Adapting a minibus to carry a wheel chair is a specialist job and there are very clear legal guidelines to conform to in the process. Broadly, it falls under one of three categories, M1 for 8 seats including a driver’s seat, M2 for more than 8 seats but less than 5 tonnes and M3 for more than 8 seats and more than 5 tonnes
The conversion that we are asked for mostly is for a 16 or 17 seat school minibus to carry two wheel chairs. In fact, what happens is that you will lose some of the seating in the standard minibus as the seats are replaced with removable but secure seating that is taken out when one or two wheelchairs are carried. A Ford minibus with 16 seats becomes a 13 seater which is then a 10 seater plus two wheel chairs. Although a factual example of a minibus that we supplied today, the above is only indicative as different layouts and different manufacturers will approach the task in their own way
School minibus video
The ramp or tail lift will be one of three types. An underslung or internal pull out that simply makes a ramp to push the wheel chair up , a hydraulic horizontal lift that can be underslung or internal or thirdly the European system on cantilevering the ramp so that you effectively roll the wheel chair and ramp into the back of the minibus. As well as making room for the wheel chairs, account must be made for the ramp system which is why the seat reduction is more than you may first expect
The lifts and ramps vary in price as do conversions. Price wise we will get several options for you to choose from and the conversion can be included in your minibus lease