Scion's accessible minicar
The Scion xB (2005 review here; 2006 review coming soon) is one of our favorite cars for its utility, economy and maneuverability. This year Scion will start selling a wheelchair-accessible version called the xB Rampvan. One of the nice features is that entry is to the rear. I hate it when dolts with handicapped permits park in the wheelchair-ramp spots (you know, the ones to the left of the big blue grid), and non-ambulatory folks with side-ramp vans are forced to park way out in the emptiest part of the lot, lest someone park next to them and prevent them from getting back into their vans. Rear access will give xB Rampvan owners more flexibility and even allow them to park with the general public when all the handicapped spaces are taken.
I think Scion should be applauded for offering an accessible small car. I'll be reviewing the xB Rampvan in May, and since I'm ambulatory, I will be enlisting the help of some folks in wheelchairs. Meanwhile, if you're in wheelchair (or if you motor with someone who is) and have any opinions or suggestions for the revew, I'd love to hear them. Email me or, better yet, click the comment link below and share your thoughts and advice. -- Aaron Gold
Thanks for the info on the xB Rampvan. This is great news for us handicapped car guys, but please leave the handicapped parking issues to us. You know, walk the walk…
Great idea! You’re the best….Me.
Too bad it’s on the most hideously ugly vehicle ever built in the history of the automobile. Whatever happened to aerodynamics? You remember it, it had the ability to make a vehicle quieter and more stable at speed and get better mileage? The XB makes the original Chrysler minivans look like beautifully sculpted French designs of the ’30s.
Although I’m not handycapped I think it’s a great idea. But wouldn’t be also wonderful for loading bulky and /or heavy objects?
The Japanese have been making similar micro cars with rear wheelchair access for many years. Now they see a market where north americans thought you needed a full size van for the job.
There are almost 100 different designs of wheelchair accessible cars made in Japan but trying importing one. There are two obstacles; the EPA and the DOT, federal agencies with regulations make it 100% impossible, what happened after WWII when soldiers brought back so many British MGs and sports cars here? I guess that the rules were different then. The EPA has a joke of an exemption, if you are handicapped, but you have to buy the car first and then they will consider it but it stays in storage until the DOT, with no exemptions sees your car converted, which is cost prohibitive. So cos. that charge as much and more for the mods than what the actual car costs win out here in this artificial American market.
I’m a wheelchair user who has driven a variety of accessible vehicles: cars w/ car-top wheelchair carriers, full sized vans and (currently) minivans.
It’s nice that there’s an accessible vehicle out there that gets good gas mileage and isn’t as large as an Abrams tank! Supposedly the asking price will be more reasonable than other accessible vehicles too. It should be, as the Scion xB’s base price is low compared to most vehicles.
I agree that there are some advantages to a rear entry vehicle, but there are negatives too .. such as parallel parking access. Just something to consider.
My wife and I test drove a Scion xB (before any announcement of an accessible version), and found it to have excellent build quality. What amazed us was, despite its lack of aerodynamics, it rode very quiet. Toyota/Scion did a good job of controlling wind noise. The engine had decent pep, though not as much as my wife’s Toyota Matrix.
I would buy one in a heartbeat IF they would make a driver-side, wheelchair accessible version of this vehicle. A rear entry version has no appeal to me because it would require me to park my chair and transfer to a driver’s seat. I’ve been there and done that, and it’s (personally) an inconvenience considering my disability.
Freedom Motors, Inc. has a wheelchair driver accessible version of the PT Cruiser that I’d LOVE to see emulated with the Scion xB.
I am disabled in an electric wheel chair.
Is the ramp automatic or do you need to lift it in any way?
Do you lose seat space?
How will I order one?
I would be happy to be your disabled companion. I am very well versed in assessibility requirements for architecture and parking.
I’ll be sure to put answers to all of those questions in the review. I will get the car on May 3rd and should have the review posted mid-May. We already have a couple of people on wheelchairs who will help us test, but thank you for offering! — Aaron
How much will one of the new 2006 Xb Scion Rampvan cost? Basic set up without all the bells and whistles. Tho the flames are pretty cool…
I am wheelchair bound….expense and function are huge concerns…you might want to review the cost of a powerchair, ramps and lift (none of which are covered by insurance). My last power wheelchair cost more than my current vehicle (before the $14,000 lift alteration/installation). Hope the inside has a lot more style than the outside! We’ve been put up in oversized vans for a long time now….Also, Hope they have considered the weight of these new chairs (my batteries are 85 lbs ea…there are two and they cannot be removed). I would love to see some conveniences inside too….ease of securing the chair, option to transfer into a driver seat or use the chair, what about room for passengers? or do we travel alone? It looks like the whole back is open…in which case some sort of storage would be necessary or my purse, books, etc will be floating all over the place. Overall, I am just thrilled that someone has decided to address the need. Any beginning is a welcome relief. After the initial shock of this life altering disability the two most heartbreaking losses were high heels and great wheels. If you haven’t noticed…the wheelchair folks tend to overlook our human side…the chairs are boxy, medicinal and I haven’t seen any really good options for say carrying a pencil, purse, bookbag, supplies or shopping…. any convenienes and GADGETS would be a welcome addition…thx for taking time to review…can’t wait to read what you have to say…. May God Bless You Lynne
Sign for up for the first roll-in drivers spot ie. pt driver.
thank you for giving younger people an option outside of a van. i’m only 23, but just because i’m parlyzed doesn’t mean that i should be confined to a van. thank you again.
Hi please is there anyone who can give information about can I convert my van to be wheelchair accessible? this is my e-mail: karim2005@excite.com
Thanks
Thanks! I’m very interest! Want small, I can drive from my small electric chair.
Please send info.
We really need this!
Alison
Could you check the height,hopefully they increased. Checked out the Scion conversion in WA while renting a wheelchair. Great vehicle considering all the costs that comes with being wheelchair bound and no sources to help. But the head room was about only 2 inches which is very dangerous for someone who is 50″ in chair! Thank you for advocating for those in need.
Halleluia! I cant wait for the Scion!
However I do agree on the headroom problem. They need to add at least 4 inches to make it safe. Wheelchair passengers tend to have the taller chairs. Any Idea when?
Sounds good, the height may be a problem especially for people who have a chair that tilts (this adds an extra 8″ of height. Although I have been blocked twice from entering my rear-entry van in the last 6 months; almost every “wheelchair” parking spot I have occupied is not nearly wide enough to have accommodated a side-entry ramp. Also, it is a concern re: storage, other passenger room.
problem with the rear ramp is where do you put the groceries? how bout the kids if you are going to be the driver in a wheelchair. with rear access you lose the back end of the car, this needs a side access.
I can not walk. I think this car will be great when I eventually am able to afford one. What are the prices? I have been looking all over the internet, but I seem to only stumble across 30,000. Is there anything cheaper on the market?
Can one buy a non accessible car and make modifications? If so, how much COULD taking the front seat out and making it so one wouldn’t have to use your legs for the breaks etc.. cost?
Not all vehicles can be modified due to head clearance requirements. costs can be as little as 15k for used and go up to 60k for new. Freedom Motors has lots of cool vehicles in side and rear entry including the scion in a side entry now.