What Chevrolet offers for wheelchair users and people with mobility devices
Chevrolet does not make wheelchair-accessible vehicles itself. Instead, Chevy sells standard vans and SUVs to aftermarket conversion companies — independent businesses that modify the vehicles to add wheelchair lifts, ramps, hand controls, or lowered floors. You buy the base Chevy from a dealer, then send it to a conversion shop, or you buy a pre-converted vehicle from a dealer who stocks them.
The most common Chevy models used for conversion are the Traverse SUV and the Express van. The Traverse is smaller and easier to park; the Express offers more interior space. Both can be modified to accommodate a wheelchair user in the driver's seat or as a passenger, depending on your needs and budget.
Conversion costs range widely — from around $10,000 to $50,000 or more — depending on the type of modification, the vehicle model, and the conversion company. A wheelchair lift costs less than a lowered floor conversion. Hand controls for driving cost less than a full wheelchair-accessible interior.
Key Takeaways
- Chevrolet vehicles are modified by separate conversion companies, not by Chevy itself, so you will work with both a Chevy dealer and a conversion shop.
- The Traverse and Express are the most commonly converted Chevy models, with the Traverse better for parking and the Express better for interior space.
- You can buy a base vehicle and have it converted, or buy a pre-converted vehicle from a dealer who stocks them — the second option takes less time but costs more.
- Conversion costs vary widely based on the type of modification, so getting quotes from multiple conversion companies before buying the base vehicle helps you budget accurately.
- Some conversion companies offer financing, and you may be able to use a personal loan or home equity line to cover conversion costs.
Buying a base Chevy and having it converted
This route gives you the most control over the final vehicle and usually costs less than buying pre-converted. You buy a new or used Chevy from a regular dealer, then take it to a conversion company of your choice. The conversion shop handles the modifications and returns the vehicle to you when the work is done.
Before you buy the base vehicle, contact conversion companies in your area and ask which Chevy models they work with and what the conversion will cost. Different shops specialize in different modifications — some focus on wheelchair lifts, others on hand controls or lowered floors. Getting quotes upfront prevents you from buying a vehicle that the conversion shop cannot work with or that costs more to modify than you expected.
The conversion process typically takes four to twelve weeks, depending on the shop's workload and the complexity of the modification. During that time, you will not have the vehicle, so plan for a loaner car or other transportation. Ask the conversion company whether they provide a loaner and whether the cost is included in the conversion price.
Buying a pre-converted Chevy from a dealer
Some Chevy dealers and independent used-car dealers stock vehicles that have already been converted. You see the finished product before you buy, avoid the wait time, and the dealer usually provides a warranty on the conversion work. The trade-off is that pre-converted vehicles cost more than a base vehicle plus conversion done separately.
To find pre-converted vehicles in your area, search online for "wheelchair accessible Chevy" or "handicap accessible Chevy" plus your city or state. Call dealers directly and ask whether they have inventory in stock or can order a pre-converted vehicle for you. Some dealers specialize in accessible vehicles and keep several models on hand; others order them as needed.
When you visit a dealer to see a pre-converted vehicle, test the wheelchair lift or ramp yourself if you use a wheelchair, and ask about the warranty on the conversion work. Some conversion companies offer a one-year or two-year warranty; others offer longer coverage. Ask the dealer which company did the conversion and whether you can contact them directly with questions after the sale.
Understanding conversion types and what they cost
A wheelchair lift is a mechanical platform that raises and lowers a wheelchair in and out of the vehicle. Lifts are usually mounted on the side or rear of the van or SUV. They cost less than other conversions — typically $8,000 to $15,000 — but they take up cargo space and require the wheelchair user to transfer into a vehicle seat once inside.
A lowered floor conversion lowers the interior floor of the van so a wheelchair user can roll directly inside without a lift. The wheelchair user can remain in their wheelchair while the vehicle is moving. Lowered floor conversions cost more — typically $20,000 to $40,000 — because they require structural changes to the vehicle frame and body.
Hand controls allow a driver with limited leg mobility to operate the gas and brake pedals using hand levers. Hand controls cost $3,000 to $8,000 and can be added to any Chevy model. Steering wheel spinners, which help drivers with limited arm strength, cost $500 to $2,000.
Some conversions combine multiple modifications — for example, a lowered floor plus hand controls for a wheelchair user who drives. Get a detailed quote that lists each modification separately so you understand what you are paying for and can compare quotes from different shops.
How to find conversion companies near you
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) maintains a directory of certified conversion shops. Visit their website and search by state or zip code to find shops near you. NMEDA-certified shops meet industry standards for safety and workmanship, though not all reputable shops are NMEDA members.
You can also search online for "wheelchair van conversion" or "handicap van conversion" plus your city, or ask your local disability services office or independent living center for referrals. Call at least three shops and ask for references from recent customers. Ask whether they work with Chevy specifically, what modifications they offer, how long the conversion takes, and whether they offer financing.
When you call, be specific about your needs — for example, "I use a power wheelchair and need to remain in it while driving" or "I need a lift to get my manual wheelchair in and out." Different shops have different informed, and the right shop for your situation may not be the right shop for someone else.
Financing a Chevy conversion
You will need to finance two separate purchases: the base Chevy vehicle and the conversion work. Most Chevy dealers offer financing for the vehicle itself through their finance department or through banks and credit unions. The conversion company may also offer financing for the conversion work, or you may need to pay out of pocket or use a separate loan.
Some conversion companies work with lenders who specialize in accessible vehicle financing. Ask the conversion shop whether they have financing partners and what the terms are. You can also explore a personal loan from a bank or credit union, or a home equity line of credit if you own a home.
If you receive disability benefits or have a disability-related tax deduction, ask a tax professional whether vehicle modifications are deductible. Some modifications may reduce your taxable income, though the rules vary by state and by the type of modification.
What to expect during the buying and conversion process
Start by contacting conversion companies and getting quotes before you buy the base vehicle. Once you have a quote you trust, buy the Chevy from a dealer. Bring the vehicle to the conversion shop within a few days of purchase — the sooner the better, because the conversion company can begin work when ready.
The conversion shop will inspect the vehicle, confirm the modifications with you in writing, and give you a timeline for completion. You will typically need to sign a contract that lists the work to be done, the cost, the timeline, and the warranty. Ask for a copy of the contract before you sign and read it carefully.
Once the work is done, the conversion company will contact you to pick up the vehicle. Before you drive it away, test all the modifications yourself — the lift, the ramp, the hand controls, whatever was installed. Ask the shop to walk you through how to use each feature and what maintenance it requires. Get a written receipt and warranty documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a used Chevy and have it converted?
Yes. Used Chevys often cost less than new ones, and conversion shops can modify them the same way. However, ask the conversion shop to inspect a used vehicle before you buy it — some older models may have rust, frame damage, or mechanical problems that make conversion difficult or unsafe. Get the inspection in writing so you know what you are buying.
What happens if the conversion company goes out of business?
If the shop closes and you still have a warranty, you may not be able to use it. This is why NMEDA-certified shops are worth seeking out — they meet standards that reduce the risk of closure. Before you choose a shop, ask how long they have been in business and whether they have liability insurance that covers their work.
Can I sell a converted Chevy, and will it be worth less?
You can sell a converted vehicle, but it will typically sell for less than a comparable non-converted vehicle because the pool of buyers is smaller. The resale value depends on the type of conversion, the vehicle's age and mileage, and the local market. Ask a conversion shop or used-car dealer what converted vehicles in your area are selling for.
Do I need a special driver's license to drive a converted Chevy?
That depends on the type of conversion and your state's rules. Hand controls usually do not require a special license, but some states require a notation on your license if you use hand controls. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to ask what is required for the specific modifications you plan to use.
Are there grants or programs that help pay for conversions?
Some nonprofits, state vocational rehabilitation programs, and disability organizations offer grants or low-interest loans for vehicle modifications. Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation agency or your local independent living center to ask what programs are available in your area. may be able to access and funding amounts vary by program and state.