

What is a Wheel Chair Upfit?

A chair upfit refers to modifications made to a standard passenger vehicles, cargo vans, or busses to accommodate and securely transport wheelchair users and ambulatory passengers. These modifications ensure a comfortable and safe ride for individuals with mobility challenges by incorporating specialized seating, Q-Straint securement systems, and accessibility features.

 

Our Process

Every upfit begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand your specific requirements, leveraging our extensive experience to recommend solutions that best fit your needs.

Using advanced vehicle build software, we design a customized proposal for your vehicle.

Through our strong partnerships with trusted suppliers, we ensure your vehicle arrives fully equipped and ready to serve its passengers.

 

Choosing the Right Van

Unlike standard passenger vehicles, upfitted vans designed for wheelchair accessibility are not typically available at local dealerships. Instead, these vehicles are pre-ordered from manufacturers at select times throughout the year, requiring careful planning. Cargo vans with windows are particularly uncommon, and modifying a passenger van—removing seats, carpet, and other elements—often leads to unnecessary expenses. We help our clients make informed decisions to ensure they receive the right vehicle without added costs or complications.

 

Key Features of a Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle

1. Securement Systems

One of the most critical aspects of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is the securement system, which ensures that mobility devices remain safely in place during transport. These systems include:

• Tie-down straps or docking systems that secure the wheelchair to the floor, preventing movement.
• Wheelchair restraints, such as lap belts and shoulder harnesses, for additional security.
• Floor anchors, providing strong attachment points for tie-downs or docking systems.

 

We rely on Q-Straint wheelchair securement solutions, known for their reliability and ease of use. See Q-Straint in Action, with instructions on how to use Q-Straints on our YouTube channel. We also offer in-person training.

 

2. Ramps and Lifts

Accessibility begins with easy entry and exit. Depending on your needs, we offer both ramps and lifts:

• Ramps can be manual or electric, folding out from the side or rear of the van.
• Lifts use a combination of hydraulic and electric systems to raise the wheelchair into the vehicle.

 

We primarily install lifts from BraunAbility, a trusted name in ADA-compliant mobility solutions. Their current products include:

• Century 2 Wheelchair Lift – A streamlined, budget-friendly option with dual hydraulic arms.
• Millennium 2 Wheelchair Lift – A heavy-duty model featuring a hydraulically operated roll-stop for added security.
• NL500 Wheelchair Lift – Designed specifically for motorcoaches.
• NUVL855 Wheelchair Lift – A fully automatic, under-the-vehicle lift that remains out of sight when not in use.

 

4. Interior Modifications

To ensure a smooth and accessible ride, we incorporate a variety of interior modifications, including:

• Custom seating configurations, allowing space for wheelchair users while accommodating additional passengers.
• Safety features, such as grab handles, seat belts, and interior padding.
• Accessibility enhancements, including handrails, user-friendly controls, and optimized lighting.
• Space-efficient layouts, maximizing maneuverability within the vehicle.

 

If you want to design your own layout, the Plan-A-Van Tool from AbiliTrax allows you to customize floor plans by dragging and dropping seats, wheelchair positions, and lifts into your desired configuration.

 

5. Exterior Enhancements

Some modifications may extend beyond the interior, such as:

• Raised roofs, providing additional headroom for employees servicing  wheelchair users.
• Exterior signage, marking the vehicle as wheelchair-accessible as well as any branding or logo’s you may want to include in your lease payment.

 

6. Compliance and Customization

Ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility regulations is a top priority.

• ADA Compliance – All vehicles meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
• Safety Standards – Each upfit adheres to strict safety guidelines.
• Customization Options – We tailor every vehicle to match your organization’s needs.
• Full 7D Compliance for pupil plated vehicles or livery vehicles that will serve children and schools

 

7. Some of the Additional Features We Recommend

• Limited Slip Differential – Essential for high-roof vans, which can be more susceptible to wind resistance and challenging road conditions. This feature improves traction and vehicle control.
• Extra Keys – Many of our clients have multiple drivers, so we ensure spare keys are available.
• Customized L Track- No cookie cutter solutions, we offer as much as you need to accommodate the variety of wheelchairs in use.
• Speed Governors – Limits maximum speed to improve safety and prevent speeding-related incidents.

 

For over 53 years, Capital Lease Group has been a trusted provider of custom wheelchair-accessible vans and shuttle buses. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, reliable mobility solutions tailored to your needs.

Let Capital Lease Group help you design the ideal vehicle for safe, comfortable, and efficient transportation.—learn more today.