Best NEMT Vehicle Conversion Workshops and Mobility Van Dealerships

The industry of non-emergency medical transportation is essential in ensuring mobility of the vulnerable populations. Central to its success are the fleets of reliable and accessible vehicles designed to accommodate various mobility needs of the passengers. But who is behind designing and rebuilding these vehicles?

It is time to find out where NEMT vans come from. This article will feature a list of the best NEMT conversion workshops and dealerships with nationwide networks that ensure the medical transportation industry keeps moving and is equipped with the proper 4-wheel workhorses. Additionally, we will determine the criteria for choosing the best vendors from whom you will make the most important purchase to start your NEMT career.

Contents:

• What to Look for in a Conversion Workshop and Mobility Van Dealer?
• Best Vehicle Conversion Workshops for NEMT and Private Customers (Direct-to-Consumer Sales)
• Top Dealerships of NEMT Accessible Vehicles
• Conclusion

What to Look for in a Conversion Workshop and Mobility Van Dealer?

Any NEMT business journey starts with buying a vehicle that complies with the service requirements and matches your profile. You will be buying different vans and equipment, depending on the type of passengers you are willing to transport and the initial budget.

There are multiple routes for obtaining a properly equipped NEMT van:

• if you possess appropriate expertise, you can buy a new or used vehicle and convert it yourself
• you can buy a standard vehicle and request a modification from a qualified workshop
• you can avoid the hassle and shop for a ready-made vehicle online or from an existing inventory at an NEMT workshop/dealership

Very few people would go the route of converting the vehicle on their own. If you have the appropriate skills, maybe it is wise to reconsider your business aspirations of becoming a transportation provider and instead explore the more lucrative niche of vehicle conversions. All jokes aside, the overwhelming majority of NEMT entrepreneurs will choose to work with conversion workshops or dealerships that have solid experience in modifying vans.

The most common alterations required to perform medical transportation duties are: wheelchair lifts and ramps, lowered floors, wheelchair/stretcher securement systems, flexible seating (swivel and transfer seats), automatic doors, rear/side entry, grab bars and handrails, antislip flooring, intercoms, etc. All direct-to-consumer workshops and dealerships will advertise their ability to provide your NEMT business with the properly equipped van, but beware, these vendors should meet the following criteria:

1. Certification and compliance: The van conversions should be compliant with current DOT regulations and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards.
2. Customization options: Each NEMT conversion is unique. Some businesses might find it sufficient to operate a van with only a slide-away ramp, while others might require a fully equipped full-size model with a stretcher group and oxygen tanks. You should cooperate with the company that has expertise sufficient for your conversion requirements.
3. Experience and reputation: It is always a good idea to help out a small local business, but when it comes to ordering regulated modifications to a vehicle, it might be smart to work with a reputable and well-established vendor. Years of experience and positive customer testimonials are always a great sign. 
4. Warranty and support: Consider vendors that offer longer warranties, technical support, maintenance, and ongoing assistance for fleet management.

By applying these criteria to your search for a modified van vendor, you can narrow the list and avoid dealing with bad actors.

Best Vehicle Conversion Workshops for NEMT and Private Customers (Direct-to-Consumer Sales)

If you have specific conversion requirements, want to avoid dealership markups, or are simply wondering who is behind modifications that make NEMT vans safe, compliant, and accessible, here is the list of the most accomplished enterprises across the nation. The majority of non-emergency transportation vans that operate across the nation will likely come from these companies.

BraunAbility

With 50 years of engineering independence, a presence on 6 continents, and over 1 million converted vehicles, Braunability is an undisputed leader among mobility transportation providers. They provide conversions for both private and commercial applications. Their prime specializations are Toyota Siennas and Chrysler Pacificas, but Braunability also offers modifications of all kinds of complexity to other American and Japanese van models of different sizes. Their strengths are a robust dealer network, high reliability, and full ADA compliance.

VMI (Vantage Mobility International) and AMS Vans

VMI (Vantage Mobility International) has been around for 35 years. They pride their conversions for maximizing the interior space and durability of their vehicles, making them ideal for fleet operators. Minivan models in the inventory come from Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler. VMI’s commercial division produces ADA-compliant Toyota Sienna hybrid vans with a rear-entry ramp option, and they have one of the best-established dealer networks in the nation.

Abbreviated from America’s Mobility Superstore, AMS Vans operates both as a conversion workshop and a network of mobility van dealerships; they are currently owned by VMI. They focus on Dodge, Toyota, and Chrysler minivans, as well as full-size wheelchair vans with lift conversions based on the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Other Reputable Conversion Workshops

While Braunability and VMI are undisputed leaders in the accessibility van conversion industry,   there are quite a few more manufacturers with smaller reach yet attractive offerings. These companies convert vans for personal use and commercial applications. They often deliver nationwide, have agreements with repair workshops in multiple states, and can be very flexible when it comes to custom orders. Since NEMT providers might require vehicles that go beyond smaller minivan offerings that comprise the majority of BraunAbility’s and VMI’s portfolios, considering these workshops can be beneficial.

Freedom Motors USA: Accessible SUVs, vans, and other special vehicles delivered across the U.S. from Battle Creek, Michigan.

Sunset Vans: California-based enterprise that converts mobility vans underpinned by RAM Promasters and Ford Transits. Their latest builds are also based on the electric versions of these vans, which is yet uncommon for the industry. Sunset Vans offers great value, stress-free finance solutions, equipment maintenance, and a full-service online parts store.

ATC Innovative Mobility: Wheelchair-accessible adventure-ready trucks and SUVs from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rollx Vans: Great variety of minivans and full-size vans from Savage, Minnesota. Nationwide home delivery and service.

Adaptive Vans: Minivans and full-size conversions with lower prices and nationwide shipping from Tucker, Georgia.

FR Conversions: Versatile conversions for small and large vans, accessible fleets for commercial transit from Westminster, Maryland.

Assisted Transportation Systems: High-quality rear-entry wheelchair van conversions based on Ram, Dodge, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota vehicles (Columbia, Kentucky).

Triple S Mobility Pinellas ParkRear and Side-loading handicap minivans based on 2005 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, and Volkswagen minivans. (Pinellas Park, Florida).

TCI Mobility: Full-size medical vans built on Ford Transit and Ram Promaster chassis. Comfortable, safe, and compliant fleet vehicles for NEMT, paratransit, and other accessible transportation.

Top Dealerships of NEMT Accessible Vehicles

There are countless dealerships that sell handicap-converted vans that are ADA-compliant and would be perfect for performing NEMT duties. However, two major conglomerates and one family-owned business have the largest number of locations across the United States. These are MobilityWorks, United Access, and Superior Van & Mobility. The trio sells both new and used vehicles from reliable conversion workshops mentioned above.

MobilityWorks

MobilityWorks has over 90 showroom locations across the United States, offering one of the largest inventories of wheelchair accessible vehicles. They provide various financing and leasing options tailored for businesses, ensuring flexible payment plans. MobilityWorks offers adaptive equipment services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. They have a dedicated commercial fleet department that markets wheelchair vans, shuttles, and ADA-compliant minivans from Braunability, Driverge Vehicle Innovations, and VMI.

United Access

United Access is a subsidiary of Braunability and the second largest mobility dealer in the US. It provides a wide range of new, used, and certified pre-owned wheelchair-accessible vehicles, including side-entry and rear-entry options. They are known for excellent customer service and after-sale support. United Access commits to customer satisfaction and offers personalized care from purchase through ownership. They have over 50 locations across the country, making it easy to find a dealership nearby that sells BraunAbility and VMI vehicles.

Superior Van & Mobility

Superior Van & Mobility is the largest independent, family-owned mobility dealership in the South and Midwest with 18 locations. They offer a vast selection of new and used wheelchair-accessible vans, automotive wheelchair and scooter lifts, mobility seating, and adaptive driving aids. Superior Van & Mobility is praised for its excellent customer service, providing personalized solutions and support before and after the sale.

Conclusion

The NEMT industry depends heavily on reliable and accessible vehicles tailored to meet diverse passenger needs. By understanding the key players in the conversion and dealership sectors, NEMT operators can make informed decisions about their fleets. Whether you’re looking for custom modifications or ready-made solutions, the companies and criteria highlighted in this article provide a solid foundation for your search.

Investing in the right vehicle is more than just a purchase—it’s a commitment to ensuring safety, comfort, and accessibility for those who rely on these services. It is also vital to supercharge your fleet with proven NEMT software like RouteGenie. With the right partners, your NEMT business will not only comply with regulations but also provide a superior experience for passengers. Choose wisely, and your investment will drive your success for years to come.