IMS Releases New Accessible Vehicle
IMS (Independent Mobility Systems), known for its Rampvan line of accessible Minivans has released a new product, complete with rear-entry wheelchair access and a modern design. IMS worked with Toyota’s Scion division in developing the Scion xB xRamp system. Conversion work is done by IMS and can be installed in any Scion xB, including previous editions already on the road.
A new vehicle with the full mobility package costs about $30,000. Previously, most ramp-equipped vehicles have been minivans because of their size and sliding door features. Paul Edwards, Engineering Manager for IMS, noted that the two things that make the Scion xB attractive are its style and its price.
A brand new Toyota Scion xB (without the mobility package) is priced at $15,000; much less than a typical minivan.
Detroit News reported the new vehicle and described the process by which they make the car wheelchair accessible.
- Rear hatch door is equipped with the power-opening motors from the Toyota Sienna minivan.
- Rear bumper is revised and integrated into the rear hatch for a smoother look.
- IMS lowers the xB’s interior floor and installs a power ramp.
- Rear seat is removed to secure the wheelchair.
- Power swivel driver’s seat.
IMS is also offering rear-entry minivans in its line of products. This feature is helpful in that an accessibility vehicle has more freedom in where it can be parked, without worrying about room on the side to let down the ramp.
However, the downside to the IMS minivan being equipped with rear-entry access is that there are two additional rear passenger seats between the ramp access space and the drivers seat. If the driver needs to transfer him or herself to the driver’s seat from the wheelchair, this would be a problematic obstacle.
The Scion xB has only 2 seats; the driver and the passenger, so that access from the rear of the vehicle is problem-free.
October 27th, 2005 at 3:15 pm
Another great thing about this is that Scions are sporty and fun. It seems like mobility equipment in general is moving away from clunky, sterile and solely functional to embrace form and syle. This is huge. If everyone chose cars only for their functionality, we’d probably all be driving Priuses. The disability community should also have the opportunity to drive cars that match individual personalities.
One troubling thing, though. The rear-entry system seems kind of dangerous. In a parking lot the ramp would descend right into the middle of the traffic lane. I wonder how people deal with that…
June 18th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
In a parking lot most people would notice the tailgate that goes up on the Scion XB vehicles. The ramp does not seem to extend far beyond that so it should be okay. I now have an SUV that the tailgate extends up automatically and have had no problem.