Getting Started

How do I rent a wheelchair accessible van from Vans of Hope?

Renting from Vans of Hope is simple and personalized:

Check availability: Reach out by phone or online with your travel dates and desired pick-up/drop-off location. We’ll confirm the van’s configuration suits your wheelchair dimensions and passenger needs.

Reserve your dates: We recommend booking at least a week in advance—especially during busy periods. Rentals are available for a day, weekend, or longer.

Pick-up (or delivery): You can pick up at a location near you or request delivery (fees apply) to a home, hospital, or the airport.

Vehicle walkthrough: At pick-up, we provide a full orientation on operating the ramp and using the tie-downs. We’ll also review fuel levels, mileage policies, and return details.

What do I need to rent a wheelchair accessible van?

Here’s what to have ready when booking with Vans of Hope:

Age & license: Driver must be at least 21 with a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Insurance: Proof of full coverage auto insurance (liability, comprehensive, collision) that extends to the wheelchair-accessible van.

Payment info: A major credit or debit card to secure the reservation.

Wheelchair dimensions: Let us know your wheelchair’s width (the outer edge of your wheels and the widest point of your chair), height (the user’s head height when in the chair), and length (including the user’s feet) when booking so we can ensure a proper fit.

Do you rent wheelchair accessible vans 7 days a week?

Yes—we rent wheelchair accessible vans 7 days a week.

Whether you need a van for a weekday appointment, a weekend getaway, or an extended family trip, we’re here to help. Pickup and return times are scheduled by appointment to ensure a smooth handoff, even on weekends and holidays.

We’re committed to providing flexible options that work with your schedule.

Rental Options & What’s Included

What is included in a wheelchair van rental from Vans of Hope?

What’s included:
(4) Wheelchair tie-downs plus lap-and-shoulder seat belts
A full tank of gas upon pick up
100 miles per day

What’s not included:
Tolls, parking fees, fuel, or insurance

Can I rent a handicap van for a single day or weekend?

Rental durations include:

Single-day rentals – Ideal for appointments, outings, or errands

Weekend rentals – Special rates available for Friday–Sunday trips

Weekly rentals – Discounted pricing for 7-day reservations

Extended rentals – Need the van for two weeks or more? We’re happy to work with you on a custom rate based on your plans.

Whether you’re traveling within Chicagoland or planning a longer stay elsewhere, we offer flexible rental options that fit your needs and budget.

Do you offer wheelchair van rentals with delivery and pickup?

Yes! Vans of Hope offers convenient delivery and pickup service for your wheelchair accessible van rental throughout the Chicago suburbs.

We deliver to:

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Area hotels and neighborhoods

Private residences, hospitals, and care facilities

We’ll provide a quote based on your drop-off and return location when you make your reservation.

We’ll make it easy whether you’re arriving from out of town or need the van brought to your door,

Can I rent a handicap van one-way or for out-of-town travel?

Absolutely—our vans are perfect for out-of-town trips, family vacations, and meaningful getaways. We encourage travel that helps you make memories with your loved ones.

    For out-of-town rentals:

  • You may travel anywhere in the U.S.
  • Cross-border travel to Canada or Mexico is not allowed due to insurance restrictions

For one-way rentals:
We consider one-way drop-offs on a case-by-case basis. We’re happy to discuss your plans and try to accommodate if you won’t be returning to Illinois.

One-way rentals require a custom quote based on location, retrieval distance, and time involved in returning the vehicle to our home base.

If you’re planning a longer journey or relocation, just reach out — we’ll do our best to help.

Do you provide any discounts for extended wheelchair van rentals?

Absolutely!

  • Weekend rentals (Fri – Sun) are 2.5x the daily rate instead of 3x
  • Weekly rentals are 4.8x the daily rate instead of 7x

Van Features & Accessibility

Are your vans equipped with side-entry or rear-entry wheelchair access?

Our wheelchair accessible vans all feature an easy-to-use automatic side-entry ramp. The ramp provides a gentle incline for smooth and safe boarding, whether you’re using a manual wheelchair, power chair, or mobility scooter.

The ramp accommodates a maximum width of 29 inches for the wheels. This comfortably accommodates most standard wheelchairs. If you use a bariatric wheelchair, the wheel width is the best indicator of whether there could be an issue.

If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to call — we can often suggest solutions. We also confirm your wheelchair’s exact measurements before finalizing any reservation to ensure a proper fit and avoid any surprises.

Where does the wheelchair user sit in the van, and can they ride in the front passenger area?

In our standard wheelchair accessible van setup, the wheelchair user rides in the center of the van—where the middle-row seat would normally be. This position offers the safest and most straightforward experience for boarding and secure travel.

If you prefer for the wheelchair user to ride up front (next to the driver), we can remove the front passenger seat upon request. There is an additional fee for this service, and advance notice is required so we can prepare the van for your rental.

Many couples find this option more comfortable for conversation and visibility—just let us know your preference when booking.

How do I secure a wheelchair safely inside the accessible van?

Our wheelchair accessible van is equipped with a four-point tie-down system to keep your wheelchair secure while traveling. The tie-downs are brand new, easy to use, and fully adjustable—they lock into a secure rail system on the van floor so we can position them precisely for your chair.

In addition to the tie-downs, the van includes a lap and chest seatbelt system to provide added safety and stability for the wheelchair user.

During your rental pickup, we’ll give you a complete demonstration to ensure you feel confident in securing the wheelchair for safe and comfortable travel.

Can I transport more than one wheelchair user in your vans?

Our vans are set up to transport one wheelchair user at a time. Each van includes one set of four tie-downs and a lap-and-shoulder seatbelt system designed for a single wheelchair passenger.

We intentionally offer accessible minivans rather than full-size vans. Many drivers find full-size vans more difficult to maneuver in city traffic, and some parking garages won’t accommodate oversized vehicles or may charge extra fees. By staying within the minivan class, we help ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable—without adding unexpected stress or surprises.

Driving & Planning

Can I drive the van myself, or do I need a special license?

Yes—you can drive the van yourself. No special license is required.

Our vans are standard minivans with an accessible conversion, so any driver with a valid U.S. driver’s license and full-coverage auto insurance can operate the vehicle. If you are comfortable driving a regular minivan, you’ll feel right at home behind the wheel.

If this is your first time driving an accessible van, we’ll provide a full walkthrough at pickup—covering the ramp operation, tie-down system, and any vehicle features—to make sure you feel confident before hitting the road.

Unfortunately, we do not have any vans equipped with hand controls at this time. We also do not have any vans that hold more than one wheelchair at a time.

How far in advance should I book an accessible van rental in Chicagoland?

It’s always a good idea to book as early as you can—especially for holidays, weekends, or special events. Because we’re a small, locally owned business, availability can be limited, and early booking gives us time to confirm wheelchair fit and any special requests.

That said, last-minute bookings are a normal part of our business—and we’ll always do our best to accommodate you, even on short notice. If your plans come together quickly, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to help.

Go On — get out of here.

Where you roll is up to you.